What you’ll learn:
In this article, you’ll discover the impact of stricter packaging regulations on food and drink businesses, what changes to expect, and how to prepare for compliance. Explore the key steps you can take now to stay ahead of legislation and ensure your packaging meets both environmental and legal standards.
The food and drinks sector is no stranger to regulatory changes, but the upcoming packaging laws present a significant challenge. With growing environmental concerns and pressure to reduce plastic waste, the UK government and the EU have been tightening regulations around packaging, particularly in the food industry. These laws aim to reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste, forcing companies to rethink their packaging strategies.
For businesses in the food and drinks sector, the question isn’t if, but when these changes will affect them. At Zest Food Recruitment, we understand that navigating these new regulations requires not only adapting your operations but also recruiting the right talent to manage these transitions effectively.
What Are the Key Packaging Law Changes?
Several key packaging law changes are either already in place or are being introduced over the next few years. The UK’s Plastic Packaging Tax, introduced in April 2022, applies to plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content. This tax is just one of many measures pushing businesses to rethink how they package their products. Additionally, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, which will roll out over the coming years, will require businesses to take financial responsibility for the lifecycle of their packaging, including its disposal.
In Europe, the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive has already banned items such as plastic cutlery, straws, and certain types of food containers. This shift signals a broader trend towards reducing single-use plastics and promoting more sustainable packaging solutions.
These changes are part of a wider legislative movement aimed at achieving a circular economy, where packaging is reused, recycled, or composted, minimising its environmental impact.
Why You Need to Act Now
The packaging law changes may seem gradual, but businesses must act now to avoid future penalties and reputational damage. Companies that fail to comply with these laws face heavy fines and may struggle to compete with more environmentally responsible brands.
Consumer expectations are also evolving. Today’s consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases, with many actively seeking out brands that use sustainable packaging. Research by Deloitte found that 61% of consumers in the UK consider sustainability when making purchasing decisions . Brands that don’t align with these values risk losing customer loyalty.
At Zest Food Recruitment, we believe that compliance and sustainability go hand in hand. Recruiting individuals who understand packaging laws and are passionate about sustainability can give businesses a competitive edge.
Steps to Prepare for Tougher Packaging Laws
- Audit Your Current Packaging
The first step is to assess your current packaging. How much plastic are you using? Are your materials recyclable or compostable? This audit will help you identify areas where you need to make changes to meet the new regulations. It’s also an opportunity to look for cost savings by reducing unnecessary packaging. - Switch to Sustainable Materials
One of the most straightforward ways to comply with the new regulations is to switch to sustainable packaging materials. This might include biodegradable plastics, compostable packaging, or materials made from recycled content. Many businesses are also exploring alternatives like plant-based packaging or even edible packaging to reduce their reliance on plastic.
For example, major brands like Unilever and Nestlé have already made significant moves towards sustainable packaging. Unilever has committed to halving its use of virgin plastic by 2025, while Nestlé is investing in research to develop new, eco-friendly packaging materials. Staying informed with a food packaging laws update ensures businesses remain compliant and adaptable to evolving industry standards.
- Design for Recycling and Reuse
The concept of design for recycling involves creating packaging that is easy to recycle or repurpose. This could involve reducing the number of different materials used in your packaging or ensuring that labels and adhesives don’t contaminate the recycling process. Additionally, designing packaging that can be reused by consumers is another way to meet both regulatory requirements and consumer demand for sustainability.
Companies are also exploring renewable energy solutions to power their operations, aligning both packaging innovation and energy use with broader sustainability goals. This dual approach can help reduce environmental impact and meet regulatory requirements. - Understand the Legal Landscape
Staying on top of the latest packaging regulations is critical for ensuring compliance. This means regularly reviewing legislation updates and seeking legal advice if necessary. Companies should also be prepared for further changes as governments continue to push for greener packaging solutions.
Recruiting compliance officers and sustainability managers who understand packaging laws and environmental policies is key to navigating this complex landscape. At Zest Food Recruitment, we specialise in placing professionals who are equipped to handle these challenges and ensure your business remains compliant.
- Engage with Your Supply Chain
Your suppliers play a critical role in helping you meet packaging regulations. Engage with them to source more sustainable materials and explore new packaging solutions. Collaboration is key to finding innovative ways to reduce plastic use and increase the recyclability of your products.
Businesses focused on sustainability should also consider tackling food waste in the supply chain as part of a holistic environmental strategy. Integrating waste reduction efforts with sustainable packaging practices not only supports compliance but also improves overall operational efficiency.
Building strong relationships with suppliers who share your sustainability goals is vital. Having supply chain professionals who can negotiate and manage these partnerships will make a significant difference.
Recruiting for Sustainable Packaging Expertise
As packaging regulations tighten, the demand for professionals with expertise in sustainable packaging is growing. From packaging engineers and material scientists to sustainability consultants, businesses need individuals who can help them navigate the complexities of packaging law while developing innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact.
At Zest Food Recruitment, we understand the need for top talent in this area. Our recruitment process focuses on finding candidates with the knowledge and experience to help businesses stay compliant with packaging regulations, while also driving sustainability initiatives. Whether you need a packaging technologist, a sustainability officer, or a compliance manager, we can help you build the team you need to meet these challenges head-on.
Conclusion
The future of packaging is changing rapidly, and businesses in the food and drinks sector must adapt to stay compliant with new laws and consumer expectations. By conducting a packaging audit, switching to sustainable materials, and investing in the right talent, businesses can not only meet the requirements of tougher packaging laws but also gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
At Zest Food Recruitment, we are here to help you navigate these changes by connecting you with professionals who can drive your packaging strategy forward. The sooner you act, the better positioned your business will be to thrive in this new regulatory environment.
TL;DR
With new packaging regulations on the horizon, food and drinks businesses need to act now to stay compliant. Key steps include auditing your current packaging, switching to sustainable materials, and recruiting professionals with expertise in packaging laws and sustainability. Zest Food Recruitment can help you find the talent you need to navigate these challenges and stay competitive.
Call to Action (CTA)
Ready to future-proof your packaging strategy? Submit your vacancy with Zest Food Recruitment or upload your CV to join the forefront of sustainability and compliance in the food and drinks sector.
