SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING
packaging is it has to be green
Whatever colour your
Everything is pointing towards the growing importance of adopting more sustainable packaging materials, along with the need to reduce packaging material
waste.Suzanne Callander reports.
T
here can be no doubting that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of what they buy and how it is packaged so one of the biggest
trends affecting confectionery packaging today relates to an increasing demand from consumers for more sustainable packaging. In the UK, for example, as of January 2023, the percentage of consumers that were demanding sustainable packaging rose to 81%, according to void-fill packaging supplier, Protega. Protega argues that one of the most
effective ways to improve the sustainability of packaging is by selecting renewable and recyclable materials. Suggestions include opting for packaging materials such as paper, which is biodegradable and recyclable. Avoid using single-use plastics and non-recyclable materials where possible to minimise environmental impact. Using products with accreditations such as Forest Stewardship Council ( FSC) and 100% Recycled will help highlight a brand’s dedication to the
32 Kennedy’s Confection June 2024
environment to its customers. Progea also advocates streamlining packaging design to minimise material use and reduce waste. By optimising packaging design and size, it is possible to decrease packaging material consumption, lower shipping costs, and minimise carbon emissions associated with transportation. Simplify packaging components where possible to eliminate any unnecessary layers and focus on essential protective features to achieve a more sustainable packaging solution. Confectionery producers, in line with
other fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors, have needed to address the sustainability demand. A report undertaken on behalf of Aquapak – FMCG flexible packaging: accelerating the move from plastic to paper – based on research from 100 packaging experts responsible for packaging R&D, technology, design and sustainability for FMCG brands, revealed that the majority (92%) plan to stop using plastic in their consumer packaging altogether. The report also showed that paper and paperboard are the most popular
replacement materials of choice, followed by new polymers, bioplastics, and multi- materials. However, despite the commitment to
move away from plastic, the Aquapak report found that the timeframe set for the transition is long, with 27% of packaging experts expecting this to happen by 2027, 35% by 2028 and 28% by 2029. Crucially, the majority (87%) want the switch to alternative materials to replace conventional plastics to take place more quickly. The barriers to moving to more environmentally friendly options to relate to the higher cost of alternative packaging, which was cited by 53% of respondents; the availability of alternative materials (50%); and ensuring the functionality and product protection remains the same (46%). Research shows that in the UK consumers
not only have a negative image of plastics but are actually willing to pay up to 16% more for a product whose packaging is partly paper- made, according to an article in Journal of Consumer Research in October 2023 – Paper Meets Plastic: The Perceived Environmental Friendliness of Product Packaging.
KennedysConfection.com
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