Progress against our OEB packaging ambitions

Ahead of the UK Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations coming into force, our UK banners have been focused on more sustainable packaging. At Screwfix we have been gathering packaging data from branded goods suppliers for around 50,000 products. This information has then been cross referenced against our own packaging policy (which goes beyond regulation) and, where gaps exist, we have asked suppliers to be compliant to our requirements.

Screwfix has also installed a new packaging machine this year that precisely measures refurbished products – and new products with damaged packaging – before being repackaged in recycled cardboard. Up to 25,000 items a year can be repackaged for re-sale which reduces waste products.

At B&Q, we have introduced Sustainable Packaging Guidelines with the goal to reduce the amount of packaging we place on the UK market by 20% by 2030. Our 2024 progress against OEB packaging ambitions:

• Plastic packaging to contain a minimum of 30% recycled content. 60.1% of plastic packaging contained a minimum of 30% recycled content (2023: 51.6%).
• Remove all EPS, PVC and other non-recyclable plastics. 94.9% of all plastics were compliant (2023: 92.2%).
• 5% reduction of all plastic packaging by weight, year-on-year. 10.2% plastic weight reduction on a ‘like-for-like’ basis (2023: 3.7%).
• All paper and board packaging to be sustainably sourced. 82.0% of paper and board purchased was sustainably sourced (2023: 81.9%).