Consumer Information for SCP Programme
Consumer Information and Plastic Packaging
One stop for a global mapping and assessment of standards, labels and claims on plastic packaging
Background
Plastics was adopted as the theme across the One Planet network for 2020-2021. Further to this the 4th UN Environment Assembly Resolution 6 on Marine litter and microplastics:
The Consumer Information programme has mobilized it's network to deliver a number of products and activities which contribute to the overall One Planet Network-Wide Plastics Initiative, and many others are on the way.
Requests the Executive Director, through UNEP’s 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production patterns, to develop guidelines for the use and production of plastics in order to inform consumers, including about standards and labels; to incentivize businesses and retailers to commit themselves to using sustainable practices and products; and to support governments in promoting the use of information tools and incentives to foster sustainable consumption and production.
The actions undertaken across the One Planet network focus on a common narrative that builds on the evidence and knowledge produced by UNEP, while leveraging the different expertise and partnerships within the programmes of the One Planet network.
Contributions of the CI-SCP Programme
Report: Can I Recycle This? A Global Mapping and Assessment of Standards, Labels and Claims on Plastic Packaging
The report was developed through a collaborative effort led by Consumers International and the United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP].
The report maps existing standards, labels and claims on plastic packing regarding sustainability characteristics such as bio-based content, compostability or recyclability. Through an expert consultation, identified labels and claims are then assessed against the five fundamental principles of the Guidelines for Providing Product Sustainability Information. The report concludes by providing five recommendations for clearer and more effective communications about materials, production, recyclability and disposal of plastic packaging.
Webinars - Can I Recycle This?
In order to further disseminate information about the report on the global mapping and assessment of standards, labels and claims on plastics packaging, webinars have been organised with stakeholders of the One Planet network.
NEW: Key messages and Case Studies
To effectively implement the 5 recommendations of the "Can I Recycle This?" report in order to improve consumer communications on plastic packaging, The Programme has developed a series of 3 Key Message Papers:
5 Case Studies have also been developed as examples on how to provide credible sustainability information on plastic, see below:
- Australasian Recycling Label (ARL)
- Pant ABC
- On-Pack Recycling Label facilitated by Worldwide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF South Africa)
- UL Recycled Content Validation Mark
- The Logo for Products with Reduced Packaging (LPRP)
Webinars - Key Messages
On February 18 and 19, two global webinars were held to presents the key messages for consumer information on plastic packaging developed for businesses, governments and standard-setting and labelling organizations. The webinars are relevant for all types of stakeholders engaged or interested in the communication of sustainability information to consumers and keen to improve their understanding of the current landscape regarding plastic packaging.
