Consumer Trends 2023: Sustainability in focus

Doing the right thing is not just good for business, it is good business. But, with a huge amount of regulatory change and public scrutiny, this is becoming more and more challenging. Our sustainability hub tackles some of the key issues facing the Consumer sector.

The plethora of new regulations, proposals and the pace of legislatory change in the UK and EU makes the compliance environment ambiguous and difficult to navigate. Consumer businesses need to consider the implicatons of Brexit, Deposit Return Schemes (DRS), Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations and the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, to name just a few.

To guide you through this ever-changing landscape, we're monitoring the horizon so that you can make best of your sustainability endeavours:

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Advertising and Green Claims

The Green Claims Directive – what's next for green claims in the EU?
The EU has published its Green Claims Directive. We have set out out key takeaways from the new rules that will change the approach to making green claims across the EU.
It is not easy being green
How doing the right thing has become increasingly challenging. What is next for green claims, and regulation in 2023. What are the implications of the implementation of DRS or the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and what changes will the new packaging legislation bring?
No 'safe space' for green claims
Regulators are on the lookout for evidence of greenwashing from food companies. In this article we explain how businesses can stay on the right side of the law.

Deposit Return Scheme

Three Green Bottles: UK plans to introduce up to three Deposit Return Schemes
Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) was set to go live on 16 August 2023 and has now been delayed until 1 March 2023, with the rest of the UK introducing plans to implement similar schemes.
Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme: Where are we now?
Circularity Scotland, the scheme administrator for Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), has announced a significant support package for drinks producers and various documents providing guidance on cutover, for closed loop hospitality and for retailers.
Deposit Return Schemes: What do I need to know?
Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) goes live in August 2023, with the rest of the UK introducing plans to implement a similar scheme. We take a look at some key features and differences.
Don't bottle it: European Commission calls for mandatory Deposit and Return systems in Member States
As part of its proposed Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste, the European Commission has called for mandatory Deposit and Return Systems in Member States. What will Member States need to consider when implementing the systems, and what challenges will they face?
Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme remains ambiguous
As the go-live date of 16 August 2023 edges ever closer, producers and retailers continue to face uncertainty on the implementation of Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).

Packaging & Recyclability

Single-use plastics to be banned across the UK
Scotland paved the way for the rest of the UK by introducing a ban on the manufacture and supply of some single-use plastics last year. England is now following suit, announcing plans to ban the supply of some single-use plastics from October 2023, with Welsh legislation also in progress.
Waste not, want not: packaging recyclability and minimisation
A new EU proposal on packaging and packaging waste says the current legislation is not enough and more is needed to tackle rising packaging waste.

Products and Goods

Right to repair—Commission introduces new consumer rights on repair of goods

The European Commission has adopted the proposal for a Directive on common rules promoting the repair of goods, including which products are covered, its key obligations, and the practical impact for businesses.

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Consumer Trends 2023: Sustainability in focus

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Dominic Watkins

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