ARCHIVE: Theme 2: Sustainable products and services: Research projects 2009/2010

EV0430 Assessment of Green Claims in marketing

As part of the process to update Defra’s Green Claims Code, this project looks to generate an overall picture of the extent to which green claims are found in marketing; which sectors and specific products they refer to, what terminology and imagery is used and whether a third party is used to endorse the claim. Workshops with advertisers and their agencies were also used to find out how green claims are created and what guidance is looked for from the Green Claims Code.

EV0431 Assessment of Green Claims on Product Packaging

Defra’s Green Claims Code is being updated and this project analyses the frequency of specific words/phrases, environmental logos or marks and imagery used in a sample of green claims found on the product packaging of a range of everyday items in UK stores.  This information is then split by sector and specific product or service.

EV0433: Bioplastics - Assessing their environmental effects, barriers and opportunities

Consumption of bioplastics is growing in the UK and potentially offers the opportunity to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and emissions of greenhouse gases. This project will review the environmental effects and emerging market trends of bioplastics through a review of published material and engagement with stakeholders.

This evidence, and that based on the technical, social and economic impacts will be evaluated to provide recommendations to overcome the barriers of using bioplastics and identify those types or applications with the greatest potential. This research will also inform UK Government policy on interventions that can improve the sustainability of bioplastics use.

EV0444: Review of industry, Government and other action to improve the sustainability of fish and shellfish production and consumption

The aim of this project is to drive more sustainable fish consumption and production in the UK by assessing evidence on the sustainability impacts of production and consumption and information about actions already being taken to minimise these impacts.

This information will be used to highlight gaps and make suggestions for improved and additional actions by business, Government and other public interest groups.

The project will be used to inform policy and delivery to support collaborative work by businesses and others across the product supply chain; developing and implementing a voluntary sustainability action plan for UK fish and shellfish production and consumption.

EV0445: Longer Product Lifetimes

The aim of the project is to understand the potential for reducing the environmental impact of products by extending their lifetimes and identifying how best to deliver such improvements. Specifically, this will involve an assessment of the environmental impacts of products across the lifecycle and business decisions-making as it relates to product lifetimes.

The research will also provide a holistic picture of the drivers, influences and impacts of product lifetimes, in order to investigate the potential for interventions to extend the lifetimes of specific product groups and to identify what, if any, further research is required in this area.

EV0446: Sustainable clothing procurement trial

Defra has developed a number of Roadmaps, including one on clothing, to improve the environmental, economic and social impacts of products. One of the actions under the Sustainable Clothing Roadmap is to fund a demonstration project to show the business case and experience of a public sector organisation procuring clothing using green/sustainable procurement criteria (at least Green Public Procurement (GPP) /Quick Wins).

Therefore, Defra has commissioned this trial in collaboration with the NHS, to document the experiences of incorporating sustainability criteria into corporate clothing procurement, in order to provide valuable lessons for other public sector organisations.

Page published: 17 September 2010