Global plastic consumption has quadrupled over the past 30 years, accounting for 3.4% of global greenhouse emissions and 350 million tonnes of waste, Avery Dennison has said, in a white paper examining ways to improve packaging circularity through value chains.
Other key findings from the white paper include that consumers perceive packaging as one of the most ‘controllable and visible’ sustainability elements, with 31% believing that investment in sustainable packaging is one of the top three ways to address environmental issues.
Avery Dennison noted that recycled rigid plastics such as PET and HDPE are over 70% less emissions-intensive than their virgin plastic counterparts, while a new generation of pressure-sensitive labels has improved the functionality of label removal during the recycling process.
Elsewhere, according to the findings, sustainable products accounted for 31% of CPG growth between 2013 and 2023, despite only representing 18.5% of the market.
Sustainable packaging decisions
Commenting on the paper, entitled Pressure-sensitive labels and their role in making packaging circular, Ryan Yost, president, materials group at Avery Dennison, said, “The white paper is a research-based reference document for CPG brands currently making sustainable packaging decisions.
“CPG companies are facing growing pressure from consumers, retailers, regulators, investors and employees to prioritise the circular economy, and packaging innovations are part of their strategies to meet stakeholder expectations.”
About the study
The study was based on interviews with CPG brands, recyclers, and industry experts across nine countries, including the United States, Brazil, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, India and China, as well as drawing from global market reports and legislative insights.
“Our white paper provides hard data based on independently conducted interviews with CPGs worldwide, as well as recognised source materials and insights from Avery Dennison teams working with customers, recyclers, legislative bodies and industry associations worldwide where the company operates,” Yost added. “We see it as a practical tool for CPGs to address circularity challenges — a new source of research information.” Read more here.
