In the midst of heated discussions about packaging,
avoidable plastic waste and a move towards a circular economy, a snap poll,
conducted by Two Sides and international research agency Toluna, has revealed a
strong preference for paper & cardboard packaging amongst UK consumers.
A nationally-representative survey of 500 UK adults
found paper & cardboard to be the most preferred packaging material for
environmental-friendliness, recyclability and practicality.
Respondents were asked which packaging material
(glass, metal, paper & cardboard, or plastic) they prefer based on a number
of different reasons. Paper & cardboard received the highest score for
being; better for the environment and easier to recycle and, in terms of
practicality, easier to open and close, easier to store, lighter weight, more
practical, and safer to use.
Consumers also appreciate paper & cardboard
packaging’s unique environmental qualities:
- 78% like paper & cardboard packaging because it is biodegradable
- 73% believe paper & cardboard packaging makes good use of recycled materials
- 64% like paper & cardboard packaging because it is made from renewable wood fibre
Martyn Eustace, Managing Director of Two Sides,
says; “In the current packaging climate, it is great to
see paper & cardboard packaging recognised by consumers for its excellent
environmental attributes. Not only does paper & cardboard packaging have an
exceptionally high utilisation rate of recycled fibres, it is also the most
recycled packaging material in Europe, at 83%. Consumers can also be confident
knowing that European forests, which provide much of the virgin fibre used for
making paper & cardboard packaging, have grown by an area the size of
Switzerland in just 10 years – that’s equivalent to over 1,500 football pitches
every day!”
The survey also revealed significant consumer
concerns about packaging in general. 85% believe packaging is a significant
source of litter, 84% believe over-packaging is a problem, and 71% believe
packaging is bad for the environment. Coffee cups, plastic bottles, chocolate
bar wrappers, crisp packets and take-away packaging were all perceived to be
the most significant causes litter.
Paper & cardboard packaging is durable,
renewable and recyclable and will be an essential material as we move towards a
regenerative, circular economy, as outlined in the UK Government’s 25 Year
Environment Plan.
