DIY retailers pledge to halve packaging waste

The voluntary industry initiative, signed by the top five home improvement retailers – Wickes, B&Q, Homebase, Argos and Focus – aims for a 50 per cent reduction in waste sent to landfill by the end of 2012, against a 2007 baseline, as well as a 15 per cent reduction in packaging used. It is also looking at ways to help consumers recycle more.

The Home Improvement Sector Commitment, which is led by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), follows the launch of the Government’s new 'UK Packaging Strategy: Making the Most of Packaging', which advocated a voluntary approach to deliver more efficient use of packaging. It is modeled on the Courtauld Commitment, a voluntary agreement by grocery organisations that supports less packaging and food waste.

The Home Improvement Sector Commitment will reduce packaging on own label and direct sourced products through improved design and easier to recycle packaging, as well as a wider adoption of re-useable systems in the supply chain and home deliveries. It will also examine the adoption of concentrated products or refillable systems.

Maria Thompson, Group Commercial director at Home Retail Group, which owns Homebase and Argos, said the company had already implemented many changes to its packaging policy. “These changes, along with the shared sectoral ambition to reduce the environmental impact of packaging generally, will help achieve the targets announced today," she said.

WRAP ceo Dr Liz Goodwin said she wanted to see other DIY retailers sign up to the pledge. “WRAP applauds the leadership that these companies have shown. This collective pledge by the UK’s leading home improvement retailers signals a concerted and consistent approach to delivering significant reductions in packaging and waste to landfill – while helping customers make positive product choices and recycle more. We encourage other home improvement retailers and brands to sign up,” she said.

“Just like food waste and carrier bags, which might grab the headlines more often, reducing waste in the DIY sector is really important and this agreement will see a significant contribution to reducing waste to landfill," said Environment Minister Dan Norris.