Do Consumers Really Care About Recyclable Packaging?

In the era of sustainability, much has been made of recyclable packaging – but how important is it to consumers really?

A new survey by Pro Carton, the European Association of Carton and Cartonboard manufacturers, has found that more than half (58%) of consumers say they think recycling is the most important way they can reduce the impact of climate change.

The survey asked over 5,000 European consumers about their attitude to the environment and how packaging features within it.

Two in three consumers from the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy said they planned to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Speaking to Packaging Europe about the survey results, Pro Carton’s director of marketing and communications Winfried Muehling said, “Overall, we have noticed a clear preference from consumers towards environmentally friendly, recyclable packaging materials. Brands are recognising that above all else, consumers want to do their bit for the environment, and are relying on them to provide sustainable packaging solutions.

“From the consumer’s perspective we expect the current trends towards recyclable packaging and renewable raw materials to continue to develop, as they define packaging developments in the future.”