WRAP calls for consistent compostable packaging labels
NGO suggests that directive, action-focused language on packaging labels could encourage improvements in the composting behaviour of citizens.
The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has suggested that the design and labelling of compostable packaging is key for reducing plastic pollution and supporting food waste recycling.
The ‘Considerations for Compostable Plastic Packaging’ guidance raises that: “There is currently no mandated system in the UK for the communication of claims or disposal instructions related to home or industrial compostability, or biodegradability of plastics, nor for general disposal instructions.”
WRAP highlights that terms such as ‘Compostable’, ‘Degradable’, ‘Biodegradable’, ‘Green’, ‘Sustainable’, ‘Eco- / Environmentally / Planet / Earth friendly’ are vague, standalone, and unqualified.
WRAP suggests packaging messaging rethink
The NGO proposes changes in the way that disposal instructions are communicated to encourage widespread improvements in composting behaviour. In particular, WRAP stresses the effectiveness of a directive tone, focused on the action citizens must or must not take in order to correctly dispose of their waste.
“A directive tone on required action is positively correlated with correct behaviours, more so when this is placed on the front of the pack. Further disposal behaviour improvements can be made when on-pack messaging and labelling is matched with the bin,” says the report.
For example, WRAP suggests ‘Do not put in recycling bin’ as a recommended label to minimise contamination in recycling streams.
Difficulties of an inconsistent UK waste collection system
However, WRAP acknowledges the difficulty of employing clear, consistent messaging for waste disposal, when collection and management systems are complex and vary widely across the country.
“Without a consistent UK waste collection system, it is difficult to convey the correct message to the citizen around how to dispose of compostable plastics,” the report states. For instance, bin colour is not nationally standardised, preventing instructions based on this variable.
WRAP suggests one step that can be taken towards more consistency in the communication of packaging disposal instructions could be the introduction of a definitive logo for compostable plastics.
On the whole, compostable packaging is relatively niche. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation Global Commitment Progress Report found that for 2022 and 2023 around 0.1 per cent of signatories' plastic packaging was compostable.
WRAP argues that any packaging changes must be accompanied by national infrastructure developments: “Future use of compostable materials and the development of new markets will be dependent on improvements in design and labelling of compostable products as well as changes to waste management infrastructure.”
