Plast-Icks: Brits’ Supermarket Packaging Pet Peeves Revealed
Brits are expressing their frustration with supermarket packaging, highlighting issues such as excessive plastics and non-recyclable materials. A recent study revealed that almost a third of individuals (30%) dislike when fruits or vegetables are excessively wrapped in plastic, while one in four (25%) confessed to avoiding products packaged in such a manner. Additionally, over a quarter (28%) are annoyed by products that cannot be recycled.
Here are some key findings from the research conducted on 2,000 adults:
- 44% are less likely or never likely to repurchase a product due to packaging irritations.
- 21% have encountered unclear recycling instructions on packaging, leading to confusion.
- 32% resort to guessing while disposing of packaging, potentially leading to improper recycling.
- 38% of consumers prioritize the amount of plastic in packaging over the origin or recyclability of a product.
According to a spokesperson from DS Smith, a company that commissioned the research, excessive plastic usage and non-recyclable packaging are common culprits in consumer dissatisfaction. They emphasized the importance of sustainable packaging solutions to address these concerns.
Furthermore, the study highlighted consumers’ willingness to pay extra for eco-friendly packaging, with 24% indicating a willingness to spend up to 33p more on environmentally conscious products. It was also noted that 22% of respondents find recycling instructions on supermarket packaging unclear.
DS Smith recently achieved its goal of replacing over 1.2 billion plastic pieces ahead of schedule, marking a significant milestone in sustainable packaging solutions. The company has been actively working to reduce plastic in various everyday items, including fruit and vegetable punnets, plastic carriers, and shrink-wrap commonly used on beverage bottles.
The top 10 packaging irritations reported by Brits include:
- Meat packaging with difficult-to-peel corners
- Unopenable tins
- Items requiring scissors to open
- Excessive plastic use for fruits and vegetables
- Non-recyclable packaging
- Oversized packaging that misrepresents product size
- Unnecessary layers of packaging
- Difficult-to-recycle materials
- Non-resealable items
- Opaque packaging obstructing product visibility
As the conversation around sustainable practices and eco-friendly packaging continues to gain traction, consumers are increasingly demanding transparent and recyclable packaging solutions from brands and supermarkets.