From: Packaging News

A new campaign has launched to promote the benefits of corrugated cardboard, in response to growing consumer concern about packaging.

Launched by the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI), Beyond the Box will be bringing together experts from leading UK packaging companies to publicise sustainable packaging choices using corrugated cardboard.

New Beyond the Box research which reveals a surge of interest in packaging in the UK.

Two in three Britons admit they’re worried about packaging and the types of materials used to package their favourite products, according to specially commissioned research, which surveyed more than 2,000 UK consumers .

Almost three in five of those questioned (57%) revealed they are avoiding plastic bags in the supermarket, seeking recycled packaging or supporting local businesses such as greengrocers, butchers and fishmongers in an attempt to ease their worries.

‘Waste’, ‘frequent print, online and broadcast news items on packaging’, and ‘footage of ocean waste in Sir David Attenborough’s recent Blue Planet II series’ are among the biggest factors fuelling personal anxiety over packaging choices – cited by 59%, 40% and 31% of ‘worried’ respondents respectively.

A number of worriers (17 %) revealed packaging was now so high up the agenda, it has become ‘socially unacceptable’ not to care about packaging’s impact on the environment.

Some (6%) even admit that they have come under pressure from friends and family to think more carefully about their packaging choices.

Responsibility for addressing and improving the UK’s record on packaging lies at the doors of food and drink manufacturers (cited by 41% of worriers), government (41%) and packaging suppliers (39%).

Fewer than one in five (18%) believe that consumers have primary responsibility to improve the UK’s record on packaging – perhaps an indication of a lack of concern in littering.

Beyond the Box spokesperson, Andrew Barnetson, said: “Interest and concern about the UK’s packaging supply chain has never been higher.

“This new report from Beyond the Box shows packaging is a subject which has shot up everyone’s agendas. Britons are changing the way they shop and make purchasing decisions, major high street retailers are reducing their use of single-use packaging, and the Prime Minister has vowed to eliminate the UK’s avoidable plastic waste by 2042.”

“Our research shows that no type of packaging is immune from criticism, so it is vital that we help to inform the debate,” continues Barnetson.

“There is a fantastic opportunity for a sustainable, renewable and recyclable material like corrugated cardboard to play a leading role in helping consumers, government and industry reach exacting targets that are being set to improve the UK’s record on – and ultimately ease consumer concern about – packaging.