In the episode “Everything Old Is New Again” on the PBS Kids TV show “Curious George,” the pet monkey is eager to participate in the city’s Golden Arrows Award contest, which goes to the building that collects the most recycling. The only caveat is George needs a little tutorial about what recycling actually is. In many communities throughout America, sustainable practices, including recycling, are influencing consumer behavior and ultimately consumer packaged goods manufacturers.
“Consumers are increasingly focused on sustainable and healthy products,” says Katie Simmons, marketing director for Pactiv Evergreen, Lake Forest, Ill. “That focus extends to beverage packaging with top priorities being recyclability and renewability. These trends are being driven by millennials and younger generations, based on research we published in ‘How Millennials Will Change Packaging Forever.’”