Recent research shows that three out of the top five sustainability commitments by businesses involve plastic reduction. This highlights the importance of meeting consumers’ demand for sustainability in tackling environmental issues. 77% of businesses are willing to accept the cost of implementing sustainable practices. A Tetra Pak study found that half of the surveyed businesses identified consumer demand as the main catalyst for implementing sustainable solutions in the manufacturing and processing arena. A separate Tetra Pak consumer study on packaging found that 74% of respondents would increase their intention to buy if a brand talked about environmental topics, and 42% believe that an environmentally sound package justifies a higher price.
77% of businesses expressed a willingness to accept cost-related trade-offs associated with the implementation of sustainable manufacturing and processing solutions, despite the industry facing ongoing macroeconomic challenges. This insight follows COP28, which saw many private sector stakeholders committing to sustainability targets and initiatives, including Tetra Pak’s action-oriented approach towards food systems transformation.
Business’ focus on environmental impact is seemingly at a tipping point, with the urgency to adopt practices that decarbonize the world’s food systems predicted to surge by 10% in the next five years, from 49% to 59%. When asked how packaging and processing suppliers can contribute, 65% of companies identified the importance of new product developments, confirming the critical role played by innovation in our global fight against climate change.
Terrynz Tan, Sustainability Director for ASEAN, Tetra Pak notes: “The result from this study confirms the consumer shift we are witnessing when it comes to the environment. They want F&B brands to be transparent, credible, and make a positive impact. Sustainable packaging isn’t just about being eco-friendly — it’s a chance for beverage makers to connect with customers in meaningful ways. By choosing renewable materials, brands can stand out in a crowded market and appeal to those who care about the planet. At Tetra Pak, we’re passionate about creating the most sustainable food package possible. It’s not just about business; it’s about our commitment to responsibly sourced, recyclable, and carbon-neutral packaging.”
Meanwhile, Gilles Tisserand, Vice President Climate & Biodiversity, Tetra Pak, comments: “The food and beverage industry is at a critical moment, rethinking its way of doing business to help address the climate emergency and dealing with the inevitable impact this has on their operations and solutions. They are looking to suppliers to help them thrive in an increasingly competitive market, and we remain committed to playing our part, keeping the innovation engine running to develop new research, collaborative ecosystems and product offering.”
He continues: “Our innovation pathway is driven by renewability and recyclability, ensuring the decarbonization and circularity of materials and addressing the need for sustainable food packaging. Findings such as the fact that cartons are considered by consumers to be the most ‘environmentally sound’ beverage package, while plastic is considered the least, are a testament that we are on the right path. You only need to look at the fact that we sold 46% more packages made with plant-based polymers in 2023 compared to 2021 to see that the industry is committed to change.”
