The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has produced a report advocating reuse over recycling as described in the EU Waste Hierarchy.
Recycling is an important part of waste management, however waste reduction and reuse is higher up the waste hierarchy and therefore should be considered before recycling. Reuse is more environmentally beneficial as there are fewer remanufacturing processes, energy requirements and costs compared to recycling.
The report which promotes ‘A Better Retailing Climate’ describes the advantageous results that British retailers have achieved. Less waste has been disposed of, with a staggering 39% reduction of waste sent to landfill between 2005 and 2016. This along with reduced carbon emissions, reduced water usage and reduced greenhouse gas emissions demonstrates the amazing work the BRC has accomplished to become more environmentally responsible.
Retailers such as Argos, Greggs, Homebase and TK Maxx have signed the report, all agreeing to explore a circular economy for waste rather than maintain the take, make dispose linear economy of recent decades.
RPS has helped implement environmental solutions for packaging waste. Our services have helped to generate further reuse outlets for packaging waste, increase potential packaging rebates and promote environmental sustainability.
The report is available to download by clicking here. If you would like to read up on the RPS services and how they can benefit the retail sector then visit our ‘What We Do’ page for more information.
