Food industry failing to decarbonize under economic pressure, says Tetra Pak

14 Dec 2022 --- 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 reveal 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.

“We cannot let the food and beverage industry deprioritize sustainability efforts and risk not making the necessary progress required to facilitate the global shift toward a circular economy,” Alex Henriksen, managing director North Europe at Tetra Pak, tells PackagingInsights.

“As the industry faces unprecedented socio-economic pressures and numerous barriers to progress, we must collaborate across the food and beverage supply chain to find innovative solutions to ensure decarbonization targets are met.”

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.

“Our research shows that consumers highly value companies that take steps to provide recyclable packaging options for food and drink products and use renewable materials – a sentiment which will no doubt help shift the industry’s packaging to recyclable, renewable options,” Henriksen shares.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 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.

“Increased consumer interest means the industry can hopefully benefit both economically and help the progress toward meeting sustainability targets. We must also build on these positive consumer attitudes by educating them on the recyclability of packaging options,” 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 is investing €100 million (US$106 million) annually to further sustainable packaging solutions.

Government aide
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.

Henriksen shares that Tetra Pak is investing €100 million (US$106 million) every year, for the next five to 10 years, in its sustainability initiatives, including developing more sustainable packaging solutions. “But this is not a job for food packagers alone,” he says.

“The government also has a role to play in making it as economically viable and easy as possible for food manufacturers to make sustainable supply chain choices. The industry must work with policymakers to achieve the same.” 

“In the UK, we are supporting a Deposit Return Scheme which includes cartons, as well as Extended Producer Responsibility and consistent household collections,” he concludes.

By Radhika Sikaria