Food manufacturers reveal sustainability is no longer a priority
The research of senior people working at 150 food producers and manufacturers in both the UK and Ireland by Tetra Pak also revealed that over a third (36%) have admitted that other factors will take the lead in next 12 – 24 months.
More than a third (36%) consider the pursuit of sustainable packaging as important, with 70% believing their organisation should be doing more to address sustainability issues.
The hurdles highlighted by them include supply chain challenges/disruption (40%); rising fuel and operational costs (28%) and high investments in supporting technologies required (20%).
Complacent
According to the research a fifth of food and beverage managers, directors and business owners raised concerns that their organisation was ‘too complacent’ about sustainability and climate change.
The study also found that almost half (46%) of managers, directors and business owners at food producers and manufacturers believe the current government can do ‘much more’ to provide help and guidance to organisations on the topic of sustainability.
The macroeconomic challenges currently being faced come at a time when consumers are showing high levels of support for companies that demonstrate a commitment to lowering their carbon footprints and offering sustainable packaging options.
Two thirds of consumers in a separate study commissioned by Tetra Pak, said they ‘highly value’ companies that are taking steps to reduce their CO2 output, with 68% highly valuing companies that take steps to provide recyclable packaging options for food/drink products, and use renewable materials.
Decarbonisation
A third of the 511 consumers surveyed stated they paid more attention to the decarbonisation efforts of food producers and manufacturers because their feelings on sustainability have grown. Over a quarter (27%) have seen their feelings on the need for society to recycle become stronger too.
Alex Henriksen, Managing Director North Europe, Tetra Pak, said: “With numerous factors now influencing decision making, one area that simply cannot be overlooked or postponed, with potential to shape the world we face tomorrow, is how we as a society facilitate a global shift towards a circular economy.”
He added: “Awareness of the benefits of environmentally responsible packaging has increased amongst consumers in 2022, with a significant portion of those in industry admitting they had expected their organisation to be further along the path to progress here than where they stand today.”
