BP received the 2007 Retail Packaging Action Award for its whole-hearted reduction of packaging waste across its retail outlets.
According to sustainable development manager Leon Harris, the more BP can isolate strategies such as lighter weight packaging and recyclable materials, the more it can divert from general waste.
The company’s initiatives to reduce waste going to landfill, includes sourcing plastic cups, salad containers and other containers from PET, which are easily recycled by consumers.
“We also made the move from polystyrene to paper coffee cups and stock a reusable cup that can be purchased to reduce the demand for paper cups,” Harris says.
“Other initiatives involve reducing the types of packaging we require and working with suppliers to reduce the packaging they provide when their food products are delivered to BP sites.”
“Finally, BP has introduced reusable bags in-store and new staff procedures to minimise the number of plastic bags we use,” Harris enthuses.
“And we’ve made certain to include purchasing criteria in our tenders for BP branded packaging.”
BP continues to improve the packaging of its own products and is now benchmarking the materials brought on to sites from its non-branded packaging: both primary and secondary.
“The company has also undertaken a water efficiency program for its company owned retail service stations, which will reduce water consumption across the network by more than 30 per cent.”
“Forecourt recycling bins have also increased the amount of packaging recycled, both that sold at BP outlets and, as customers often take the opportunity to clean out their cars, other consumer packaging waste.”
Harris says the National Packaging Covenant has raised awareness of packaging in general waste streams, and helps companies focus on the issue.
“It’s essential that the industry measure how it is performing in terms of waste management,” he argues.
“That’s why the Evolution Awards is both unique and essential; it’s an effective way to crystallise issues, assess peer strategy and plan a direction for the industry.”
Are you a retailer with a strong packaging waste reduction record?
It’s not too late to send in your entry! The new deadline for entries is June 20!
Contact Anna Game-Lopata for an entry kit: anna.game-lopata@reedbusiness.com.au or 02 9422 2645
Or click for an entry kit
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