New research from Tetra Pak shows 93% of food and beverage managers, directors and business owners admit the current socio-economic climate means sustainability is no longer a priority.
Tetra Pak says the research reveals food producers and manufacturers are facing an uphill struggle to prioritise sustainability efforts.
Despite 36% considering the pursuit of sustainable packaging as important, and 70% believing their organisation should be doing more to address sustainability issues, respondents admitted other factors would have to be addressed first in the next 12 – 24 months.
With almost three-quarters of respondents believing their organisation should do more to address the topic of sustainability in 2023, the top hurdles preventing such efforts included: supply chain challenges/disruption (40%), rising fuel and operational costs (28%) and necessary high investments in supporting technologies (20%).
A fifth of food and beverage managers, directors and business owners raised concerns that their organisation is “too complacent” about sustainability and climate change. 20% also stated that over the last two years, their organisation has not made the progress about these issues they had hoped for.
Our research demonstrates the weight of socio-economic pressure currently facing food producers and manufacturers in the UK and Ireland.
Findings from Tetra Pak’s study concluded that 46% of managers, directors and business owners at food producers and manufacturers believe the current government can do “much more” to provide help and guidance to organisations on the topic of sustainability.
Commenting on the research, Alex Henriksen, Managing Director North Europe, Tetra Pak, said: “Our research demonstrates the weight of socio-economic pressure currently facing food producers and manufacturers in the UK and Ireland.
“With numerous factors now influencing decision making, one area that simply cannot be overlooked or postponed, with the potential to shape the world we face tomorrow, is how we as a society facilitate a global shift towards a circular economy.
“It is our belief as an organisation, that we must continue to collaborate and work together to find innovative packaging solutions that build towards a more sustainable future for all. The consequences of a lack of action today, are simply too great to comprehend.”
