ThePackHub Weekly Snapshot Update

This is our account of the world of packaging innovation, focusing on recently published packaging research and studies. ThePackHub's Managing Director, Paul Jenkins, will continue to provide lots of news and views via his Inside Innovation LinkedIn weekly newsletter (make sure you also subscribe).

We have focused on some of the more interesting packaging studies that are coming to ThePackHub's attention this week. So here goes...

British shoppers continue to see excessive plastic packaging as a major problem

A recent survey by DS Smith reveals that 30% of British shoppers are frustrated with excessive plastic packaging, particularly for fruits and vegetables. The survey, conducted by OnePoll , shows that 25% of respondents avoid purchasing items due to excessive wrapping.

• 30% of shoppers frustrated by excessive plastic packaging.
• 25% avoid purchases due to excessive wrapping.
• 28% find non-recyclable packaging irritating.
• 44% dislike unnecessary layers of wrapping.
• 24% willing to pay up to 33p more for eco-friendly packaging.

Source: DS Smith

Reuse systems could significantly reduce city emissions

Research from Zero Waste Europe and Eunomia Research & Consulting highlights that reusable packaging systems can drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions, especially in urban areas like Aarhus and Berlin.

• 54% reduction in emissions for Aarhus with reuse systems.
• 34% reduction in emissions for Berlin.
• 12 million tons of CO2 savings possible across European cities.
• 80% decrease in single-use packaging waste through reuse models.
• 6 packaging formats studied, showing significant environmental benefits.

Source :Zero Waste Europe

Big drop in single-use plastic bags sales in UK supermarkets

New government data shows that UK supermarkets sold 79 million single-use plastic bags last year due to the 10p charge, a significant drop from 133 million the previous year. This is part of the effort to reduce plastic waste, although campaigners argue more action is needed.

• 79 million single-use plastic bags sold in 2023.
• 40% reduction compared to 133 million bags sold the previous year.
• 606 million total plastic bags were sold in 2019 before the 10p charge.
• The 10p charge was doubled from 5p in 2021 to reduce plastic waste.
• 7.6 billion fewer bags sold since charges were first introduced.

Source: GOV.UK

Until the next time. Happy innovating!