ThePackHub Weekly Snapshot Update

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 that are coming to ThePackHub's attention each week. So here goes...

Report unveils generational divide in consumer preference for sustainable packaging

ALPLA Group have released a report detailing generational divides in consumer preferences for sustainable packaging, revealing that younger shoppers prioritize eco-friendly options and are willing to make extra efforts or pay more for them.

• 54% of young consumers (18-34 years old) prioritize products with sustainable packaging "always" or "often," compared to 33% of respondents aged 35 and older, and 25% of those 55 and older.
• 48% of young consumers consider it a "deal-breaker" if a product lacks sustainable packaging, compared to older generations.
• 68% of young consumers are willing to adjust habits or pay more to choose eco-friendly packaging, compared to 50% of those 35 and above, and 41% of those 55 and above.
• 34% of young consumers choose sustainable packaging even if less convenient, compared to 23% of those 35 and older.
• 79% of young consumers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly packaging, with most willing to pay an extra 25% or more, compared to older generations.

Source: ALPLA

Report highlights Amazon's plastic packaging fate

A report by U.S. PIRG Education Fund and Environment America Research & Policy Centre reveals the fate of Amazon's plastic packaging, indicating that the majority still ends up in landfills or incinerators rather than being recycled as advertised.

• Only 4 out of 93 Amazon packages tracked were recycled; most ended up in landfills or incinerators.
• Trex Company, Inc. received 24 packages, creating nonrecyclable products from the plastic.
• Amazon's global plastic waste in 2021 was estimated at 709 million pounds.
• Less than 10% of produced plastic is recycled, with the rest causing environmental harm.
• Environmental groups urge Amazon to eliminate plastic packaging in its U.S. shipments

Source: U.S. PIRG Education Fund

Survey finds lack of awareness about forever chemicals and PFAS

A survey conducted by Sapio Research for Celebration Packaging Limited reveals that 80% of consumers lack familiarity with 'forever chemicals' like PFAS, prompting concerns about their presence in everyday products and the environment.

• 80% of consumers are not familiar with 'forever chemicals' and the term PFAS.
• PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals found in various everyday products, with concerns about their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.
• Denmark and 12 U.S. states have banned PFAS, while the European Chemicals Agency is developing plans to reduce PFAS emissions.
• 96% of surveyed consumers expressed concern about PFAS after being informed about them.
• Celebration Packaging's white bagasse products are certified PFAS-free and compostable, addressing consumer concerns about packaging safety and environmental impact.

Source: Celebration Packaging

Until next time, happy innovating!