from the editor News brief...


CPI ANNOUNCE


APPOINTMENT A graduate in Paper Technology, Debbie Stringer joins CPI with over 20 years experience working in paper mills, having been employed with Abitibi Bowater at its Bridgewater Mill in technical and environmental roles. Steve Freeman, CPI Head of Energy & Environmental Affairs, said: “Debbie strengthens our expertise in mill-related energy and environmental issues as increasingly complex and important regulatory issues continue to develop. In particular, the new BREF and subsequent permit reviews will be of critical importance for mills, and Debbie will have a key role to play in ensuring proposals are realistic and workable.”


DS SMITH BUYS OTOR


DS Smith has announced the acquisition of Otor, a leading corrugated packaging company in France. The deal worth 247m (£205m), DS Smith believe, satisfies a number of key strategic objectives, in particular the development of a strong continental European corrugated packaging business focused on the fast moving consumer goods sector, and strengthening significantly DS Smith’s Frenchpresence. Under the terms of the offer, DS Smith intends to acquire control of more than 95% of the share capital of Otor from entities controlled by Carlyle, from Credit Lyonnais and from the chairman of Otor S.A. before making a mandatory offer for the remaining shares of Otor S.A. in accordance with French stock exchange regulations. The Board also believes that the DS Smith Group will have enhanced long-term growth potential through its strong business across the UK and continental Europe and from increased spending on the more resilient FMCG markets.


Coalition throws its weight behind Courtauld 2 as more big hitters sign up


The new coalition Government showed its support for Courtauld Commitment 2 when new Environment Minister, Lord Henley, attended the inaugural meeting of signatories in London.


T


he meeting was organised by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action


Programme) which manages the voluntary agreement on behalf of the UK Governments. As well as founding signatories, new companies to sign up to the commitment also attended, including Burton Foods, Ferrero UK Ltd, Greencore, Heineken UK, Moy Park Ltd and Northern Ireland’s first company to sign up, Dale Farm.


At the closed meeting, signatories took part in WRAP -led workshops to identify barriers and solutions to achieve the three targets


that form the second phase of the commitment.


Lord Henley said: “The Courtauld Commitment is a great example of Government and some of Britain’s leading companies working together to optimise food and packaging waste. I’m delighted to see these new signatories joining those taking up the challenge of Phase 2 of the Commitment.


“I would encourage all retailers and manufacturers to think about and act to reduce waste.”


Referring to leaders from the


grocery retail sector as ‘innovative and inspiring’, he congratulated signatories for taking the opportunity to turn environmental pressure into competitive advantage and playing their part in the new green economy.


As well as congratulating signatories on the work done


during the first phase of Courtauld, he also recognised some of the challenges that lay ahead including the relationship between reducing food waste and reducing packaging.


He also encouraged signatories


to spread the word to ensure that ‘everyone in society understands the problem and feels they can be part of the solution’.


“This Government is right behind you – the Prime Minister has pledged that this will be the greenest Government ever, and waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges facing this country. We must all work together, exploring ideas, sharing innovations and successes,” he added.


29 major retailers and brand owners were the founding signatories when Courtauld Commitment 2 launched in March. The latest companies


make informed choices about the food they buy, and we are pleased to see MEPs have backed this approach."


FDF "PLEASED" WITH EU VOTE


The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has said it is "pleased with the EU vote on the Food Information Proposal which took place on the 16th June.


On the 16th June, MEPs rejected


a proposal for a 'traffic light' system on food packaging instead opting for food labels which feature mandatory nutritional information. The UK Food Standards Agency had been backing the 'traffic light' system.


Barbara Gallani, Director of Food Safety and Science at the FDF said: “We are pleased to see that MEPs have taken a measured approach to many aspects of this complex and far-reaching regulation which will impact all manufacturers, from the largest supermarket supplier to the small producers selling at farmers’ markets. FDF members have long supported GDA labelling as the best way to help consumers


The new labelling rules will mean manufacturers must place nutritional information such as fat, saturates, sugar and salt as well as Guideline Daily Amounts on front of pack.


However, Gallani added that the FDF was not completely satisfied with the new proposals: "Given the work our members have done to remove artificial trans fats from their products, meaning that UK consumption levels are now well below the WHO’s recommended levels, we were disappointed to see that MEPs have called for mandatory labelling of natural and artificial trans fats.


4 Packaging Gazette


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