Reusable packaging promoted by governments around the glob

By: David Madden1 Click author's name for more of his/her articles

In recent years, progressive governments and municipalities worldwide have been boosting their efforts in promoting the use of reusable packaging. A prominent example is StopWaste.org in Alameda County, California, which is dedicated to advocating for sustainable consumption and disposal patterns, including the use of reusable packaging. It also provides grants to all qualified parties to encourage the development, marketing and use of reusable packaging. In 2005, StopWaste.org conducted a study for the Chirardelli Chocolate Company. It found that by using reusable containers, Chirardelli could achieve $1.95 million in net packaging reduction savings over five years and prevent 350 tons of soiled cardboard boxes each year.

Meanwhile, the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) has been working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help businesses reduce costs throughout the supply chain. As stated by the EPA: “Source reduction, including reuse, can help reduce waste disposal and handling costs, because it avoids the costs of recycling, municipal composting, land-filling, and combustion.” The RPA offers technical advice and assistance to companies that are keen to adopt reusable packaging for the transport of products from manufacturers to retailers.

In the United Kingdom, the government is funding the non-profit Waste and Resources Action Program (WRAP) helps businesses and local authorities increase recycling and reduce waste. In 2007, WRAP supported three projects that investigated the feasibility of replacing single-use packaging with reusable packaging. Among the participants were manufacturers of upholstered furniture and large kitchen appliances, which were proved to be opportunities where the use of reusable packaging could result in cost savings and environmental benefits.

In late 2008, the UK government introduced a packaging policy that focuses on optimizing materials and improving rates of recycling. Two main objectives of the policy are to make packaging more efficient and to recycle more of what is actually being used. According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), these involve making packaging lighter, as well as analyzing the market to identify reusable packaging and concentrations of products. A third objective is to enhance communcation regarding government funding that is available for recyclng systems and programs.

Finaly, in Canada, the city of Toronto launched its Blue Bin recycling program in December 2008 to reduce retail in-store packaging, including plastic shopping bags, take-out food packaging and water bottles. Starting from June 1, 2009, retailers must either charge five cents for each single-use plastic shopping bag or provide a free alternative. In the words of the mayor: “Reusable packaging optinos are already very popular and we know Torontonians will continue to embrace alternatives that do the right thing for the environment and the economy.”

As these examples demonstrate, progressive governments and municipalities worldwide are actively promoting the use of reusable packaging by partnering with organizations that have the know-how. For those businesses and government agencies who would like to know more about boosting cost-effectiveness and reducing wastes, a wide range of reusable packing options can be obtained from industry expert Container Exchanger.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: David Madden is the founder and president of Container Exchanger, an online marketplace for new and used reusable packaging . Container Exchanger helps companies reduce the overall costs of reusable containers by brokering transactions for “>used reusable containers .