Keeping you informed.
This web page was last updated: October 2012
Courtauld Commitment 2 – significant progress to date
Second year results from the Courtauld Commitment 2 voluntary agreement show that significant progress has been made by signatories. The results covering 2009 to 2011 are:
- packaging: 8.2% saving against a 10% target;
- household food and drink waste: 3% saving against 4% target* and
- supply chain product and packaging waste 8.8% saving against a 5% target
Read more about this on the WRAP website
* Outcome in 2010. Data are not collected yearly.
WRAP Annual Conference - registration now open
Learn how WRAP can help you explore and exploit the economic opportunities and benefits of making the most efficient use of resources and reducing waste at our annual conference. Hear from the newly-appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Resource Management, the Local Environment and Environmental Science Lord de Mauley, Head of Sustainable Business at Marks & Spencer Mike Barry and Director at Green Alliance Matthew Spencer. Places are limited so register your interest today
PLASTICS AND PACKAGING UPDATE
Design guide on rigid plastics for recycling
Mixed plastics collections are rapidly evolving in the UK and the sorting and reprocessing infrastructure is beginning to grow. Following discussions with industry, WRAP has produced guidance to help brands, retailers and packaging manufacturers to produce plastic pots, tubs and trays and non-drink bottles with recyclability in mind. It is based on the best currently available information and may change in the future to reflect further developments in the recycling industry.
Research: plastic film reprocessing technologies and collection systems
Large quantities of plastic films are used and disposed of in the UK every year. The reprocessing of waste films can be technically challenging with limited end markets for recycled material. This study investigates reprocessing technologies used by UK film reprocessors, including existing capacities.
The study also highlights promising technologies for film recycling currently adopted by other countries but with potential to be implemented in the UK and reviews exciting household plastic film collection schemes.
Recycling opportunities for laminated packaging
A feasibility study is available highlighting potential opportunities in using separation technologies to recover and recycle laminated packaging such as pet food and drink pouches from residual waste.
Research: food grade recycled Polypropylene (PP) in packaging
WRAP is working in partnership with industry to develop a viable process to recycle post- consumer Polypropylene (PP) packaging waste into recycled PP (rPP) suitable for use in the manufacture of new food packaging. View the latest results of the research
NEW CASE STUDIES
Resource efficient business model case study: incentivised return
This case study looks at incentivised return of Electrical and Electronic Equipment, particularly the commercial opportunities presented by getting re-used electrical products back into the market place. The model works by a service provider purchasing used electrical equipment from individuals, refurbishing it and selling it on to new owners for a profit. This type of model is more resource efficient as it keeps electrical and electronic equipment in use for longer. It also encourages capture of end of life products for effective recycling.
GROCERY SECTOR
Product Life Feasibility Study – extending the life of foodstuffs
Read the findings of a feasibility study into product life practices within the retail supply chain. The two examples used in the study are cheddar cheese and yoghurt. The study examines how manufacturers and retailers set product life and how much of this time is taken up within the supply chain.
New freezing guidance and date labels
Having clear and consistent freezing guidance on packs helps to reduce consumer confusion and supports better understanding around the use of food. We have published new information sheets on freezing guidance and date labels to help reduce household food waste.
In a related development, Dairy UK has published guidance for milk and dairy product manufacturers which provides clear and unambiguous advice to consumers on date marking.
Reducing food waste in Europe
A new European Commission project has been established to work towards achieving a more resource efficient Europe by significantly reducing food waste. The project, in which WRAP is a lead partner, is called FUSIONS (Food Use for Social Innovation by Optimising Waste Prevention Strategies). More than 80 leading European organisations have already pledged their support. The project's inaugural meeting will take place in November 2012.
WATER EFFICIENCY
Federation House Commitment
The Federation House Commitment (FHC) is a voluntary agreement which aims to reduce water use in the food and drink sector by 20% by 2020. More than 70 food and drink manufacturers are now signed up. Find out how you can join them
Water using products
The Water Using Products Group is making good progress in its aim to reduce water demand by increasing the sale of water efficient bathroom fittings. The next group meeting is scheduled for 5 December. Contact Greg Lucas greg.lucas@wrap.org.uk for more information.
HOSPITALITY AND FOOD SERVICE
Online debate on Hospitality and Food Service waste issues
Industry professionals joined WRAP's Dr Richard Swannell on October 8 to discuss the benefits of the Hospitality and Foodservice Agreement in the FootprintChannel: Waste - What Next? online seminar. The debate brought together a high level panel from across the hospitality and food service supply chain to discuss the waste issue from their own perspective. FootprintChannel: Waste – What Next? is now available on demand. Register here to view the debate
Find out how you can sign up to the Hospitality and Food Service Agreement
BUSINESS RESOURCE EFFICIENCY
Tools and publications to help businesses use resources more efficiently
We have a wide range of tools and publications to help businesses use resources more efficiently, reduce waste and save money. Visit the Business Resource Efficiency (BRE) Hub, where you can download guides covering a range of topics including support for SMEs, water efficiency and advice for managers. You can also access our free online tools, such as:
- Green Town, an interactive tour with top tips;
- Our online hospitality and foodservice resource centre if you serve food at your premises; and
- the Rippleffect, a water efficiency support package.
Innovation Challenge Fund
Could your Facilities Management service provider develop enhanced or new services that deliver tangible efficiency savings? WRAP has launched an Innovation Challenge to help Facilities Management companies make better use of assets and materials. The Innovation Challenge offers free specialist advice and project support to help companies develop pilot initiatives. Interested parties should contact Joshua Sharman, joshua.sharman@wrap.org.uk or visit www.wrap.org.uk/fm for more information.
CONSUMER INFORMATION
LOVE FOOD HATE WASTE (LFHW) Helping householders prevent food waste
Websites: Partner/Consumer
September and October sees Love Food Hate Waste focussing on the value of our food from farm-to-fork. New features on the website include a farm-to-fork infographic, statistics on the amount of water we throw away each time we throw away food and the true cost of the food and drink we waste. Check out our latest partner campaign calendar and see how you can get involved to help your customers save money.
We have just published the results of the evaluation of our LFHW cascade training programme. The findings are really positive and show that the cascade effect is working and the sessions really do change behaviour. Please get in touch to find out how we can train your colleagues today on reducing food waste.
RECYCLE NOW - Helping householders to recycle waste
Websites: Partner/Consumer
Christmas ideas
We have produced a Christmas Ideas Guide which you may find useful. Whilst primarily aimed at Local Authorities it does have a range of festive facts and tips, as well as details of the consumer activity that we will be running on the Recycle Now website.
Date for your diary
The 10th anniversary of Recycle Week is 17-23 June 2013. A guide with further information and lots of exciting ideas on how to get involved will be available to download from www.recyclenow.partners in December.
PROJECTS UPDATE
Making the business case for sustainable procurement
Many grocery companies have recognised the benefits of sustainable procurement in terms of cost reduction, risk reduction and revenue growth. We have launched a new project that will lead to the development of material to help the food and drink industry improve its resource efficiency. The new material, which could be in the form of charters, codes of conduct or clauses, will be aimed at encouraging and supporting existing initiatives, and will include formulating relevant KPIs.
We are looking for volunteer companies who would like to be involved in the project. If you would like to take part please contact Peter Whitehead peter.whitehead@wrap.org.uk
Framework Contract for Resource Efficiency in Products and Services
Closing date: 14 Jan 2013
This invitation to tender is to create a list of contractors available on a Technical Advisors Framework Contract. The framework contract is likely to be the main way in which WRAP will procure the services of such advisors. Apply now
