Patently Obvious

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Make the most of your packaging

Posted on May 30, 2008 2:39 PM

As you may know here at Patently Obvious we are a bit obsessed with our packaging, especially keeping its environmental impact to a minimum! That's why all our bottles are made from 100% recycled and 100% recyclable materials in the UK. As well as that we print directly on to the bottle, removing the need for any unnecessary secondary packaging.

Here are a few tips to help you keep your packaging waste to a minimum:

• Try to buy concentrated - remembering to use the right dosage. Fabric conditioner, soups, tomato puree and squash are all concentrated products.

• Use the correct amount - Items like dishwasher tablets and washing liquid capsules or powder tablets for clothes, encourage us to use the right amount of product each and every time.

• Try and refill it - don't buy a fully packaged product each time. Washing detergents, coffee and hand wash are all available as refills and can save you money too.

• Did you know...? Wine bottles with a flat bottomed tend to be lighter in weight than those with a 'dome' (known as a punt) underneath - sometimes by as much as 70%!

• Check online - Some retailers and brands are also starting to identify products that are lighter. Browse online and see what you find out.

However if you don't think packaging being used is suitable there is a law in the UK against excessive packaging. If you want to complain about a product:

• Write to the supermarket or manufacturer to complain, stating that you believe the
packaging to be excessive;

• Contact Trading Standards by calling Consumer Direct on 08454 040506. Trading
Standards will also be able to consider if the packaging is deliberately misleading in
making you think there is more product in the pack than there actually is.