Improve Sustainable Packaging, Matrade Tells Exporters

Bernama 12 Dec 11;

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has advised Malaysian exporters to improve on their sustainable packaging efforts.

This follows from the UK government's move to encourage greater use of recycled content in packaging, as well as making packaging more recyclable.

The recent publication of a waste policy review by the UK Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) aims to reduce waste and increase recycling of domestic and business waste.

"Minimising waste and reducing carbon impact is a key trend in the UK's plastic packaging industry and Malaysian manufacturers are advised to take note of changing environmental requirements and targets when supplying to the UK or other European Union countries in the years ahead," MATRADE said in a statement today.

Malaysia is the fourth largest exporter of plastic boxes, bags and closures to the UK with total exports of 48.06 million, an increase of 3.8 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2010.

MATRADE said that in addition to being aware to the range of statutory Producer Responsibility schemes currently in place in the UK covering packaging, Malaysian plastics exporters should also take note of British consumers' growing desire for minimal packaging that is easy to open, easily recyclable, resealable and has improved information on labelling.

"In view of this, MATRADE advises Malaysian plastics exporters to the UK and other EU nations to be proactive in their approach to ever improving international packaging and recycling standards and to invest in the necessary research and creative designs that will not only ensure full compliance with future standards but will also maintain and enhance their respective market share and access.

-- BERNAMA