The use of plastic has faced increasing scrutiny across industries as consumer awareness of environmental impacts grows. Nowhere is this more evident than in food and drink packaging, a sector under immense pressure to align with evolving consumer expectations and comply with new governmental standards. To stay competitive, innovation will be crucial in finding practical, sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic.
Eco-Conscious Consumers Shift Buying Behaviours
A report by Mintel highlights that 30% of consumers would be influenced by a rating scale indicating a product's environmental impact. This shift towards sustainability has tangible effects on purchasing habits; in Germany, 36% of shoppers prioritised minimally packaged products in 2024.
Key Packaging Trends Leading Up to 2025:
1. Reducing Plastic Usage
The most straightforward trend centres on cutting down plastic usage in packaging. While a complete ban on plastic is not feasible due to its essential protective and preservative properties, companies are actively redesigning packaging to minimise material use. This approach helps balance sustainability with practical needs, tapping into a growing consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions.
2. Challenges with Circularity and Refill Systems
Circular packaging and refill schemes are gaining traction, yet they come with their own set of challenges. These initiatives demand a significant change in consumer habits, but they present a way for businesses to meet eco-conscious expectations. Recyclable packaging can address plastic waste concerns and bolster brand image. Supermarkets are experimenting with such measures; for instance, Asda’s introduction of refill stations has proven popular, reinforced by a "refill price promise" that makes these products more economical than their pre-packaged counterparts.
3. Tackling Food Waste with Smarter Packaging
While plastic pollution garners significant attention, food waste is another environmental issue that cannot be ignored. Packaging must strike a balance between sustainability and functionality by ensuring products stay fresh for as long as possible. This aspect presents an opportunity for companies to highlight how their packaging contributes to reducing food waste and extending product shelf life. Brands with shelf-stable goods can benefit by better communicating these advantages to consumers.
Looking ahead, industry experts, including Benjamin Punchard, Global Packaging Insights Director at Mintel, will explore these developments in detail at PLMA’s upcoming Packaging Conference on 30 January 2025 in The Hague, offering valuable insights for retailers and manufacturers aiming to stay ahead in the evolving packaging landscape. For more information about the conference click here.