IOM3 follow up on Select Committee hearing on plastic waste

The Chair of the IOM3 Packaging Society, Jude Allan MIMMM, represented the Institute at The House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee evidence session in its inquiry into plastic waste. The panel included IOM3 Fellow Kevin Vyse FIMMM.

The Committee heard from retail and packaging sector experts about Government ambitions on plastic waste, and how to reduce the nation’s consumption of plastic.

IOM3 Colin Church CEnv FIMMM, said, ‘Packaging is a key part of our modern way of life. How it is designed, manufactured, used and disposed of at end of life all can have a big impact on sustainability. IOM3 therefore welcomes the opportunity to share some of the expertise of its members with the Select Committee.’

Asked how Government can support more sustainable designs, Jude said, ‘Legislation will help to create a level playing field encouraging people down the same route. People and skills will also play a huge part by having the knowledge to do it. It is hard to encourage people into industry that is constantly being vilified. It is important to talk the positive message to encourage people into the industry – they will be people that make the difference.’

The Chair questioned whether reusing should be a higher priority than recycling or composting. Jude Allan responded that exploring reuse and refill was extremely important. Only around 2% of people engaged with reuse and refill according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF), she continued, which had to be increased through more circular designs for product packaging.

When asked about single-use plastics, Vyse responded to the Chair that, ‘Research indicated that single-use was around to stay. However, he argued that charging higher prices for products, charging the right value of the product, would incentivise people to reuse those products. He added that incentivising returns was another option.’

You can watch the hearing back at bit.ly/3dg24A1