F&B industry going greener – study
Today’s food and beverage (F&B) companies are poised to minimize plastic as a favored packaging material, as recent research has unveiled that three out of the top five commitments made by business leaders to address sustainability challenges include the reduction of plastic usage.
A research by world’s leading food processing and packaging solutions company, Tetra Pak, examined F&B manufacturers’ attitude to sustainability, now and in five years' time. It showed that half of the surveyed businesses pinpointed consumer demand as the main catalyst behind implementing new sustainable solutions within the manufacturing and processing arena.
Based on the survey, 77 percent of businesses expressed a willingness to accept cost-related trade-offs associated with the implementation of sustainable manufacturing and processing solutions, despite the industry facing ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
This echoes the sentiment found in a separate Tetra Pak consumer study on packaging. The study found that almost three out of four respondents (74%) would increase their purchases if a brand talked about environmental topics, while 42 percent believe that an “environmentally sound package” justifies a higher price, providing the industry with a reassuring case for adopting a business model that reduces environmental impact.
This insight follows COP28, which saw many private sector stakeholders committing to sustainability targets and initiatives, including Tetra Pak’s actionoriented approach towards food systems transformation.
Business’ focus on environmental impact is seemingly at a tipping point, with the urgency to adopt practices that decarbonize the world’s food systems predicted to surge by 10% in the next five years, from 49% to 59%. When asked how packaging and processing suppliers can contribute, 65% of companies identified the importance of new product developments, confirming the critical role played by innovation in our global fight against climate change.
Terrynz Tan, Sustainability Director for ASEAN Tetra Pak, noted that “The result from this study confirms the consumer shift we are witnessing when it comes to the environment. They want F&B brands to be transparent, credible, and make a positive impact. Sustainable packaging isn't just about being eco-friendly — it's a chance for beverage makers to connect with customers in meaningful ways. By choosing renewable materials, brands can stand out in a crowded market and appeal to those who care about the planet. At Tetra Pak, we're passionate about creating the most sustainable food package possible. It's not just about business; it's about our commitment to responsibly sourced, recyclable, and carbon-neutral packaging.” Bernie Cahiles-magkilat