The Portman Group is urging consumers to report packaging that breaches its code of practice through a two-week advertising campaign in the national press.

The two-week campaign, which begins yesterday (1 December) in The Times and The Guardian, aims to encourage people to complain about “irresponsible marketing”.

A Portman Group spokesman told Packaging News that around half of the approximately 10 complaints the organisation receives each year come from members of the general public.

“We will receive complains from concerned parents as well as traditional sources like Trading Standards or alcohol charities,” he said.

The Portman Group’s code of practice on the naming, packaging and promotion of alcoholic drinks is mandatory for all UK firms.

Portman Group chief executive David Poley said: “We want to be certain that all producers are meeting the code’s high standards. Consumers can help us achieve our goal by complaining about any irresponsible marketing that has crept under our radar.”

The campaign uses slogans such as “Only 17 complaining days left until Christmas” and “Christmas, a time of peace and joy. And complaints.”

www.packagingnews.co.uk