A recent study by Aquapak, titled 'FMCG flexible packaging: accelerating the move from plastic to plastic', reveals there has been a slow transition from plastic to more sustainable packaging alternatives in the FMCG sector.
The report, presented at the Rethinking Materials Innovation and Investment Summit in London, is based on research involving 100 UK packaging experts specialising in R&D, technology, design, and sustainability, with a focus on FMCG brands.
The study shows that while 92 per cent of packaging experts plan to eliminate plastic from their consumer packaging, the transition period remains significant.
According to the survey, 27 per cent anticipate the switch by 2027, 35 per cent by 2028, and 28 per cent by 2029. Notably, 30 per cent of respondents described the pace of change as too slow, while 58 per cent considered it moderate, and only 11 per cent felt it was fast enough. A substantial majority (87%) expressed a desire for a quicker shift to alternative materials.
The primary obstacles to adopting more environmentally-friendly packaging are higher costs (cited by 53% of respondents), limited availability of alternatives (50%), and maintaining functionality and product protection (46%).
The study also identifies key factors that could expedite the adoption of new materials. These include more ambitious recycling targets (supported by 70% of respondents), increased investment in new materials (62%), and greater collaboration for R&D (54%). Additionally, 50 per cent of experts emphasised the need for an industry-wide commitment to phasing out conventional plastics, and 47 per cent highlighted the importance of tighter environmental regulations, such as taxing materials with poor environmental performance.
“Our study shows that the FMCG sector is highly cognisant of the need to move away from conventional plastics to more environmentally-friendly materials, which offer better end-of-life outcomes, be it improved recyclability or biodegradation, to make life easier for their customers and other stakeholders,” explained Dr John Williams, chief technical officer at Aquapak.
He also pointed out the confusion caused by the plethora of new materials that often exaggerate their properties and availability, leading to delays in adopting genuine solutions. He emphasised the importance of using materials that are available at scale, offer the required functionality, and have viable end-of-life solutions.
The report highlights the award-winning Hydropol, a high-performance polymer developed by Aquapak, as a promising alternative. Hydropol can be used to enhance the strength and barriers of paper packaging while being recyclable, compostable, and marine-safe. It dissolves in the environment without breaking down into harmful microplastics.
One notable application of Hydropol is in the first fully-recyclable paper crisp packet, developed in partnership with The British Crisp Co. and Evopak. These packets, certified as recyclable by OPRL, provide a scalable alternative to the billions of crisp packets disposed of annually in the UK.
Aquapak’s research underscores the need for the FMCG sector to accelerate its commitment to sustainable packaging solutions, with existing technologies like Hydropol offering viable pathways to reducing plastic pollution and supporting a circular economy.
