TRADE NEWS Clothing spending falls early Government agencies 'should be more proactive' CBI asks mayor candidates to support firms Growth is 'main problem for new retailers' No need to be wary online, say experts Minimum wage hike could affect retail employment Retailers should update websites regularly BRC expects victory in Visa investigation UK to spend £8bn over Easter Retail slows in Scotland Easter sales moving online Pet clothing retail growing Niche retailers should sell their benefits to landlords London retail sales up on 2006 Weak high street sees profits drop for French Connection Older consumers well informed about online security Government could bring in carrier bag legislation British take-up of fair-trade highlights importance of ethical retailing Dragons' Den entrepreneur to help launch academy Economic downturn could hit retailers hard Sales continue sluggish performance into February Shoppers opting for green retailers Independent retailers fear bad news budget User-generated content could be the key to online independent retailers Shopping centres urged to rethink consumer perceptions UK shoppers lead the way for online continental spending Consumers reveal interest in ethical trading BRC urge bank to make cuts to help retailers Asda pledge to remove disposable carrier bags CBI calls on Darling to cut tax on retailers New retailers agree Grand Arcade leases Defra unveil new packaging targets ISPs should be more accountable for online counterfeit goods sales Retailers reject government plastic bag claims Counterfeit goods harming retail industry Archive March trade news 2008 February trade news 2008 January trade news 2008   4th March 2008   Defra unveil new packaging targets The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced its intention to increase packaging recycling targets from this year. In a move that will have a lasting impact on the responsibilities of both wholesalers and retailers, Defra will up the targets to 72 per cent for this year, 73 per cent for next year and 74 per cent for 2010. Joan Ruddock, minister for waste, revealed that the new targets would help to improve the green credentials of Great Britain as a whole. "Reducing, recovering and recycling packaging is an important way in which business, government and the consumer can work together to reduce greenhouse gases," she said. "These increased targets represent our commitment to drive up recycling in Great Britain and tackle dangerous climate change," she added. The targets, which will also help to cut carbon emissions, will help the nation meet both the 2008 EU Directive target and the 2007 Waste Strategy for England target.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .