A BAN on plastic waste export, charges on single-use plastic and the introduction of a deposit return scheme were among policies unveiled in the Queen’s Speech.
With the emphasis in the UK and overseas set to stay firmly on plastic-free packaging solutions – or packaging that is easier to recycle – our Earth Packaging range is certainly going to be in demand as companies look for alternatives.
The plans had already been unveiled in the Conservative Party’s manifesto during the recent General Election, which the Tories won with a majority of 80.
“[A Bill] will also ban the export of polluting plastic waste to countries outside the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and establish a new, world leading independent regulator in statute,” said the Queen.
The Environment Bill will now be put before parliament. The government intends to introduce charges for “specified single use plastic items” and said that it plans to “build on the success of the carrier bag charge”. It also wants to “incentivise consumers to choose more sustainable alternatives”.
The Bill’s purpose will also be to extend producer responsibility. The government claimed that this would “ensure a consistent approach to recycling” and “introduce deposit return schemes”. Boris Johnson’s newly reformed government has also revealed it will establish a £500m “Blue Planet fund” to protect oceans from plastic pollution, warming sea temperatures and overfishing.
Simon Balderson, Sirane MD, said: “While this has not come as a surprise – for the last few years the agenda has firmly been on reducing plastics and finding sustainable alternatives – there’s undoubtedly still people out there wondering how to achieve these targets. Well Sirane are here to help, and Sirane most certainly can help.
“Not only have we developed a range of sustainable, recyclable and compostable packaging solutions – including our award-winning plastic-free Earthpouch – but we’re a development company, constantly pushing the boundaries.
“It’s not all about removing plastics – in some cases that’s the answer but certainly not in all cases. In other cases, it’s about making sure the plastics used are actually recyclable. What we’ll do is help you to achieve your goals.”
Earthpouch and Earthfilm are ideal for anyone looking to remove unnecessary plastics from their packaging – they are a plastic-free packaging solution available with a range of barriers, perfect for a range of dry and moist products.
Earthpouch is a paper-based solution with a heat-sealable coating, preformed into a stand-up pouch. It can also be provided in reel format as flow-wrap film – Earthfilm.
Simon Balderson, Sirane MD, said: “Earthpouch is a plastic-free solution, a paper-based material with a plastic-free coating which is perfect for a range of products. We can supply it with a range of different barriers, to suit your needs.
“If you’re serious about moving away from plastics and looking for sustainable alternatives, then this – and many of the other sustainable and recyclable products in our Earth Packaging range – might be exactly what you’re looking for.
“Our plastic-free packaging has been used for granolas and porridges, pet foods, health and nutrition supplements, chocolate, dry snacks and much more.”
2018 was a big year for the Earthpouch with some major industry recognition– it won a Green Apple Award, presented at the Houses of Parliament, and it also secured first place at the UK Packaging Awards in the Resource Efficient Pack of the Year category. The Earthpouch was also recognised at the Sustainable Food Awards in Amsterdam, where it finished third in the sustainable packaging category.
It has been endorsed by the UK Recycling Association following extensive trials and has also been certified as plastic-free by A Plastic-Planet – allowing brands to apply to use the increasingly-popular Plastic-Free trust-mark on their packaging.
The Earthpouch is just one of a range of compostable/recyclable products and packaging solutions Sirane has developed over the years – and it has been placed in our Earth Packaging range: compostable; recyclable and sustainable.
Other products in the Earth Packaging range include paper-based absorbent pads, compostable & breathable packaging films, and compostable boards.
We’re also working on developing a new range of materials which are either easy to recycle or compostable – more news will be available in early 2020.
Sirane will be exhibiting at Packaging Innovation at the NEC, Birmingham, from February 26-27, 2020 – our stand is L30. We’re also exhibiting at CFIA in Rennes from March 10-12, 2020 – our stand in Rennes can be found at E21.
For more information, contact Jeremy Haydn-Davies on 01952 230055, email jeremy@sirane.com or visit our website which is www.sirane.com
