Page 57 - Plastics News May 2023

IN THE NEWS

Consumer demand for sustainable packaging increases despite inflation
prove their understanding of eco-
friendly packaging.”
Global inflation has restricted con-
sumer spending, but not their desire
for sustainable products and packag-
ing, the survey reported.
Seventy percent of consumers chose
not to swap sustainably packed prod-
ucts for cheaper alternatives and 71%
said they participate in green activi-
ties such as recycling and buying local
goods. The study shows sustainabil-
ity has become a core component of
many people’s lifestyles, even during
economic volatility.
The biggest obstacle to sustainable
shopping is unclear labeling on pack-
ages, according to 46% of respond-
onsumers are willing to pay a The survey did not define sustainable ents.
Cpremium for sustainable packag- packaging but said more consumers
ing despite inflationary pressure, ac- are choosing packaging based on its “It’s clear that consumers are pav-
cording to Trivium Packaging’s 2023 sustainability credentials—including ing the way for a sustainable future,
Buying Green Report. alternatives to plastic bags and bottles and businesses need to listen—ex-
ternal factors like the economy don’t
Eighty-two percent of respondents such as reusable containers or packag- phase the eco-conscious demand,”
would pay higher prices for products ing made of biodegradable materials. said Michael Mapes, CEO of Trivium
sold in sustainable packaging, a 4% in- “There’s a major opportunity here to Packaging. “Buyers are looking at the
crease from last year. Among 18- to improve consumer understanding of big picture: the survival of our planet.
24-year-olds, the number is higher, sustainability claims,” said Jenny Was- Consumers are turning away from
with 90% willing to pay a green pre- senaar, chief sustainability officer at harmful packaging and turning toward
mium. Survey findings were based on Trivium Packaging. “The data in this sustainable, recyclable options like
responses from 9,000 people across year’s Buying Green Report shows metal packaging."
North America, South America and that consumers are seeking out more
Europe. information than ever before to im-

Extrusion 2023 Conference: It’s All About Sustainability

lastics Technology is bringing the the plastics processing market world- diting product changeovers; utilizing
Pworld of extrusion to Indiana at wide, including the world of extru- more energy-efficient machinery; and
the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, Oc- sion. As a result, the focus of this so forth.
tober 10-12 for The Extrusion 2023 year’s Extrusion Conference will be Each day will consist of a General
Conference. During this event, busi- on sustainability. This means all pres- Session that will be of interest to all
ness owners, plant managers, process entations should address that subject extrusion processors, as well as an
engineers and manufacturing person- in a meaningful way. This could mean afternoon of concurrent sessions that
nel will be brought up to speed on source reduction; how to convey, dry, will drill down into specific processes:
technology developments impacting blend, feed recycled materials; inno- Film, Sheet, Compounding, and Pipe/
all types of extrusion operations. vations in “green” resins/biopolymers/ Profile/Tubing.
Sustainability is driving decisions in additives; minimizing scrap; screw de-
signs for reclaim/biomaterials; expe-

PLASTICS NEWS 57
May 2023