New research reveals sustainability’s impact on packaging

New research reveals sustainability’s impact on packaging
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A new survey by paper-based packaging leader Smurfit Kappa, Dublin, reveals that sustainability is leading businesses to rethink their products and packaging in an effort to tackle environmental waste. According to Smurfit Kappa, the Sustainability and Profitability Survey, which was conducted among 200 senior business executives in the U.K., shows that sustainability is driving all research and development (R&D) and new product development in more than a third of companies.

The research also shows how businesses are focusing on packaging specifically as a key innovation opportunity with 7 in 10 businesses citing materials in packaging as their biggest sustainability challenge, followed by collection and recycling (59 percent) and the materials used to manufacture products (56 percent). Furthermore, almost 9 in 10 businesses have included used or recycled material in products or packaging as part of their sustainability strategies.

 “This research highlights that businesses are now having to address sustainability in a challenging economic environment and consumers will continue to drive the sustainability agenda,” says Arco Berkenbosch, Smurfit Kappa vice president of innovation and development.

“There are plenty of easy wins for suppliers to tackle in the global packaging industry without driving up significant costs, starting with reducing the amount of empty packaging in the e-commerce channel and the use of nonsustainable materials when transporting goods in the supply chain. We have found that there is growing demand for the products in our Better Planet Packaging portfolio which are sustainable alternatives.”

Berkenbosch adds, “As the shift to sustainable packaging intensifies, it is critical that businesses continue to invest in innovative solutions in order to respond to consumer demand, improve brand perception and deliver successful sustainability strategies.”

The survey, which also examines consumers’ views on sustainability and how they are adapting to create a more sustainable future, finds that 37 percent rate packaging design as important when making a purchasing decision. Further, signaling consumers’ awareness of brands’ packaging, the research shows more than half of customers have purchased a product specifically because it had reusable or biodegradable packaging in the past six months.

The Sustainability and Profitability Survey shows8 in 10 businesses view sustainability as a long-term investment rather than a cost with consumers continuing to drive organizations’ attitudes towards sustainable practices. 

For more information, view the survey results in the Sustainability Reshapes the Business Landscape for Good report.

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Source: Recycling Today
New research reveals sustainability’s impact on packaging
<![CDATA[A new survey by paper-based packaging leader Smurfit Kappa, Dublin, reveals that sustainability is leading businesses to rethink their products and packaging in an effort to tackle environmental waste. According to Smurfit Kappa, the Sustainability and Profitability Survey, which was conducted among 200 senior business executives in the U.K., shows that sustainability is driving all research and development (R&D) and new product development in more than a third of companies. The research also shows how businesses are focusing on packaging specifically as a key innovation opportunity with 7 in 10 businesses citing materials in packaging as their biggest sustainability challenge, followed by collection and recycling (59 percent) and the materials used to manufacture products (56 percent). Furthermore, almost 9 in 10 businesses have included used or recycled material in products or packaging as part of their sustainability strategies. “This research highlights that businesses are now having to address sustainability in a challenging economic environment and consumers will continue to drive the sustainability agenda,” says Arco Berkenbosch, Smurfit Kappa vice president of innovation and development. “There are plenty of easy wins for suppliers to tackle in the global packaging industry without driving up significant costs, starting with reducing the amount of empty…