UK Consumers Push for Reusable & Refillable Packaging

75% of UK customers want to see more reusable, refillable, and recyclable alternatives when they purchase, according to research by City to Sea.

According to a recent survey by the well-known environmental charity City to Sea, a sizable majority of UK customers are demanding additional options for packaging that is recyclable, refillable, and reusable. The public's increasing desire to lessen dependency on single-use plastic and other disposable materials is reflected in this.

Some unexpected findings about customers' perceptions of single-use packaging were also uncovered by the survey, which surveyed 2,004 adults. Significantly, 45% of respondents stated that they would be in favor of a fee on single-use packaging, demonstrating their readiness to pay for long-term, sustainable improvements. In addition, 42% of participants supported a ban on all single-use plastic bags, plastic water bottles, and fruits and vegetables wrapped in plastic. This implies that a large number of people are actively looking for alternatives and are ready to see stricter laws governing the use of plastic.

The survey revealed that 76% of participants would probably use refill or reuse packaging for products like pasta, rice, cereals, and coffee that are usually kept in food cupboards—an additional indication of the public's increased environmental conscience. Customers clearly want sustainable packaging solutions for a variety of products, as seen by their significant preference for reusable or refillable packaging over single-use plastic.

Many customers complained that it was difficult to obtain appropriate products, even in spite of the growing interest in sustainability. Twenty-five percent of respondents said they frequently have trouble finding "sustainable options" in stores. Furthermore, 20% of participants mentioned that their preferred brands did not offer reusable or refillable packaging options. This indicates a market gap and emphasizes how retailers must better meet the desire from customers for more environmentally friendly options.

Jane Martin, the CEO of City to Sea, commented on the findings, emphasizing the importance of continued action to combat single-use plastics. "Following decisive action against wet wipes and single-use plastic cutlery and plates over the last two years, these last 10 months have felt slow on plastic action," Martin said. "With Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) finally being established and a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) on the way, the government now has a clear opportunity to not only ban some of the most polluting single-use plastic items but also incentivize reusable packaging. This would assist customers in making the environmentally friendly changes they want to make."

According to City to Sea's findings, offering more reusable and refillable packaging solutions might have a major positive impact on the environment. Larger-scale adoption of these substitutes could significantly cut down on the amount of single-use plastic waste that currently contributes to pollution. But for this shift to happen, businesses and consumers must work together, and the government must provide incentives and unambiguous support.

The "reuse revolution" concept calls for a departure from the linear model of production and consumption, in which things are used just once before being thrown away. In order to minimize waste and the demand for raw resources, the objective is to establish a circular economy in which goods and packaging may be recycled, refilled, and reused numerous times. Both the public and commercial sectors may contribute to the development of a more sustainable future for the earth by assisting with this transition.

The pressure on companies to implement more sustainable practices is only increasing as customers become more conscious of the negative environmental effects of single-use plastics. Manufacturers and retailers who don't adapt to this need risk falling behind as environmentally conscious consumers look for companies that share their beliefs. As a result, a lot of businesses are already starting to look into novel packaging options including reusable containers and biodegradable materials.

At RJ PACK, we turn this consumer momentum into practical, market-ready packaging solutions. Our assortment of high-barrier bags, recyclable refill bags, and mono-material pouches is designed to work with current filling lines, allowing you to transition from single-use to circular packaging without having to invest in expensive retooling.

Looking to elevate your packaging? Contact RJ PACK today to learn how we can customize sustainable packaging solutions for your products to enhance your brand image and market competitiveness