MP tackles supermarkets over excess packaging

12.00.00am GMT Fri 21st Dec 2007

Colchester MP Bob Russell is urging local supermarkets not to stock excessively packaged goods.

He today launching a campaign to highlight the need to tackle excess packaging on products ranging from perfume to pizzas. UK households send more than million tonnes of waste packaging to landfill each year.

Mr Russell said: "Like many other consumers, I am appalled by the wasteful packaging that accompanies so many everyday products. Shockingly, one-sixth of the average household food budget - £470 - is spent on packaging."

He added: "In addition to the financial cost to consumers, there is the environment damage caused by waste packaging sent to landfill. Too little is being done to force supermarkets and producers to cut back on their excessive use of packaging.

"That is why I am launching a campaign against excess packaging in Colchester. I have written, in the first instance, to the larger local supermarkets and Trading Standards Officers to highlight this issue of growing concern. Producers of excess packaging must get the message that people in Colchester are fed up with their wasteful ways."