Businesses that are looking at adding expanded content labels to their products have been encouraged not to use too much packaging.

According to Nigel Berman, founder of nigelsecostore.com, many companies store their items in too many unnecessary materials.

He acknowledged that while efforts to cut down on the amount of packaging are underway, more still needs to be done to address the issue.

Mr Berman flagged up excess polystyrene as a "particular bugbear" of his, along with blister packs.

He noted that with the cost of oil-based products continuing to rise, more eco-friendly options are becoming increasingly attractive.

"A product for example that arrives in an unbleached recycled cardboard box has more of a feelgood factor," Mr Berman said.

He added that reusing boxes and packing materials is a good way for firms to reduce their impact on the environment.

This echoes recent calls from the Welsh Assembly for retailers and food manufacturers to use less packaging and help drive down the amount of waste that goes to landfill.

Denny Bros Ltd, 29 March 2011