BG’s Head of Container Affairs Appointed to Defra’s new Packaging Committee

Defra has appointed ten members to its new Advisory Committee on Packaging, including Rebecca Cocking, Head of Container Affairs at British Glass, and Andrew Bird, the chair of LARAC.   

Known as the ACP, the Committee is made up of representatives from different sectors affected by the Packaging Waste Regulations and advises Defra on the development of the Regulations and packaging recycling from an industry perspective. All members other than the Chairman, participate on a voluntary basis.

In September 2014, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) advertised for new committee members and a chair to replace incumbent Bob Lisney and in December 2014, it consultant Phil Conran was named as the new chair.

One of the first Committee tasks will be to determine whether the current PRN system is sustainable in the long term, as well as look at issues such as increasing recycling rates and ensuring the system is fit for purpose. The Committee will meet quarterly, with the first meeting scheduled to take place on 28th January.

Commenting on her appointment, Rebecca said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to the ACP as a representative of the glass industry and secondary convertors. It’s encouraging that the Government continues to support the important work of this Committee and demonstrates that they value industry input in the development of future policies. I am looking forward to the first meeting to get the Committee underway.”