72% of Brits Want More Reuse Options – Are Retailers Listening?
A new survey by the environmental group City to Sea has revealed that a large chunk of the British public are keen to ditch single-use plastics for good – and they want businesses and government to do more to help.
Refill, Reuse, Return – The Public Want Options
In a poll of just over 2,000 UK adults, a striking 72% of people said they want to see more options to refill, reuse or return containers when they shop. From food to drink and everyday essentials, the appetite for sustainable alternatives is clear.
Nearly half (46%) also called for a levy on throwaway packaging, taking inspiration from the 5p carrier bag charge that changed consumer behaviour a decade ago.
Time to Ban the Basics?
A significant 42% of respondents support a ban on everyday plastic items like plastic-wrapped fruit and vegetables, bottled water and single-use bags. These are items most of us encounter daily – and the call for change is growing louder.
The Effort Is There – But So Are the Hurdles
While 58% of people said they had made a conscious effort to reduce single-use packaging in the past year, many still find it difficult to go fully plastic-free. One in four people said they simply couldn’t find enough sustainable alternatives on shelves. A fifth pointed to the lack of refillable or reusable packaging from their favourite brands.
Even when sustainable options exist, confusion remains. More than half (52%) admitted that they often struggle to make sense of the terminology used to describe ‘eco’ or ‘green’ packaging, highlighting the need for clearer communication from both government and industry.
Make It Normal, Make It Easy
Many people are already doing their bit – 68% regularly use reusable shopping bags and 58% carry refillable water bottles. Yet, there’s still social hesitation: only 36% said they’d feel comfortable asking a café or pub to refill their reusable bottle without making a purchase.
Despite this, the demand for refill options is strong. Over three-quarters of those surveyed said they would happily use refillable packaging for dry foods like pasta and cereal. Meanwhile, 69% would opt for reusable containers for drinks like juice and spirits, if made available.
Time for Government to Step Up
Jane Martin, CEO of City to Sea, voiced frustration at the lack of recent government action: “We’ve seen progress on single-use cutlery and plates, but the last year has been quiet. With the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) incoming and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) taking shape, now’s the time for real momentum.”
She argues that the government should not only ban the most wasteful plastics but actively promote reuse through incentives and regulation. “People want to do the right thing,” she said, “but they need clearer guidance and easier choices.”
Towards a Reuse Revolution
City to Sea is urging ministers to set legally binding targets for reusable packaging and push retailers to collaborate on sustainable systems. The message from the public is clear: they’re ready for a future beyond single use – but they need help getting there.