Consumers more aware of their environmental footprint

Consumers more aware of their environmental footprint.

TRIVIUM PACKAGING’S GLOBAL GREEN PROCUREMENT REPORT 2021

Today’s consumer has a greater awareness of the environmental footprint. Sustainable packaging is their priority. This is revealed in a study conducted last year by Shorr Packaging, which noted that two-thirds of shoppers who have made changes to their purchasing behaviour during the pandemic are paying more attention to packaging, being “likely” or “very likely” to select products in recyclable or reusable packaging.

An article by Lauren Manning for Food Dive points out that it is mainly younger people who are paying attention to sustainable products, but Generation Z is not far behind. They are willing to spend more on such products. And brands know it. That’s why they invest in their processes and environmental responsibility to offer products and packaging that care for the planet. Some brands, such as Nestlé, are investing in green alternatives and others, such as manufacturers, are testing packaging that uses recycled food, recycled materials, and that switches from plastic to paper or other seemingly more sustainable options.

According to the Global Green Purchasing Report 2021 by Trivium Packaging, a manufacturer of metal packaging, and based on a study conducted, consumers (63%) associate plastic with ocean pollution. Clearly, something is changing, which is why brands such as Danone and Mondelez and frozen food manufacturers have signed up to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Global Commitment to eliminate plastic pollution. This effort aims to achieve 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable plastic packaging by 2025.

There are only a few years left, even if they seem like many because it means the change of processes in the companies and costs that are generated. For example, according to the article, switching to sustainable packaging can cost a company 25% more than traditional packaging. And, in addition to this, it will have to be asked whether consumers are willing to pay more for this type of packaging, and thus cover those additional costs that companies would incur.

And finally, this report highlights the need to not only create clear messages related to sustainability in products but also to continue the work of educating and informing consumers about the benefits of recyclability.