Currently Irish producers and large retailers pay a cost per tonnage for different packaging materials but the fees don't differentiate between different types of packaging so there is no real incentive for these companies to use biodegradable, compostable or recyclable plastics.

Producers who sell directly to customers but import into Ireland only pay a flat fee bases on their turnover, not on the packaging that the products on their shelves generate. This means that there is no obligation on them to buy products which have less packaging or biodegradable, compostable or recyclable packaging.

I want to see the current legislation changed so that the cost to producers and retailers incentivises the elimination of packaging completely, where possible, and the use of biodegradable, compostable packaging or recyclable packaging everywhere else.

Sign if you do too!

Elaine

PS - The green dot with two arrows following one another does not mean that the packaging is recyclable it just means that the producer / retailer is a member of Repak, a non-profit company that helps companies in Ireland comply with current waste legislation.