According to research from specialist polymer manufacturer Aquapak, consumers would like to see bolder steps from UK retailers and brands on reducing plastic packaging
Consumers in the UK think retailers and brands are not doing enough to reduce the use of plastic packaging, according to research conducted by Aquapak, a company that develops and manufactures specialist polymers for the production of sustainable packaging materials.
The research showed that 65 per cent of consumers believe that retailers and brands are falling short when it comes to cutting plastic use, with just 18 per cent saying they are doing enough.
According to the findings, 59 per cent want to see the conventional plastic used in packaging replaced with an alternative material that can be recycled and is environmentally friendly.
In addition, 57 per cent said companies should use more paper-based packaging that is easily recyclable in kerbside collections, while 49 per cent said they should completely eliminate single-use plastic.
“If such changes are not made, the findings suggest that consumers are happy to vote with their feet,” Aquapak stated. “Over the next 12 months, 56 per cent of those surveyed said they will try and buy more products that do not use single-use plastic packaging, such as polyethylene bags and hard to recycle packaging like crisp packets and chocolate wrappers. They are prepared to take even more extreme steps over the next three years, with 46 per cent saying they will stop buying products that use single-use packaging and hard to recycle packaging altogether.”
According to the research, nearly a third of consumers are also prepared to pay more for packaging that is 100 per cent recyclable when buying products like dry foods and snacks. Of these, 43 per cent apparently said they would be willing to pay 5 per cent more.
Mark Lapping, chief executive officer of Aquapak, commented: “Our research shows that consumers want to see more from brands and retailers when it comes to cutting the use of plastic packaging. We recognise that businesses have many challenges to deal with when it comes sustainability, whether it is carbon, water or biodiversity but it is important that they don’t just pay lip service to new technologies but opt for real change.
“The good news is that there is a commercially proven solution that will make their plastic packaging problems disappear. We have developed Hydropol which can be incorporated into paper to create planet-friendly wrappers for dry foods, snacks and confectionery, or used as film to make garment bags, providing an alternative to current packaging which is hard to recycle and inconvenient for consumers.”
