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My closing statement read: "There is only one real effective and incentive method to encourage environmentally sound collecting of beverage one-way containers and it is deposit in combination with High-Tech R&D resulted Reverse Vending Machines!

Industry must collaborate on packaging in concentrated drinks only?

Tesco's head of packaging Sonia Raja has called on the drinks industry to follow the laundry sector's example and work together in moving to concentrates where possible and making the best use of packaging.

Tesco has already created a double-concentrate squash, which led to an uplift of squash sales of nearly 9% and a saving of 1,500 tonnes of plastic per annum.

Raja argued that there was scope to increase the use of concentrates in the drinks sector. However, some delegates expressed concern that there was a danger some consumers would use double the required dose of the product.

The Wrap event hosted a range of speakers including Rick Hindley of Alupro, Jim Fox of Coca-Cola Enterprises and Jill Ardagh of the British Soft Drinks Association, among others.

Asda packaging buyer Shane Monkman closed the event by agreeing with delegates' comments that the drinks industry could do more to maximise packaging.

Comments:

Robert Eades - 26 February 2009

While I understand the aspect of reduced packaging via the use of concentrated products I have to question the whole saving the planet issue by quoting reduced tonnage figures. Has a study been made to see if the average household actually uses the concentrated laundry product correctly? if it is still used in the same amount per wash as conventional product this is equally as damaging to the environment cancelling out the saving made by reduced package size. It could also be fatal to pass this practise onto the drinks sector especially dilute juices, without re-education on how to measure out the ratios of concentrate juice to water. Children are the main consumer of dilute juice products and objectives to save packaging and ultimately make more profit could lead to a new and very serious wave of tooth decay in children. We have seen this before with a famous blackcurrant juice approx
25 years ago, so I ask should the dental association be involved in this decision? As they could ultimately have to repair any damage caused by an industry looking to improve profit!

Marlene Croje-Vermeulen - 03 March 2009

I agree with Robert, personally I would not buy for instance concentrated drinks - too much preservatives and takes too long to dilute properly.

Related external links - much more important:

• Tesco wins UK National Recycling Award for TRC initiative (17.11.2006)
• TOMRA - ORDER FROM TESCO (02.06.2006)