A recent national study points to a growing consumer expectation that manufacturers act as a central cog in pushing for the recycling of product packaging.
The survey, conducted on behalf of the Carton Council, found 91 percent of respondents “expect food and beverage brands to actively help increase recycling of the packages they use for their products.” That represents an increase of six percentage points since the survey was conducted in 2013.
“The survey results reiterate what we have long believed, that we must work together – the packaging manufacturers, brands and everyone in between – to ensure we are talking to consumers in a clear way about the recyclability of our products,” Jason Pelz, vice president of recycling projects for the Carton Council of North America, said in a press release.
The survey included 2,495 interviews with U.S. residents who have access to curbside recycling. It was also conducted in 2013.
The Carton Council, which acts on behalf of carton manufacturers to increase carton recycling in North America, found that 46 percent of respondents “very consistently” or “often” consider the environmental effects of packaging when deciding to purchase a product.
An additional 31 percent of respondents said they “occasionally” consider environmental impacts.
The most commonly used resource when it comes to determining the recyclability of packaging was the recycling symbol. About 57 percent of respondents said they first look for the recycling symbol on a package, while another 34 percent noted they also resort to a community website for recycling information.
Meanwhile, 28 percent said they visit the product company’s website for details on product diversion.
