According to Tetra Pak’s latest research, environmental sustainability efforts have taken a backseat for food producers and manufacturers in light of the economic uncertainties across the UK and Ireland. On the flip side, the findings revealed that more than two-thirds of consumers (68%) “highly value” companies that take steps to reduce their CO2 output, providing recyclable packaging options for F&B products. 

“With numerous factors now influencing decision-making, one area that simply cannot be overlooked or postponed, with the potential to shape the world we face tomorrow, is how we as a society facilitate a global shift toward a circular economy,” says Alex Henriksen, managing director North Europe at Tetra Pak.

“Our research demonstrates the weight of socio-economic pressure currently facing food producers and manufacturers in the UK and Ireland.”

The top three hurdles identified by the research include supply chain disruptions, rising fuel and operational costs and high investments in supporting technologies required. Nearly three-quarters of respondents believe organizations ought to do more to address sustainability in 2023.

A majority (93%) of food and beverage producers admit current socio-economic climate means sustainability is no longer a priority.The research was conducted via two online surveys – with a nationally representative sample of 511 UK respondents and another with 150 food producers and manufacturers in the UK and Ireland.

Balancing act
Tetra Pak highlights that the macroeconomic challenges currently being faced in the UK and Ireland come at a time when consumers show high levels of support for companies that demonstrate a commitment to lowering their carbon footprints and offering sustainable packaging options.

“Awareness of the benefits of environmentally responsible packaging has increased among consumers in 2022, with a significant portion of those in industry admitting they had expected their organization to be further along the path to progress here than wher they stand today,” illustrates Henriksen.

“It is our belief as an organization that we must continue to collaborate and work together to find innovative packaging solutions that build toward a more sustainable future for all. The consequences of a lack of action today are too great to comprehend,” he adds.

The food processing and packaging solutions provider divulged that opinions on the decarbonization efforts of food producers and manufacturers have altered among 43% of consumers since the start of 2022, with a third of consumers stating they pay more attention to the issue because their feelings on environmental sustainability have grown.

Tetra Pak’s study concludes that almost half (46%) of food producers and manufacturers believe that the government could do “much more” to further the sustainability efforts by providing help and guidance.