According to a recent research conducted by Tetra Pak, food and beverage companies are now poised to minimise plastic as a favoured packaging material. In fact, 3 out of five commitments made by business leaders to address sustainability challenges include the reduction of plastic usage.[1] Tetra Pak’s research examined F&B manufacturers’ attitude to sustainability, now and in 5 years’ time.[2]
Half of the surveyed businesses pinpointed 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.[3] It found that the intention to buy among almost 3 out of four respondents (74%) would increase if a brand talked about environmental topics,[4] while 42% believe that an ‘environmentally sound package’ justifies a higher price,[5] providing the industry with assurance to adopt a business model that reduces environmental impact.
77% of businesses expressed a willingness to accept cost-related trade-offs associated with the implementation of sustainable manufacturing and processing solutions,[6] despite the industry facing ongoing macro-economic 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 decarbonise the world’s food systems predicted to surge by 10% in the next 5 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 said, “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.”
[1] The top 5 commitments were reducing dependency on plastic; reduction of plastic packaging demand in food delivery; reduction of food waste in F&B plant; reduction of plastic packaging waste in F&B value chain; logistics improvement across value chain.
[2] Tetra Pak’s business-to-business research in 2023 on Planetary Challenges and their impact on F&B manufacturers’ operations – quantitative research panel and qualitative component (expert interviews). Quantitative research comprised 346 interviews across 19 markets (Italy, Poland, Spain, France, Germany, UK, Australia, India, South Africa, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, China, Vietnam, USA, South Korea, South Arabia, Turkey, Japan).
[3] Tetra Pak’s latest Sustainable Packaging consumer research, run in 2023, comprised a total of 14,500 consumer interviews based on an online questionnaire in 29 markets: Germany, France, UK, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, South Africa, Egypt, China, India, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam, Brazil, USA, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina
[4] To the question “If a brand communicates/talks about environmental topics, your intention to buy the brand would…” 74% responded it would increase. Base TOTAL 2023: 14539.
[5] To the question “Which of the following sentences better fits with your thought about an environmentally sound packaging?” 42% responded that a product in an environmentally sound packaging is worth a higher price than a product in a standard packaging.
[6] To the question “Please evaluate the willingness of your company to accept various trade-offs while implementing sustainable solutions within manufacturing/processing area” 41% responded they will definitely accept cost-related trade-offs, 36% will probably accept cost-related trade-offs, 10% neither won’t nor will accept, 11% probably won’t accept, 3% definitely won’t accept.
