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

Navigating Easter Packaging: Consumer Perceptions, Recycling Challenges, and Solutions

A recent study by DS Smith found that many Britons perceive Easter egg packaging as excessive, yet they still plan to purchase a significant number of eggs this year. The survey underscores consumer priorities such as taste and value over environmental concerns, with some emphasising the importance of recyclable packaging. However, the report states that inconsistent recycling guidelines across UK councils lead to confusion and hinder proper recycling efforts. DS Smith suggests educational initiatives and collaboration to address these challenges and improve Easter packaging recycling.

• 69% of British citizens believe Easter eggs are excessively packaged.
• Britons plan to buy an estimated 156 million Easter eggs this year, spending over ￡415 million.
• Only 20% of UK councils collect aluminium foil for recycling.

Source: DS Smith

Navigating Plastic Recycling: Bridging Perception and Reality

An independent survey in the UK indicates a discrepancy between self-reported plastic recycling rates and national figures. In response, the Environmental Services Association (ESA) and British Plastics Federation launched PlasticRecyclingFacts.org .

This initiative aims to enhance consumer confidence in recycling through online influencers and informative content. Findings highlight common barriers to effective plastic recycling, including time constraints and confusion over recycling guidelines. The campaign seeks to educate the public about the importance of plastic recycling, dispel myths, and promote recycling as a priority. Targeting different demographic groups, it aims to engage a wide audience and encourage participation in recycling efforts.

• 94% of UK adults claim to recycle plastic at least most of the time.
• 60% of adults claim to "always" recycle plastic, with an additional 34% stating they "usually" do.
• 61% express confidence that their recycled plastic gets processed correctly, despite stagnant national recycling figures.

Source: PlasticRecyclingFacts.org

Unpacking European consumer attitudes towards sustainability

A European study commissioned by Pro Carton - The association of carton and cartonboard manufacturers reveals consumer concerns regarding climate change, cost of living, and war. Consumers emphasise the increasing importance of a sustainable lifestyle. Climate change dominates concerns in Italy, Spain, and France, while the UK prioritises the cost of living and Germany focuses on war.

Despite various concerns, consumers express a strong commitment to environmental protection and recycling. There's growing confidence in identifying recyclable packaging, notably corrugated cardboard and cardboard. Companies are urged to address consumer concerns, communicate sustainability efforts, and offer eco-friendly packaging to gain trust and competitive advantage.

• Climate change, cost of living, and war are the top concerns for European consumers, with 68%, 66%, and 56% respectively citing them.
• Over 5,000 European respondents participated in the study on consumer perceptions of packaging commissioned by Pro Carton.
• Nearly half (49%) of surveyed consumers state they recycle more today than they did a year ago.

Source: Pro Carton

Until next time, happy innovating!