A comprehensive new study by Aquapak, ‘FMCG Flexible Packaging: Accelerating the Move from Plastic to Paper’, based on research with 100 UK packaging experts responsible for packaging R&D, technology, design and sustainability for FMCG brands, highlights their concern over the use of plastic packaging by their business and the impact of microplastics in oceans, waterways and living organisms, including humans.
Over one third (37 percent) of respondents said that they are extremely concerned and 63 percent said they are quite concerned. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles up to 5mm in diameter that result from both commercial product development and the breakdown of larger plastics. In the last four decades, concentrations of these particles appear to have increased significantly and, as a pollutant, microplastics can be harmful to the environment and animal health.
The majority (84 percent) of those surveyed said there should be much tougher regulations to help curb the
introduction of microplastics into the environment, with just 6 percent disagreeing with this course of action, and
10 percent didn’t know.
While the majority (92 percent) of those questioned plan to stop using plastic in their consumer packaging altogether and move to more paper-based materials, the timeframe for transition is still considerable, with only 6 percent expecting to achieve this goal by 2026, 27 percent by 2027, 35 percent by 2028 and 28 percent by 2029. However, on a more positive note, 86 percent said that their business is prepared to spend more on packaging to improve sustainability and end-of-life outcomes which, ultimately, will reduce the risk of harmful microplastics being released into the environment.
Over a half (56 percent) said their business would be willing to pay 4 percent – 5 percent more for proven, environmentally friendly packaging materials, compared to existing plastics. One third said their business would pay between 6 percent and 9 percent more, and 8 percent said between 10 percent – 20 percent more.
Taking a longer-term view, one quarter expect their business to increase its investment in packaging material with better recyclability and end of life outcomes dramatically, 40 percent expect it to increase slightly and 35 percent expect it to stay the same as today.
Dr John Williams, Chief Technical Officer at Aquapak, said: “Microplastics are one of the most problematic consequences of plastic in the environment. The truth is that we are only just starting to fully understand the damage they are causing to the food chain and the long-term effects they will have. Our research shows that the FMCG sector is very conscious of the problem, but the pace of change remains slow.
“New packaging materials such as Hydropol, an innovative polymer developed by Aquapak, already exist which do not harm the environment when they come to the end of their useful life and still provide the functionality and product protection needed. In the case of Hydropol, it breaks down without the formation of harmful microplastics.”
Aquapak Polymers Ltd specializes in designing and manufacturing new polymer-based material technologies that uniquely deliver both performance and environmental responsibility at scale. HydropolTM, is a high-performance polymer developed by Aquapak’s own research chemists that enables product and packaging design to meet all necessary functional and performance requirements, whilst increasing recycling, reducing harmful plastic pollution and supporting the circular economy. When extrusion coated or laminated onto paper, HydropolTM adds strength and barriers to oxygen, oil and grease, and its solubility allows 100 percent paper fibre recovery through paper recycling mills.
