Voice of Industry - Sustainability thoughts and challenges

The report presents the results from a sustainable packaging challenges and strategies survey, drawing from 221 responses across 96 companies. These companies range in revenue size from under $1 million to over $1 billion, with an average revenue per respondent of $4.65 billion. The survey primarily targeted packaging professionals, the majority of whom have managerial responsibilities and budgetary oversight. The core objective of this survey was to discern the primary challenges in sustainability and to ascertain if responses varied based on company revenue or type. The three pivotal questions in the survey aimed to:
Identify the most effective strategy among recycling, reduction, or composting.
Understand the main sustainability challenge companies face.
Learn about the packaging mix of responding companies.
 
Unique or Valuable Insights:
Recycling Paradox: The report underscores the dual nature of recycling as both a preferred strategy and a significant challenge, highlighting the complexities of sustainability in the packaging sector.
Material Availability: The report emphasizes the challenge medium to large companies face regarding the availability of sustainable materials or technologies. The lack of scalable, superior technology without compromise showcases an industry gap waiting to be bridged.
Organizational Differences: The distinctions in sustainability perspectives between consumer goods companies and manufacturers provide a granular understanding of the sector. This segmentation underscores that one-size-fits-all strategies might not be effective, and tailored approaches are required.
Real-world Manufacturing Challenges: The detailed insights into the challenges manufacturers face when integrating new materials into existing processes, from material flow to machinery compatibility, provide a pragmatic look at sustainability implementation.
Geographic Insights: The differences in material challenges faced by North American companies compared to their European counterparts due to variations in recycling infrastructure offer a geographic dimension to the sustainability discourse.
 
Who Should Read It:
Packaging Industry Professionals: Those directly involved in packaging design, manufacturing, and distribution can glean insights into current trends, challenges, and potential solutions.
Sustainability Consultants & Strategists: Individuals or firms advising businesses on sustainable practices can use the report to inform their strategies and recommendations.
Policy Makers & Regulators: Understanding the challenges and preferences of the industry can guide the crafting of effective policies and regulations that promote sustainable practices.
Research & Academic Institutions: Researchers can use the findings as a foundation for further studies, and educators can incorporate the insights into curriculum to better prepare future professionals.
Supply Chain Managers & Procurement Professionals: These individuals can benefit from understanding the material availability challenges and the broader landscape to make informed decisions.
Investors & Stakeholders: Those with vested interests in the packaging industry or sustainability initiatives can use the report to inform their decisions and understand the sector's trajectory.
 
This report provides a multifaceted view of the packaging industry's sustainability challenges and preferences. Its unique insights make it a valuable read for a wide range of professionals and stakeholders aiming to understand or influence the future of sustainable packaging.