Business

Llanelli MP Nia Griffith discusses Government’s proposed packaging regulations

Published

2 years ago

April 18, 2023

AT A VISIT to the home meals delivery company, Wiltshire Farm Foods’ Burry Port depot (6.4.23), Llanelli MP, Dame Nia Griffith, has listened to concerns shared by the company that consumers will be bearing the brunt of pending legislation with increased costs, at a time when they can ill afford it.

The UK government plans to introduce new regulations for what is called “extended producer responsibility” (EPR), to tackle the growing problem of packaging waste. These regulations aim to shift the waste and recycling costs of packaging from local authorities to the businesses that produce it – a principle that industry is supportive of.

However, Wiltshire Farm Foods, along with the food industry at large, is saying that the government has not thought through the proposed regulations properly and it has significant concerns about some unjustifiable omissions.

Not least, that there is no recognition of responsible businesses that have invested large amounts in future-looking systems that improve rates of re-use and recycling. These businesses will in effect, be paying twice, a price which ultimately will be paid for by the consumer.

Dame Nia was shown crates of plastic trays which Wiltshire Farm Foods has collected from customers, and which under its trailblazing recycling programme are sent for recycling into completely new trays containing a minimum of 80% recycled plastic.

With a customer base that averages 83 years of age, and which is passionate to reduce waste and support environmental improvements, Wiltshire Farm Foods is proud of the scheme which it believes is a world-first and means its ready meal trays are not part of the kerbside recycling process but represents a better model with increased collection and recycling rates.

Yet having invested heavily in the process, it will now still fall under the proposed regulations and be asked to pay accordingly.

Lee Sheppard, Director of Policy for Wiltshire Farm Foods, who hosted the visit from Dame Nia says it is little more than another tax and the company is being penalised for doing the right thing and investing in responsible practice to support government policy, saying: “Whilst we fully support the principles of EPR, this is a missed opportunity for government to address packaging waste in a way that rewards good behaviour and without adding cost to consumers.

“It’s disappointing that after years of operation, only 36% of UK plastic PTT (pots, tubs and trays) are collected from households and furthermore, 59% of those collections are actually sent abroad for processing with uncertain results. The reality is that some of it simply ends up in landfill.

“With our own system, after just one year of operation, we see far better collection rates closer to 50% and furthermore guarantee that 100% of the trays we collect are reformed into new trays – results far better than achieved through domestic recycling.”

Mrs Griffith agreed that the proposals needed clarification and said she would be raising this with government ministers following the Parliamentary Easter recess. She says:

“It is vital that we tackle waste and increase recycling including through legislation, but the legislation needs to recognise the efforts Wiltshire Farm Foods have made.

“Here we have a pretty unique situation with conscientious regular customers washing the food trays and returning them directly on the doorstep to Wiltshire Farm Foods’ delivery staff when they arrive with a fresh order, and the company then recycling the whole tray to make new trays. This puts them ahead of the legislation so the question is, can we find a way to refine the proposed legislation to recognise this.

“I will be pursuing this matter vigorously with government ministers. Let’s give credit where credit is due and keep down costs.”

Wiltshire Farm Foods delivers its high-quality, award-winning, prepared meals to more than 150,000 customers across the UK.

With over 170,000 individuals over 80 years of age living in Wales, its current customer base includes an estimated 5,000 across Wales alone.

Customers can choose from a range of delicious traditional favourite mail meals and popular desserts and lighter snacks as well as meals with extra dense calories for those with small appetites.

Sheppard concludes:

“We implore the government to reconsider its EPR legislative proposals before it’s too late and customers who can ill afford to pay more are penalised”.

Business

Upgrades completed at Port of Milford Haven’s simulator suite

Published

11 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

UPGRADES have been completed to state-of-the-art equipment within the Port of Milford Haven’s navigation simulator suite at Milford Waterfront enabling marine professionals to receive bespoke specialist training. The virtual reality simulation system can safely replicate a range of scenarios that seafarers may experience in real world situations such as extreme weather conditions, emergency situations and escort tug work.

The upgrades provided by Netherlands-based company MARIN contain the latest hardware in terms of processing power and graphics, as well as upgrades to MARIN’s ‘Dolphin’ software, increasing the capability to create scenarios. These are complemented with new 4k visuals on 75” screens which increase the depth and field of vision, adding to the realism.

Recently, a training day was led by Training Pilot Captain Mark Johnson, assisted by ex-Pilot Andy Hillier, involving members of the Svitzer team as well as Pilots Matt Roberts and Ian Coombes. As part of the scenario, they were faced with a loss of engine power and steering along with worsening weather and sea conditions. The Pilots had to communicate with Svitzer in order to successfully instruct them on how to tow and direct a drifting tanker. While scenarios like these are uncommon within port operations, it is important to rehearse procedures that would be implemented if they are required and enhances participants’ skill sets.

Marine Pilot and Simulator Instructor, Captain Ewan McNicoll, said “This simulator suite has future proofed our training capabilities, both internally for Pilots and marine staff, but also externally for clients wishing to use the facility, be it for training purposes or research and development. We can create any type of scenario with any type of ship, ranging from practicing ship handling manoeuvres to emergency situations, it really is game changing! Working with our partners at MARIN has been a complete success and I am very proud of our new facility.”

For more information about training at the navigation simulation suite please contact the Port of Milford Haven at [email protected] or 01646 696100.

Business

Thousands of homes in rural Wales gain from faster 4G boost

Published

17 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RURAL Wales is seeing a major upgrade in mobile connectivity, with faster 4G now live in several areas. Seven locations across North, South West, and West Wales are benefitting from new 4G mast upgrades funded by the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network (SRN), aimed at closing the digital gap between rural and urban areas.

The upgrades, which went live on Thursday (Nov 14), bring improved 4G coverage to communities including Bontddu, Llanelltyd, Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, Penmaenpool, Tabor, Snowdonia National Park, and Bontgoch. Local businesses, emergency services, and residents are expected to benefit from faster internet access, which supports daily communication, business opportunities, and economic growth.

***There is a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties***

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Fast, reliable connectivity is essential for modern life and should be available from Cardiff to the remotest parts of Wales. Today’s upgrades bring us closer to making this a reality.”

SUPPORTING DIGITAL INCLUSION

As part of the rollout, Peter Kyle and Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant visited Ebbw Vale to discuss digital inclusion with charity and industry leaders. They met with representatives at BGfm, a digital inclusion hub in Blaenau Gwent, to learn about how connectivity impacts daily life in Welsh communities.

Telecoms Minister Bryant said: “We are working tirelessly to make sure rural communities aren’t left behind online.

“These upgrades mean businesses can now operate without connectivity limitations, 999 services are better equipped to respond, and residents and tourists can stay connected across the Welsh countryside.”

ADDRESSING CONNECTIVITY GAPS

An estimated 1.5 million homes across the UK remain without internet access, limiting people’s ability to access essential services such as banking and healthcare. In addition to the SRN upgrades, the Chancellor has allocated over £500 million in next year’s budget for digital infrastructure expansion, targeting these underserved areas.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the importance of this investment, particularly for rural Wales, where fast, reliable internet can be transformative.

“Connectivity is critical for day-to-day life in rural areas – from supporting local businesses to ensuring emergency services are just a call away,” Stevens said.

The upgraded masts, previously limited to EE customers and emergency 999 calls, now serve a wider user base, bringing essential internet access to more people without requiring new infrastructure.

Ben Roome, CEO of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, said: “With the activation of five new SRN sites, Wales is seeing the tangible benefits of the Shared Rural Network, bringing crucial connectivity to rural communities.”

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN REMOTE WALES

The improvements come alongside a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties, helping future-proof digital access in even the most isolated locations.

The latest upgrades mark another step in the Government’s mission to improve mobile coverage and close the connectivity gap across Wales, creating opportunities and supporting economic growth across rural communities.

Business

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority invites businesses to advertise in mag

Published

20 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As 2024 comes to a close, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is encouraging local businesses to prepare for the year ahead by reserving advertising space in Coast to Coast, Pembrokeshire’s highly regarded, award-winning visitor magazine.

Launching its 43rd edition in Easter 2025, Coast to Coast provides a prime opportunity for businesses to reach a wide audience, with a readership exceeding one million people.

The bilingual publication, distributed across Pembrokeshire’s busiest locations and parts of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion during peak tourism months, is a valuable resource for both visitors and residents. From unique products and delicious offerings to exciting experiences, businesses of all types can benefit from the exposure Coast to Coast offers. The magazine is available in hundreds of outlets countywide and has become an essential guide for anyone looking to explore the best of Pembrokeshire.

“Over the years, Coast to Coast has established itself as the must-have summer guide, packed with inspiration for exploring the Park,” said Marie Parkin, Head of Marketing and Communications for the Authority. “In addition to showcasing our visitor attractions such as Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Castell Henllys Iron Age Village and Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre, the magazine includes practical information like maps, bus schedules and tide tables.”

“From scenic walks and beach days to rich insights into the Park’s heritage, culture, and wildlife, Coast to Coast offers something for everyone. Our Activities and Events listings ensure families can enjoy a full calendar of experiences,” Marie Parkin added.

With advertising deadlines set for early January 2025, businesses are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their spot and avoid disappointment.

For more information about advertising in Coast to Coast, please contact [email protected] or call 01646 624895.