Considering its major role in global plastics use, it’s no surprise that more environmentally friendly or recyclable packaging is widely recognized as a key lever in reducing the world’s plastic footprint. According to the organizers of Earth Day, more than 500 billion plastic bags were produced worldwide last year, most of which serve their intended purpose for minutes before ending up in landfill, incineration or, worst of all, somewhere in nature or the world’s oceans where plastic packaging can last centuries, posing a long-lasting threat to ecosystems and biodiversity.
According to Statista Consumer Insights, consumers around the world are painfully aware of the need for more environmentally friendly packaging. The survey, conducted in 8 countries, found that eco-friendly, e.g. recyclable, non-plastic or minimal packaging is among the most widely recognized levers for more sustainable consumption, topping the list in 5 out of 8 countries.