Page 64 - Plastics News July 2025
P. 64
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
The data suggests that while around a third of pens to packaging after disposal.
consumers still consider environmental impact
in their decision-making, it is no longer a lead- The study also found that while bio-based and
ing factor. This growing price sensitivity appears low-carbon packaging options are gaining trac-
to be shaped by ongoing inflationary pressures tion in some demographics, such as high-income
and a desire to make practical, cost-effective women in the Northeastern US, these attributes
choices amid broader economic uncertainty. remain less influential for the wider population.
For packaging, this trend is especially clear. Con- Responsibility for sustainability lies with brands
sumers are increasingly focused on packaging and producers
that protects food and prolongs shelf life—fea- Most US consumers believe the onus for im-
tures that can help avoid spoilage and reduce proving packaging sustainability lies with brand
overall food costs.
owners and packaging manufacturers. Nearly
The appearance of packaging has dropped in 70% placed the responsibility with these groups,
importance, particularly as online shopping con- compared with just 10% who said it should fall to
tinues to grow and consumers interact less with consumers themselves.
physical packaging before purchase.
Despite this expectation, fewer than 10% of re-
Recyclability tops sustainability preferences spondents could name a single packaging com-
pany. This suggests a disconnect between con-
Among those still concerned about sustainable sumer expectations and awareness, and may
packaging, recyclability stands out as the most reflect a broader reluctance to take on the prac-
important feature. tical or financial burden of sustainable choices.
Some 77% of respondents described recyclable In this context, consumers appear to prefer
packaging as “extremely important” or “very im- that the industry—not individuals—leads efforts
portant,” followed by packaging made from re- to improve packaging outcomes. They expect
cycled content and materials that are composta- packaging to be designed with sustainability in
ble or reusable. mind, but without compromising on cost or con-
venience.
Glass and paper-based packaging are perceived
as the most sustainable options, largely due to A nuanced approach required for future packag-
their high recycling rates in the US. Plastic pack- ing strategies
aging, particularly laminated or multimaterial for-
mats, is viewed as less environmentally friendly, The McKinsey report underscores that while
even when technically recyclable. sustainable packaging remains important to
many US consumers, it is not the dominant fac-
This disconnect suggests that consumer percep- tor shaping behaviour in 2025.
tions are influenced not just by material types,
but by their understanding of what actually hap- Packaging companies and brands are encour-
64 PLASTICS NEWS July 2025
