A report has named Marks & Spencer and Lidl as using the lowest levels of recyclable packaging.

Leading UK supermarkets have failed to significantly increase the amount of recyclable packaging they use, a report has warned today (29 May).

According to the study by the Local Government Association (LGA), up to 38% of packaging in a regular household shopping basket can’t be recycled. The figure is just 2% lower than the association’s first report found in October 2007.

Major supermarkets were the worst offenders, particularly Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Lidl who had the lowest levels of recyclable packaging at just 62%. Lidl was also found to use the heaviest packaging, with an average basket of groceries weighing 813g.

Market traders use the most recyclable and least heavy packaging at 76% and 617g respectively. Amongst the major supermarkets, Asda’s packaging was the lightest at 646 grams, 69% of which was recyclable.

The report has, however, been heavily criticised by M&S who claim the LGA has looked at a “skewed sample” which “does not reflect reality”.

According to Dr Helene Roberts, M&S Head of Packaging, Food, the LGA has looked at only 29 products out of its 5,500 lines. Had they looked further, they would have found that 91% of its total food packaging is actually recyclable, she said.

Cllr Paul Bettison, Chairman of the LGA Environment Board, has called for more to be done to reduce waste. He said: “We all have a responsibility to reduce the amount of waste being thrown into landfill, which is damaging the environment and contributing to climate change.

“Families will be pleased to see that more packaging in their shopping baskets can now be recycled. However, this survey shows there is still a lot further to go. Reducing packaging is vital if we are to avoid paying more landfill tax and EU fines, which could lead to cuts in frontline services and increases in council tax.”

To read a summary of the report, click here

By Natasha Piscitelli