Sustainable packaging is gaining traction, but a new survey by UPM, a leading supplier of renewable biomaterials, reveals a surprising hurdle: cost.
The survey targeted packaging designers, and while most (47%) felt comfortable incorporating sustainability into their designs, a significant portion (43%) desired more information and resources. This highlights a need for better education on using sustainable materials.
The survey also found that a majority of designers (57%) have some influence over the materials chosen for packaging. However, a sizeable minority (20% seldom and 17% almost never) lack such influence, suggesting some clients are lagging behind the sustainability curve.
Despite designers' efforts, cost emerged as the biggest barrier. While many acknowledged the importance of sustainable materials, clients were often deterred by the higher price tag, opting for cheaper alternatives. One respondent aptly summarized the situation: "Everyone wants to be green, until they see that being green is usually more expensive."
UPM's Sustainability Director, Robert Taylor, addressed these challenges at a recent industry event. He emphasized the importance of considering the long-term costs of unsustainable packaging, including environmental impact and potential future regulations like carbon taxes. Sustainable packaging, Taylor argues, can lead to cost savings through reduced waste and more efficient supply chains.
The release from UPM concludes with a call for a holistic approach and industry-wide collaboration. "We need to understand the true cost of sustainable packaging design and embrace innovations," Taylor urges. Designers, brands, and agencies all have a role to play in achieving ambitious environmental targets and creating a more sustainable future.
TAPPI
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