At the 2019 Beverage Forum conference, high-ranking beverage executives addressed the impact that packaging waste has had on their forward-looking plans. Although much attention is given to primary packaging materials, the secondary packaging materials market also is seeing the effects of this evolving market.
“Our consumer insights data tells us that making fiber-based packaging as strong, efficient and sustainable as possible strengthens trust in our customers’ brands,” says Britt Staley, sales and marketing manager for the beverage end market at Atlanta-based WestRock. “According to our 2018 Packaging Matters study, 62 percent of those surveyed [said] packaging that is designed to be recyclable, reusable or biodegradable helps build trust in a product. Making responsible material selections, avoiding single-use plastics, and carefully optimizing packaging design to minimize material use without compromising performance are critical aspects of how brands communicate their eco-conscious position to consumers today.”