The Packaging Partnership Programme (PPP) organised a series of industry briefings on the Mandatory Packaging Reporting (MPR) scheme requirements over 5 days – from 21 to 23 Feb, and from 1 to 2 Mar 2023. The briefings were attended by over 1200 representatives from more than 640 companies.
According to the NEA website, companies that meet all the following criteria are required to comply with the MPR requirements under the Resource Sustainability Act (RSA):
*Regulated goods means any goods other than goods prescribed as excluded from this definition (please refer to Subsidiary Legislation)
**Specified packaging means any packaging other than any type of packaging prescribed as excluded from this definition (please refer to Subsidiary Legislation)
The briefings were conducted to help companies who were new to reporting, explaining why it was required and how it should be done. Officers from the National Environment Agency (NEA) provided pointers for companies to take note of, such as some “dos” and “don’ts” from their observations from the first reporting in 2022. NEA officers also explained the verification process, with good and bad examples on providing relevant information, sampling as well as inspection during the verification.
Each session also included a Q&A segment for companies to seek clarifications and guidance from NEA. As most of the companies were new to reporting this year, many questions on what should and should not be reported were raised. Companies also sought information on the 3R plans required, such as the measurement of their KPIs, how they would be verified, and if their intended 3R plans were acceptable to NEA. Questions on the verification process were also asked, such as when it would be conducted and who would be selected for verification.
3R Guidebook for Packaging
The PPP has also published the 3R Guidebook for Packaging. This Guidebook provides guidelines to assist companies/organisations in developing and implementing their own 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) plans and initiatives, to manage their packaging and packaging waste. It includes case studies from local organisations on a variety of subjects, including packaging collection for reuse, consumer outreach related to packaging 3Rs, and improving the recyclability of packaging. The guidebook can be found on the PPP website here.
Sustainable Packaging Solution Provider List
The Packaging Partnership Programme has also launched a sustainable packaging solution provider list to assist members and other companies in their Mandatory Packaging Reporting (MPR) obligations, and their journeys toward sustainable packaging practices. The listed solution providers are listed here.
If you wish to be listed as a solution provider, you may fill in the form with the necessary details here.