Packaging could be reduced by up to 40 per cent in Ireland's grocery sector, with concerted effort on the part of suppliers and retailers, an environment conference heard yesterday.
Waste management costs in the grocery sector are estimated at €12 million a year, so substantial savings in both original packaging and waste disposal costs can be achieved, as well as considerable environmental benefits.
Mr Seamus Scally, managing director of the Musgrave Group, which hosted the conference in Cork, said it was using its influence as a major player in the grocery sector to ensure that environmental concerns are factored into the overall supply chain.
"We've seen how the supply chain in other European countries can be managed without excessive environmental impact and we are confident that improvements can be made in the Irish market if wholesalers and retailers come together on this."
For example, much fresh produce is now transported in reusable plastic crates rather than in cardboard and plastic wrap, and Mr Scally said this practice could be extended to other groceries to reduce packaging waste.
The Musgrave Group recently signed a five-year contract worth over €18 million with waste management company IPODEC Ireland to facilitate recycling 80 per cent of the group's waste by 2005, including Super Valu and Centra outlets and distribution depots.
This integrated waste management initiative, said to be the first of its kind in Ireland, is not only designed to achieve environmental targets but also to cut costs in "a complex area which is becoming a considerable management task".
On average, Super Valu and Centra stores are reducing their waste bills by 30 per cent. One large Super Valu outlet in Cork has cut its annual waste management costs from €73,000 to €30,000 - a saving of 60 per cent.
Building on the success of the 15 cent tax on plastic bags, the Musgrave Group is researching ways to develop an information campaign for consumers on packaging, recycling, eco-labelling and environment-friendly products.
The keynote speaker, Mr Petter Arnestad from Norway's Foundation for Sustainable Production and Consumption, said an environmental advantage was often a key factor in purchasing decisions made by Norwegians.
With "heavy emphasis" on environmental initiatives, shoppers there "are aware of how waste is managed and support initiatives including reusable packaging, refilling product containers and sustainable farming", he said.
