Packaging Digest’s 2nd study on sustainability reveals new trends and ideas
Sustainable packaging seems to be on everyone’s mind!
This is certainly true in the world of packaging as demonstrated by the results of some recent research by Packaging Digest and The Sustainable Packaging Coalition. In their second study to measure awareness and actions in packaging sustainability, they survey over a thousand professionals in the packaging field.*
The most startling finding of the study was the increased awareness of sustainable packaging issues — 67 percent of the respondents said they are moderately or very familiar with the issues and more than 60 percent of the respondents said their companies have sustainability policies in place or that policies are in the process of being formulated.
Another interesting finding of the study was what influenced packaging professionals to become more aware and active in sustainable packaging; it was their customers. In fact, the respondents noted that brand owners and retailers have increased their sustainability demands, with 53 percent saying that more than half of their customers are seeking more eco-friendly packaging.
Also, a clear majority of respondents indicated their sustainability efforts are being tied to the strategies of their business. More than 50 percent say their organizations require a return on investment for their sustainability activities, with most expecting the payback period within one to two years.
The report included this statement: “Volatile prices of raw materials and energy are expected to have the greatest impact on sustainability over the next five years, with 79 percent of respondents saying that they are emphasizing waste reduction and 62 percent focusing on energy conservation.”
However, nearly three-quarters of the companies in the survey tie their sustainability initiatives to other programs already underway, with 39 percent linking sustainability to Lean Manufacturing and 36 percent connecting it to their quality programs.
Nearly 90 percent of those surveyed said that sustainable design has had a greater impact on their packaging decisions in 2008.
The study revealed one of the major concerns facing the packaging market is “greenwashing,” (the practice of making sustainability claims that are false or not having data to backup claims). Over three fourths of the respondents indicated sustainability standards are lacking but they are not in full agreement about which organization should set the standards.
Green packaging or sustainable packaging IS on the consumer and producers mind. Paragon Packaging knows how to make your packaging more friendly to the environment and your customers. Give us a call at 888-615-0065. We can help you design attractive and sustainable packaging!
* Respondents were in food, cosmetics, medical devices and supplies, electronics, general retail, office supplies, and other industries. 81% of them were located in North America and nearly half of the respondents had 1000 or more employees. Over half of the respondents were in the marketing, engineering, or corporate offices of the participating companies and most have 11 to 20 years of experience in their field.
Source: Packaging Digest, 11/24/2008
Sustainable Packaging is a high priority at Paragon Packaging. Check back often for more articles of interest about sustainable packaging.
