The FWD and ACS have made urgent representations to the Department for Food & Rural Affairs about proposed changes to the Packaging Waste Regulations.
Defra has put out a consultation document proposing changes that would bring franchise operations under the remit of the regulations, but FWD has warned that the wording could also impact symbol groups.
FWD director general John Murphy said big corporations such as McDonald’s were the intended targets, because the way franchises operated meant they were not currently covered, but there was a danger symbol groups would also be included.
He said: “We have pointed out that symbol groups do not act in the same way as franchises because members do not have to buy all their products from their symbol group, and therefore the new regulations would impose additional costs onto these businesses.”
However, he said he welcomed another of the proposed changes, which would reduce the reporting obligation on businesses with a turnover of £2m – £5m.
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