Retailers that use promotional and printed labels are taking steps to reduce their impact on the environment.

Leading names including Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsbury's are backing a scheme to encourage the recycling of plastic used in their product packaging.

The move has been hailed by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), which said consumers are willing to embrace environmentally-friendly practices.

"Retailers are leading the way in helping customers minimise waste through measures such as reducing the weight of packaging and providing consistent on-pack information," said Bob Gordon, head of environment at the group.

He added that retailers, who have reduced food and packaging waste by 1.2 million tonnes in the last six years, are going beyond the call of duty with this latest initiative.

This comes after the BRC called on officials to move the debate surrounding the retail sector's impact on the environment beyond plastic bags, as they are less of a problem than issues such as food waste.

Denny Bros Ltd, 08 April 2011