Public shuns packaging waste

Almost everyone believes there should be less packaging on products, but less than half claim excess packaging would stop them buying something they wanted.


A survey carried out by cosmetics retailer Lush suggests that 98% of people think manufacturers need to reduce packaging while 44% said they would buy a particular brand because it used less packaging than its competitors.

The worst perceived offenders were toy manufacturers, followed by those packing fruit and veg, ready meals, cosmetics and toiletries.

Despite high profile efforts to encourage shoppers not to use disposable plastic carrier bags, it seems the public is split down the middle on the issue, with 47% claiming to use reusable bags.

Lush campaigns manager Andrew Butler said: ”This survey shows that people are becoming more aware of the impact of packaging in terms of the environment and of their responsibility to minimise the amount of waste they generate.

”With consumers suffering under a mountain of packaging, these findings should serve as a wake-up call to retailers to cut the wrap or risk losing customers.”

Sam Bond

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