Are you interested in becoming a partner in some exciting resource efficiency trials? Then read on.  You could be helping to make considerable cost and resource efficiency savings as well as reducing your carbon footprint.

1.  Reusable packaging trials for closed loop systems within the retail supply chain ranging right the way from the factory gate to the consumer at home, and including home delivery systems. 

2.  In-store merchandising, display and dispensing trials for products with the potential to cut waste in the supply chain and/or in the home.  This trial also includes the opportunity for funding trials of product reformulations, e.g. super concentrates. (For inspiration why not read two related reports on merchandising and refills).

The results of these trials will demonstrate the value of taking a more radical approach towards packaging and waste minimisation.  To be a part of this innovative work, apply now by clicking on the links above or go to the main tender page.  

Closing date: 16 September 2008. 

We are calling for new Framework Technical Advisers to help make a significant contribution in our work at WRAP.  Tender details are now live - click here if you have the expertise to make a difference.

Closing date: 15 August 2008. 

WRAP launched its new three year Business Plan in June.  Its four priority areas comprise Packaging, Food Waste, Collections Systems and Quality Materials, all of which affect the retail supply chain.   

To check out the detail, including the targets we have set, view the UK and Scottish Business Plans here.

The number of UK households actively reducing food waste has increased by 1.4 million to around 3.5 million and the issue was further highlighted by the Prime Minister on Monday, 7 July.

The Government's Food Matters Report has recommended further action on food waste and there is some evidence that consumers are responding, for example, in order to save money.  As a result, the hits on the consumer-facing Love Food Hate Waste website doubled earlier this week.

To find out more about how the Retail grocery market can help make a difference with its customers, visit the Retail Food Waste website and the Love Food Hate Waste Partners site.

The benefits of mixed plastics recycling were highlighted at events in London and Glasgow recently.  Presentations that show the positive technical, environmental and economic benefits of recycling this waste stream can be found here.

WRAP is set to carry out a large scale technical trial, including how best to collect household mixed plastics. 

Growth in plastic bottle recycling has increased dramatically from 25% in 2006 to almost 35% in 2007. Read the full report.

Are you in the seasonal confectionery sector and interested in working with industry peers to help optimise packaging?  It can deliver many benefits including cost and resource efficiencies, as well as meeting customers' expectations.

WRAP is facilitating a working group on this initiative - click here for more details or email Josephine Millar.  

GlassRite Wine: The wine supply chain, through lightweighting glass wine bottles and increasing bulk importation of wine for UK filling, has delivered CO₂ emission savings of over 28,000 tonnes. That is the equivalent of taking more than 8,500 cars off the road! Find out more...

New Protocol: WRAP has commissioned GTS Ltd to develop a protocol to calculate the recycled content of glass containers.  The work will involve consultation with both retailers and glass manufacturers to agree a standard methodology and discuss how the information can best be used.  If you would like to get involved email Claire Shrewsbury.

Consumers can find out a lot more about packaging and how they can reduce their carbon footprint on the Recycle Now website.  The new section informs consumers about packaging developments and explains how packaging is changing.   

Whyte & Mackay and Design Bridge presented at the Distil '08 exhibition in London during May.  Read about the project from the perspective of a brand owner and designer.  Find out how you can design resource efficiency into your packaging and save money.  Download: Distil 08 presentations 30 May 08 (2913 kb)

Do you feel you can help the retail sector to design and specify effective packaging solutions?  Yes... then apply now here!  Deadline for applications is 14 July 2008.

Missed the briefing session at the May wine fair?  Then read the presentations and find out how you can make considerable savings - WRAP LIWF 20 May 2008 (2145 kb) .

We hope you have enjoyed reading our newsletter. If you would like to give us feedback about our work or make an enquiry, please email retail@wrap.org.uk. Click here to unsubscribe.

While steps have been taken to ensure its accuracy, WRAP cannot accept responsibility or be held liable to any person for any loss or damage arising out of or in connection with this information being inaccurate, incomplete or misleading. For more detail, please refer to our Terms & Conditions on our website - www.wrap.org.uk