London's packaging footprint equivalent to half of capital's transport emissions

A new report from ReLondon, Valpak and WRAP has uncovered the significant environmental impact of London's packaging use. The research, to be launched during London's 7th annual Circular Economy Week, shows that the packaging being used in the capital has a carbon footprint equivalent to half of the capital's transport emissions.

The report, titled 'London's packaging footprint', reveals several alarming statistics:

• The packaging used in London generates 4.1 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
• Plastic packaging is the biggest contributor, responsible for around 1.9 million tonnes of CO2eq a year.
• Approximately 2.2 million tonnes of packaging is used and discarded every year in London, equivalent to almost 250kg per person.
• Only 44 per cent of household packaging waste and 33 per cent of commercial packaging waste is recycled.
• Visitors account for 30 per cent of consumer packaging use in London but 55 per cent of packaging thrown away in street bins, hotels, restaurants, and offices.

Potential interventions and reductions

The report identifies three possible levers for change that could lead to reductions of up to 23 per cent in London's packaging footprint:

1. Increasing recycled content in plastic packaging by up to 60 per cent could result in a 7.8 per cent reduction in emissions.
2. Reducing or eliminating excess packaging through reuse and refill schemes or removing fruit and vegetable packaging could potentially lead to a 5.8 per cent reduction in emissions.
3. Increasing collection and recycling rates to 70 per cent for packaging overall, and 55 per cent for plastic packaging specifically, could lead to a 9.1 per cent reduction in emissions.

Circular Economy Week 2024

The findings will be shared at the report's launch during Circular Economy Week, running in London for the seventh time from September 30 to October 5. This year's focus is on circular economy as an engine of good growth.

Wayne Hubbard, CEO of ReLondon, commented: "The transition to a low carbon circular economy provides a real opportunity to reduce our emissions, make our economy more resilient and promote growth in more sustainable and circular business models."

Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, added: "This report provides valuable new insights into how packaging contributes to our city's waste and climate footprint, and will help us develop new approaches and expand existing ones."

The week will feature around 50 events, including:

• "Zero waste economy -- an engine of good growth" hosted by ReLondon (September 30)
• "London's packaging footprint report launch" hosted by ReLondon (October 3)
• "Circular neighbourhoods conference" hosted by ReSpace and ReRoute (October 4)
• "Give and take day" hosted by City of London (October 5)

For more information about Circular Economy Week and to view the full programme of events.