Food and beverage (F&B) companies are poised to minimize plastic as a favored packaging material.
A recent Tetra Pak research has found out that three out of the top five commitments made by business leaders to address sustainability challenges include the reduction of plastic usage.
The research examined F&B manufacturers’ attitude to sustainability, now and in five years’ time.
Half of the surveyed businesses identified consumer demand as the main catalyst behind implementing new sustainable solutions within the manufacturing and processing arena. This echoes the sentiment found in a separate Tetra Pak consumer study on packaging.
It found the intention to buy among almost three out of four respondents (74 percent) would increase if a brand talked about environmental topics, while 42 percent believe that an “environmentally sound package” justifies a higher price, providing the industry with a reassuring case for adopting a business model that reduces environmental impact.
About 77 percent 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. The 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 percent in the next five years, from 49 percent to 59 percent.
When asked how packaging and processing suppliers can contribute, 65 percent of companies identified the importance of new product developments, confirming the critical role played by innovation in our global fight against climate change.
“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,” says Terrynz Tan, Tetra Pak’s Sustainability Director for ASEAN.
“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,” she adds.
The food and beverage industry, says Tetra Pak Vice President for Climate & Biodiversity, 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.