Two British brewers have signed up to a new partnership initiative supported by the British Beer & Pub Association which will dramatically cut the cost of packaging waste. Wells & Young’s and Hook Norton have joined the scheme and other BBPA members are expected to follow shortly.

The new scheme was introduced to BBPA members at a well-attended workshop in Birmingham in September. Rapid progress is being made in recruiting members, not least because of the major cost savings that can be achieved, with an estimated cost reduction of around 17% for the average BBPA member — around £150,000 per year, per company.

Cost savings will be achieved because Sustain, as the initiative is known, will operate as a not-for-profit partnership and will use its own in-house experts to achieve lowest cost compliance with the highest standards of data reporting. The Sustain partnership will also give sector-specific support unrivalled by existing compliance schemes, says the BBPA, as scheme members will have a direct influence on the future of how the sector’s packaging compliance is managed. The industry’s recycling achievements can also be measured and promoted under the scheme.

Sustain will deliver savings for members by sharply reducing the cost of packaging recovery Nnotes (PRNs). A PRN is a document that provides evidence that waste packaging material has been recycled into a new product, under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 2007. Notes can only be issued by accredited reprocessors when they have recovered and recycled a tonne of packaging material; these are then sold to the companies with the obligation.

BBPA chief executive, Brigid Simmonds, said: “We have taken action to set up Sustain as we have a major opportunity for us to work together, to make very significant cost savings, promote recycling and protect the environment. Packaging waste is going to be a growing issue, with EU proposals for higher targets on the horizon. I anticipate that many BBPA members will be rapidly looking to join the Sustain partnership, and we have urged all our members to do so.”

Hook Norton’s managing director, James Clarke, said: “Joining Sustain was a no-brainer for Hook Norton. It delivers cost savings while providing comprehensive support for our business. It’s great to see the industry coming together in this way.”

Miles Selby, head of purchasing at Charles Wells, added: “We’re delighted to be among the first companies to join the Sustain partnership as we actively seek schemes that improve our business. Following a full review, we believe that the combination of cost savings and industry specific expertise in this initiative is very powerful and will be a great benefit for the company.”