UK Consumers Opt for Sustainable Packaging

UK consumers are avoiding packaging deemed harmful to the environment in favour of sustainable and recycled options, according to new research.

The research, which comes from innovation firm MPA, found that consumers say they are overwhelmingly in favour of more sustainable packaging – and support initiatives to reduce waste.

According to the research, 32% of those surveyed said they made an effort to buy goods with recyclable packaging, while 24% actively looked to buy products made from recycled materials.

And 8% tried to avoid shops that did not offer products with recyclable packaging, while 6% said they paid extra for goods with 100% recyclable packaging.

Despite 80% of consumers saying they always made an effort to recycle packaging, 60% said they needed help to reduce the amount of plastic they used. Meanwhile, one in 10 said they felt that as far as environmental impact was concerned, there was little to no difference between plastics or paper bags.

“Our research has found that consumers are shunning single use plastics and unsustainable packaging in a bid to reduce their carbon footprint,” commented Stuart Bentley from MPA.

“Arguably, the packaging industry is the sector which has had the biggest overhaul in recent years, but several companies are continuing to innovate and, as a result, are playing a leading role in offering consumers the chance to make more sustainable choices.”