Shoppers in Britain prefer cardboard packaging because it offers better protection than polystyrene, according to research commissioned by the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI).
The survey, carried out online by YouGov, found that the protection cardboard offers to goods in transit, as well as the simplicity of recycling it, made it the preference of those polled.
2,030 members of the public, chosen from ‘all cross-sections of society’ responded to the survey in early August.
When asked which packaging material offered ‘the best solution for their purchases to reach them in pristine condition’ 40 per cent said cardboard, with 37 per cent saying polystyrene and 7 per cent choosing plastic.
Participants were also asked ‘which packaging material is the easiest to recycle after receiving the product?’. In response, cardboard and paper returned the best results, being called most recyclable by 55 and 30 per cent respectively. The two outpolled plastic (seven per cent) and polystyrene (one per cent).
According to the CPI the results are as expected, but the opinion on which material offers the best protection to products in transit ‘should be an eye-opener for online retailers’ and ‘make them consider the choice of packaging in their supply chains’.
The poll’s conclusion of a public preference for cardboard packaging for goods bought online reflects the results of a similar CPI opinion poll on carried out by YouGov last year, which found that 57 per cent of respondents preferred their in-store grocery and food packaging in paper-based material.
On that occasion, 46 per cent of respondents said they were ‘more likely’ or ‘much more likely’ to purchase an item if the packaging was paper-based.
Public opinion ‘a good sign for the corrugated industry’
CPI’s Director of Packaging Affairs, Andy Barnetson said: “This latest survey indicating that consumers rate cardboard as the best protection for goods in transit is a really good result for the corrugated industry.
“We may not be far ahead but the fact is that we are ahead – in the area where polystyrene has always previously been seen to lead. It’s another poll that suggests cardboard packaging improves customer satisfaction with their purchases.
“I’m not surprised at the level of consumer support for ease of recycling. Awareness of the benefits of recycling cardboard is generally on the increase.
“Some councils are including corrugated in their kerbside collections from households. Alternatively, in most towns, there are civic amenity sites and recycling facilities at supermarkets where people can take their recyclable material.”
Learn more about the Confederation of Paper Industries.
Get our weekly digest
resource.co article ai
How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.