Chemicals supply chain has launched new guidance to assist companies in meeting waste packaging obligations.
The guidance document, “The assessment and classification of waste packaging”, was developed by trade associations representing companies operating in the chemicals supply chain that use packaging.
The Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and Scottish Environment Protection Agency have welcomed the development of this guidance and have agreed to its adoption in England, Wales and Scotland.
The document provides guidance for assessing whether packaging to be taken offsite is waste or not and if waste, whether it is waste packaging and whether it should be classified as hazardous or non-hazardous.
It includes a method that allows for the weight of the packaging to be taken into account and is intended to be complementary to the joint environment agencies’ Technical Guidance WM32.
The guidance also aims to support companies in the context of resource efficiency and the concept of the circular economy.
Trade Associations involved include British Association for Chemical Specialities, British Aerosol Manufacturers’Association, British Adhesives and Sealants Association, British Coatings Federation, British Plastics Federation, Chemical Business Association, Chemical Industries Association, International Fragrance Association, Industrial Packaging Association, Solvents Industry Association, and United Kingdom Lubricants Association.