Government needs to play its part

As I mentioned in my blog in Your Voice - the BFBi newsletter - sustainability is the watchword of the day and the seminar topics we are organising for 2020 certainly reflect this. Our industry is focused on working towards a zero/negative carbon footprint, with innovative and forward thinking strategies being put in place across all sectors of the brewing and beverage industry.

However, what we are seeing is a disconnect at the point of recycling. Different councils having different recycling strategies; a postcode lottery on what can be recycled and so contribute towards that ever more important reduction of a carbon footprint and what cannot. Malt bags are a case in point – some councils will recycle them and others will not.

Government launched its resources & waste strategy in 2018, stating a need to drive better quantity and quality in recycling, and more investment in domestic recycled materials markets.

Government states that it supports comprehensive and frequent waste collections and is determined to help local authorities and waste management companies act in the most sustainable and resource-efficient way possible.

With Government putting the financial responsibility for recycling waste onto industry from 2023 and industry taking up the challenge to reduce/ reuse/recycle now, why is there not a deliverable, cohesive strategy at the sharp end – local recycling facilities – available now to support industry initiatives?

I think we are all agreed that we need to look after our planet; we are certainly seeing industry do its part.

I just hope we do not have to wait until 2023 for Government to do the same.

Ruth Evans MBE, BFBi C.E.O.

Established in 1907, BFBi’s membership represents the entire value chain supplying the brewing and beverage industry – from seed geneticists through raw materials, brewhouse and process equipment to dispense, point-of-sale and brewers/distillers. The Association’s objective is to be the foremost trade association providing opportunities for its Members to develop within the brewing, food & beverage industry.

As well as offering many benefits and services to suppliers of raw materials, process and packaging machinery, dispense and point of sale products, BFBi is a Trade Challenge Partner for various overseas exhibitions and owner and organiser of the oldest international brewing and cider Awards in the world.

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