According to Mintel’s latest report, Ethical and Green Retailing, June 2007, released this month, as many as two-thirds of consumers believe retailers should do more to reduce the amount of packaging they use.
Over half (55%) say that retailers and producers, including bakery, should only use packaging materials that can easily be recycled. "The finding that nearly three-quarters of adults claim to be active recyclers makes it all the more irritating that the recycling infrastructure is not better developed than it is. Although retailers and manufacturers have been active in reducing packaging for some time, consumers are still not satisfied and clearly feel that there is more to be done," said senior retail analyst Neil Mason.
In July, bakery chain Greggs, announced that it had saved £12,000 in three months through recycling waste plastic from its Yorkshire stores, after teaming up with Leeds-based Cromwell Polythene. After Greggs’ vehicles have delivered to the shops, the drivers load waste plastics, such as waste packaging, and take them back to a central Yorkshire depot. From there, Cromwell Polythene’s Recycling Division collects the plastic and converts it into sacks and bags, some of which are returned to Greggs for general waste and segregation of waste plastic.
As a result of the scheme, Greggs received a commendation at this year’s Business Commitment to the Environment Awards, which was presented by former environment secretary, David Miliband. The commendation recognised Greggs’ commitment to reduce the amount of waste it sends to landfill.
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