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 ).

We will focus on interesting packaging studies coming to ThePackHub's attention each week. So here goes...

Study unveils diverse perspectives on circularity and sustainability in fashion

Aquapak Polymers Ltd , specialise in polymer-based material technologies, recently conducted a study surveying board directors and senior executives from fashion brands in the UK, US, and Australia.

The study found that respondents have varying timelines for achieving full circularity in their businesses. Additionally, a portion of participants rated their circularity strategy positively, with others recognizing room for improvement. In terms of sustainability leadership, opinions diverged, with some identifying their business as a market leader and others considering it average or lagging. Aquapak's product, Hydropol, provides an eco-friendly alternative for items like garment bags, addressing end-of-life concerns and aligning with consumer demands for sustainable fashion.

Aquapak CEO Mark Lapping emphasized the industry's potential for positive change through collaborations with early-adopter fashion companies, showcasing the effectiveness of innovative materials in meeting sustainability goals.

• Circularity Projections: 12% expect full circularity within 1-2 years. 34% and 31% project this goal within 2-3 and 3-4 years, respectively.
• Circularity Strategy Assessment: 32% rate their circularity strategy as excellent. 54% consider it good, highlighting room for improvement.
• Sustainability Leadership Views: 54% see their business as a market leader in sustainability. 39% view their business as average in sustainability leadership. 7% describe their business as a laggard in sustainability initiatives.

Source: Aquapak Polymers Ltd

Study explores factors for success in reusable packaging

A recent study by Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy and the US Plastics Pact , involving regular users of reusable packaging, explores key factors for the success of reuse systems. The report underscores the importance of minimal technology, reminders for packaging return, and increased options.

Launched in February 2023, the Reuse Catalyst program, comprising business-to-business and business-to-consumer companies, delves into the challenges and opportunities of reusable packaging. The study notes that surveyed customers consider it "extremely important" for brands to offer reusable products, and many use them weekly. Challenges identified include customer understanding of the complete reuse process and the delicate balance between appealing design and encouraging return for sustainability.

• 56% find it "extremely important" for brands to offer reusable products.
• 47% use reusable products weekly.
• 85% plan to return reusable packaging.

Source: Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy and the U.S. Plastics Pact.

Sustainable packaging and consumer interest in the food industry

The research featured in the ASEAN Journal of Economic and Economic Education examines the impact of eco-friendly packaging in the food industry on consumer interest and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The study, not explicitly conducted by Ehrenberg-Bass, investigates the relationship between consumer awareness of environmentally friendly packaging, the zero-waste efforts of food businesses, and the broader understanding of sustainability. Findings suggest a positive correlation between eco-friendly packaging and consumer interest, emphasizing the role of sustainable packaging in achieving zero waste goals and fostering a cleaner environment.

• 91.1% of respondents demonstrated awareness and a willingness to spend more on food products with eco-friendly packaging.
• 75% of respondents had an understanding of the concept of zero waste in the food industry.
• 73.2% of respondents indicated an awareness and positive inclination towards food products with environmentally friendly packaging.

Source: ASEAN Journal of Economic and Economic Education

Until next time, happy innovating!