The multiple options for diverting paper and board from landfill risk generating confused environmental messages, warns the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) carton group.
Mark Kerridge, chair of BPIF Cartons and md of Benson Box, maintains that a sound record in recycling and a strong message with regard to carbon footprint both work in favour of pulp-based packaging. He quotes a figure of 55% for the proportion of cartonboard substrates produced from recycled materials.
But he admits: "We're seeing a number of different approaches being adopted in the supply chain. They're not all joined up, and in some cases they are conflicting."
So, for instance, some local authorities are encouraging households to include shredded fibre in home composting, even though waste requirements currently exclude paper and board being pulled from domestic refuse and put into municipal composting schemes.
In some cases, traditional coatings for barrier or sealability can make materials non-biodegradable. But as Kerridge says: "Elsewhere, there have been developments with coatings and laminates to improve barrier while maintaining compostability and biodegradability." Some argue that the emphasis should, in any case, remain on recycling.
Forestry management, accreditation, reductions in energy consumption and carbon offsetting could all be part of a positive message, says Kerridge. "But the industry itself needs to tap into that message, and demonstrate what we're doing."
l Benson Box is part of Benson Group, which also comprises Medica Packaging and Print and Design & Graphics, and has acquired a fourth business, Integrated Packaging, bringing group turnover to around £85M.
Kerridge says: "There has been some turmoil in the sector over the last few years, including closures, so one of the key messages we have for customers is about security of supply."
He adds: "We hope to be able to offer more in design and innovation for food over the next year or so."