§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to enforce regulations limiting excessive packaging on products. [159009]
§ Jacqui SmithThe Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 2003 state that packaging volume and weight must be the minimum amount to maintain necessary levels of safety, hygiene and acceptance for the packed product and for the consumer. The regulations are enforced by local Trading Standards Officers who work closely with the packaging industry and producers to advise them on best practice in packaging design and to resolve complaints of excessive packaging. A recent study commissioned by the DTI highlights the extensive changes brought about since the introduction of the Essential Requirements. These relate to improvements in packaging design, including minimisation. This report can be viewed at www.dti.gov.uk/sustainability/packagingfinalreport.pdf and is also available from the DTI publications order line (0870 150 2500) by quoting unique reference number 03/1364.