A national poll conducted by the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) in 2015 showed that over half of UK consumers prefer their groceries and fresh produce to be packaged in paper-based materials. The research surveyed 2,289 people across the country, revealing that 57% of respondents favored paper-based packaging, while only 8% preferred plastic-based packaging[i]. The poll also found that 47% of UK consumers would be more inclined to buy a product if it used paper-based packaging.
A recent survey conducted by OnePoll in 2024 revealed that 30% of UK consumers are frustrated by the excessive use of plastic packaging for fruits and vegetables. Additionally, 28% of respondents found it irritating when the packaging of products they bought was not recyclable[ii]. Furthermore, the survey showed that 24% of UK consumers are willing to pay up to £33 more for an item with environmentally friendly packaging.
Unfortunately, UK businesses and retailers continue to use plastic for the majority of grocery and food packaging. Plastic packaging use in the UK amounts to 2.3 million metric tons (Mt) per year[iii], equivalent to the weight of over 1.1 million cars (with the average car weighing 2 tonnes). This represents a significant issue, as plastic waste accounts for nearly 70% of the total waste produced in the UK.
Plastic waste is one of the most persistent pollutants in the UK. Besides that, plastic waste impacts not only the environment but also financial health and business reputation. Reducing plastic waste and switching to more sustainable packaging can offer significant benefits for businesses.
By efficiently managing waste, businesses could reduce costs by four to five percent of their turnover. According to WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme), in the UK, businesses typically pay around £40 to £45 per tonne to local authorities for waste disposal[iv]. These costs can be significantly higher depending on the type of waste. Implementing efficient waste management practices can help lower operational costs by optimizing material use and minimizing storage requirements. Here are key steps UK businesses and retailers can take to minimize plastic packaging waste effectively[v]:
Adopt Sustainable Packaging Materials: A business owner could replace plastic-based packaging with eco-friendly options such as biodegradable, compostable, or recycled materials. This initiative can reduce environmental impact and enhance your reputation as a responsible business.
More companies across various industries—whether large, medium, or small—are ramping up their efforts to protect the environment by adopting sustainable packaging solutions. Among the standout options in this space are Foopak Bio Natura by APP Group, a leader in eco-friendly packaging innovation.
Foopak Bio Natura is designed to address growing environmental concerns by offering a sustainable alternative to conventional packaging. Produced by APP Group, this solution emphasizes compostability and biodegradability without compromising on quality or performance. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from food and beverage packaging to retail products, meeting the demands of businesses seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.
Educate Staff on Best Practices: A knowledgeable staff can make a significant difference in waste management. Train employees on efficient packaging, proper recycling methods, and waste reduction techniques to improve waste management efforts.
Partner with Sustainable Suppliers: A business owner can collaborate with suppliers who prioritize sustainability and use eco-friendly packaging alternatives. This partnership can strengthen your plastic waste reduction initiatives.
APP Group is a global company that produces high-quality tissue, packaging, and paper products to meet the increasing global demand. APP Group has been addressing the UK’s consumer demand for more sustainable packaging solutions. The APP Group operates in the UK through the Delipac brand, offering 100% biodegradable and recyclable paper-based packaging.
