'Reuse' label on shampoo and hand wash bottles could help cut plastic waste
Consumers will be encouraged to reuse shampoo and hand wash bottles with a new label to be introduced by next summer.
The On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme, which oversees recycling tags on consumer goods, said it intends to add “reuse” labels to some items in a bid to cut down on plastic use.
Soap dispensers and shampoo bottles could be among the first items to receive the new markings while the Telegraph understands it could then be extended to things like cereal packets and goods purchased from supermarket deli counters.
The plans were first reported in the Grocer magazine, which said that OPRL has been working with researchers at Sheffield University on the wording for the labels.
Jane Bevis, chair of OPRL, said that if shoppers were able to reuse something four times it would cut their plastic use in that area by 75 per cent.
She said some manufacturers have started to provide refill options for customers, which would help facilitate reuse.
She added: “With some things, like cleaning products or shampoos, plastic is the best packaging so we need to look at how we can reuse it and then recycle it.”
Adam Herriott, of food waste charity Wrap, said it supported the change but that it was important it does not make recycling more complicated for consumers.
He added: “If there are any changes to what OPRL put on their labels we will work with them to ensure that messaging stays clear and effective.”
Earlier this year consumer group Which? warned that toiletries were particularly poorly labelled meaning they were at risk of going unrecycled.
OPRL currently has around 500 members including major retailers and manufacturers like Birds Eye, Sainsbury’s and Kellogg’s.
