ThePackHub Weekly Snapshot Update

Welcome to ThePackHub's latest LinkedIn newsletter. ??

This is our account of the world of packaging innovation, focusing on recently published packaging research and studies.?Managing Director Paul Jenkins will continue to provide lots of news and views via his LinkedIn weekly newsletter (make sure you also subscribe).

Each week, we will focus on interesting packaging studies coming to ThePackHub's attention. So here goes...

Research reveals packaging preferences for Australian wine choices

New research by the 澳大利亚南澳大学 (UniSA) and the 澳大利亚阿德莱德大学 's Business School highlights the significant influence of packaging formats on Australian consumers' wine preferences. Traditional glass bottles are the preferred choice, followed by cask wine and flat plastic bottles, while cans are least favoured for casual, at-home consumption.

Despite glass bottles contributing to over two-thirds of the wine industry's carbon footprint, alternative options like cask and aluminium cans, considered more carbon-efficient, are being explored.

The study, funded by the Wolf Blass Foundation Inc and led by Jakob Mesidis, focuses on understanding consumer motivations for sustainable packaging, particularly among younger and eco-conscious individuals, aiming to address existing prejudices and preferences in the market.

• Australians prefer glass bottles for wine, followed by cask wine and flat plastic bottles, with cans least favoured for at-home consumption
• Glass bottles, contributing over two-thirds of the wine industry's carbon emissions, remain popular.
• Alternatives like cask and aluminium cans, up to 51% more carbon-efficient, gain interest, especially among younger and eco-conscious consumers challenging perceptions of lower quality.

Source: University of Adelaide

UK retail industry survey highlights sustainability challenges and priorities

New data from UK waste management company Biffa , based on a survey of business decision-makers in the retail industry by YouGov , reveals a majority acknowledging their role in the circular economy and almost unanimous recognition of the importance of waste management and recycling in addressing climate change.

The survey indicates that 63% of retail businesses have established sustainability strategies, with larger businesses demonstrating increased commitment. Respondents advocate for financial incentives, clearer legislation, incentivised partnerships, and reduced regulation to achieve sustainability goals.

Despite prioritising sustainability, 63% consider it their least important focus, citing barriers such as costs, competing priorities, and infrastructure gaps. Biffa underscores the importance of collaboration, EPR, Simpler Recycling legislation, and offers support through partnerships with companies like Zellar to simplify sustainable business practices.

• More than 50% of UK retail decision-makers acknowledge their role in the circular economy, with almost 90% recognizing the importance of waste management and recycling in combating climate change
• 63% of surveyed retail businesses have established sustainability strategies, with larger businesses demonstrating increased commitment.
• Key barriers to sustainability efforts include costs (48%), competing priorities (30%), and infrastructure gaps (29%).

Source: Biffa

Study reveals challenges faced by visually impaired consumers due to inaccessible packaging

A study by Japanese tech company Roland DG Corporation indicates that blind and partially sighted consumers face challenges in purchasing food and beverages due to inaccessible packaging. Despite efforts by some companies, like NaviLens , to introduce solutions such as QR codes for audio information, many visually impaired individuals remain dissatisfied.

The study, involving 500 visually impaired UK adults, reveals that 81% believe brands should be mandated to create more accessible packaging. However, 37% feel that brands lack the necessary effort, and 74% accidentally purchased items due to poor packaging guidance, leading to disappointment and financial waste.

• 81% of visually impaired individuals believe brands should be mandated to create more accessible packaging.
• 37% feel that brands do not make sufficient efforts to ensure packaging accessibility.
• 74% accidentally purchased items due to poor packaging guidance, resulting in disappointment and financial waste.

Source: Roland DG

Early adopters shaping the reuse landscape

The U.S. Plastics Pact and Closed Loop Partners ' Center for the Circular Economy have released a report based on a survey of over 300 "early adopter customers" participating in the reuse catalyst program.

The findings reveal that respondents emphasize the importance for brands to offer reusable products and packaging, use reusable products or services weekly, and consider the reusable solution's price comparable to a single-use product. The report emphasizes the need for understanding consumer motivations to create a culture of reuse, aiming for at least a 90% return rate for reusable packaging. Convenience and cost remain challenges, highlighting the importance of simplicity and education in reuse programs.

• 56% of respondents deem it important for brands to offer reusable products and packaging.
• 47% use reusable products or services weekly.
• 45% describe the price of reusable solutions as about the same as a single-use product.

Source: Closed Loop Partners

Until next time, happy innovating!