The Vice Speaker of the State Duma proposed introducing the concept of “excess consumer packaging” and measures to reduce it

Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Boris Chernyshov (LDPR) proposed exploring the possibility of normatively establishing the concept of “excess consumer packaging” and the criteria for its definition.

As a first stage, it is proposed to consider the introduction of special consumer information in cases where product packaging exceeds the established redundancy criteria.

At the next stage, it is proposed to consider the application to manufacturers and importers of products in excess packaging of increased environmental responsibility coefficients or other economic mechanisms that stimulate the reduction of unjustified use of packaging materials.

MOSCOW, September 25 - RIA Novosti. Vice-Speaker of the State Duma Boris Chernyshov (LDPR) proposed exploring the possibility of normatively establishing the concept of “excess consumer packaging,” as well as the criteria for its definition.

The corresponding appeal addressed to the Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation Alexander Kozlov is available to RIA Novosti.

The parliamentarian noted that manufacturers of consumer goods often use packaging whose dimensions and weight significantly exceed those necessary for the placement, storage and safety of products. According to him, a small product can be placed in a box many times larger than its size, or packaged in several layers of cardboard, plastic and film, some of which do not perform an independent protective function.

“I propose to explore the possibility of normatively establishing the concept of “excess consumer packaging,” as well as the criteria for its definition, taking into account the ratio of the size and weight of the product and packaging, the number of packaging layers used and the presence of each of them with an objective protective, sanitary, technological or logistics function,” the document says.

The appeal clarifies that, as a first stage, it is proposed to consider the introduction of special consumer information in cases where product packaging exceeds the established redundancy criteria. It is added that the appropriate labeling should allow the buyer to understand before purchasing the product that the manufacturer used an increased amount of packaging materials.

“At the next stage, I consider it possible to consider applying increased environmental responsibility coefficients to manufacturers and importers of products in excess packaging or other economic mechanisms that encourage the reduction of unjustified use of packaging materials,” the letter says.