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51% of Food and Drink in the UK Packaged in Excessive Plastic

According to research conducted by DS Smith, 51% of food and drink products in UK supermarkets are packaged in unnecessary plastic. The findings were detailed in The Material Change Index, a comprehensive report examining packaging practices across 25 leading supermarkets in six European countries: the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Poland.

Plastic Packaging Waste in the UK

The study analysed 1,500 grocery items and uncovered a significant issue: up to 29.8 billion pieces of avoidable plastic packaging are produced annually in the UK. The primary sources of this packaging are:

  • Processed foods 
  • Bakery products (bread, cereals, rice)
  • Dairy products
  • Meat and fish

The UK was found to be the most dependent on plastic packaging, with 70% of all food and drink items using plastic. In comparison, Spain’s reliance on plastic packaging was 67%, Italy and Germany 66%, Poland 62%, and France 59%.

Challenges in Reducing Plastic Usage

Despite commitments from European food manufacturers and retailers to reduce plastic waste, challenges remain. Of the companies surveyed, 98% have pledged to reduce plastic usage, with 60% having less than two years to meet their goals. However, only 25% are on track to meet these targets.

Barriers to Reducing Plastic Packaging

  • Raw Material Costs: 40% of businesses identified the cost of alternative materials as a major barrier to reducing plastic usage.
  • Consumer Resistance: 39% feared that customers might not accept changes in packaging, impacting sales.
  • Market Competitiveness: Many manufacturers worry that switching to sustainable packaging may hurt their competitive edge. Additionally, 72% believe consumers are not willing to pay extra for eco-friendly packaging, and 65% feel that customers wouldn’t sacrifice convenience for sustainability.

The reliance on plastic packaging, particularly in the UK, is a pressing issue that contributes significantly to waste. Although businesses have made commitments to reduce their plastic footprint, obstacles like costs, consumer attitudes, and competition continue to challenge progress. Addressing these hurdles is crucial for the UK’s sustainability targets and overall reduction of plastic waste in the food and beverage industry.

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