Global packaging major Amcor recently published results from its latest research of consumer perceptions of sustainability and packaging. The proprietary insights give Amcor and its customers an understanding of evolving preferences, including a willingness to pay more for differentiated products from top brands.
Michael Zacka, Amcor’s chief commercial officer, said consumers are increasingly making buying decisions that factor in environmental considerations and expect brands to provide more responsible packaging options. “At a time when people are rethinking their choices in light of a global pandemic, we are using our deep expertise and insights to help customers better understand what consumers want, right down to country-level,” said Zacka.
Consumers aware of packaging’s impact on the environment
The survey of more than 4,000 participants found differences in perception between countries, and that overall, consumers are increasingly mindful of the impact of their choices. Across the countries surveyed, 83% say they check on-pack instructions to know how to dispose of the packaging.
The research is part of Amcor’s continued industry work in sustainability. The company says it is accelerating to a fully ready-to-recycle portfolio and partnering with NGOs and others to improve waste management infrastructure and improve consumer education and participation in recycling.
Sustainability is Amcor’s most exciting growth opportunity
Zacka concluded, “Sustainability is our most exciting growth opportunity, and we continue investing in highly sophisticated R&D capabilities. Our portfolio has an ever-wider choice of more responsible packaging, from recyclable PET containers made from 100% post-consumer recycled content to unique recyclable flexible pouches and lighter weight paper-based alternatives.”
The company says it has been leading the packaging industry on sustainability for several years. Amcor was a first mover with its pledge to develop all its packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2025 and is a founding signatory to the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment. In June 2020, Amcor joined the World Wildlife Fund-led ReSource: Plastic, which aims to accelerate plastic commitments by organizations and prevent plastic from entering nature by 2030.
