The Government has used the Futuresource 2009 exhibition as a platform to launch its new packaging strategy, Making the Most of Packaging.

 The strategy was unveiled by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn at the event in London on 9 June, to a warm welcome by the CIWM among others.

Speaking at the launch, Hilary Benn said: “We need to rethink the way we deal with packaging, from production line to recycling bin. The plans we’ve announced today set out how we will achieve that – with the goal of making it as easy as possible for consumers to avoid needless packaging in the first place and to get rid of what they do receive in a way that doesn’t just create more landfill. I also want consumers to play their part by reporting excess packaging wherever they see it – because we’re all in this together.”

Steve Lee chief executive of CIWM, which organised the Futuresource exhibition, declared: “We welcome Mr Benn's announcement. The issue of packaging waste affects everyone in the supply chain and requires a solution that looks at every stage, from design to end of life, to ensure a truly sustainable approach.”