Sustainable solutions toughest challenge, according to global packaging survey

The need for sustainable, cost-effective solutions that reduce the environmental impact of packaging is the biggest concern, especially in the food and beverage industry where consumers are driving the demand, according to DuPont’s global survey of consumer packaged goods companies and packaging converters.

More than 40 per cent of some 500 packaging professionals surveyed said sustainability was the toughest challenge, while 33 per cent named cost as a major factor.

For those working on sustainable packaging, meeting sustainability challenges requires multiple strategies with 65 per cent saying efforts are focused on recycling aspects; 57 per cent on weight reduction; 41 per cent on renewable or bio-based materials; and 25 per cent on compostable materials.

DuPont, a products and services company, conducted the online survey of packaging professionals in March, with 70 per cent of respondents from the U.S. and 30 per cent from the rest of the world.