DIY sector making real progress to meet voluntary agreement targets

Speaking at the RWM Exhibition in Birmingham, she said the signatories to the Home Improvement Sector Commitment – a UK-wide voluntary agreement between DIY retailers and manufacturers and WRAP – had reduced packaging by 12% (14,000 tonnes) and waste sent to landfill by 64% (61,000 tonnes) between 2007 and 2010. 

The targets, which are based on a 2007 baseline and have a 2012 deadline, are to reduce packaging by 15% and landfill waste by 50%.  The progress to date has been measured on a like-for-like basis to take account of the recession and a reduction in sales volume in the sector since the 2007 baseline.  

A third objective, to help consumers recycle more, is also being tackled by signatory companies by improving design of products and packaging, guidance to suppliers, guidance to consumers and initiatives to make recycling easier.  

Liz Goodwin said:  “Signatories have already exceeded the waste to landfill target and are making good progress towards the packaging target.  These interim results are really encouraging, especially when you consider that these supply chains extend around the globe and the long lead times for changes to products to be felt in the UK. 

“There is still well over a year to go, with the results to 2010 indicating that we should be looking at some very positive financial and environmental savings by the time the agreement finishes at the end of 2012.

“It is important for the sector to remain focused though, particularly regarding the packaging target which remains challenging in the face of changing global and home delivery systems.  With the excellent progress on reducing waste to landfill achieved by increasing recycling rates, we’re now working with signatories to reduce the amount of waste generated in the first place. 

“That said, the progress made by these signatory companies should be applauded as they’ve delivered significant reductions in a relatively short period of time.”  

Signatory companies to the Home Improvement Sector Commitment - Argos, B&Q, Crown Paints, Focus DIY*, Henkel, Homebase, ICI Paints, AkzoNobel and Wickes – represent almost half of the total UK home improvement retail sales.  

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