Doughnut company prosecuted over waste failings

Krispy Kreme UK Ltd has been prosecuted by the Environment Agency following breaches of packaging waste obligations. 

The doughnut company - which also sells hot and cold drinks from its network of outlets and in-store cabinets across the UK - failed to comply with the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 2005 and 2007.

Routine checks carried out by the Environment Agency found that Krispy Kreme UK Ltd was not registered with a compliance scheme. By failing to register and failing to purchase the right amount of Packaging Recovery Notes for its paper and plastic pack filling and selling, the firm saved £6,710 between 2006 and 2009. The firm did then join a compliance scheme in April 2010.

Environment Agency's investigating officer, Matt Higginson, said that the 'Producer Responsibility Regulations' were put into place to 'encourage a reduction in the amount of packaging used by businesses.' In turn, this would lower the disposal of packaging waste to landfill.

"Although these regulations have been in place for over a decade, many businesses still remain unaware of their responsibilities," said Mr Higginson.

"The money that Krispy Kreme UK Ltd has saved by not purchasing Packaging Recovery Notes would have directly supported the recycling industry. All businesses must take their impact on the environment seriously and Krispy Kreme have failed to do this by not complying with these regulations," he added.

Krispy Kreme UK Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching waste regulations and was fined £8,000 at Woking Magistrates' Court along with associated costs totalling almost £4,000.