Pregis Study Reveals Challenges and Priorities in Achieving Sustainability Goals Through Pack and Ship Operations

Businesses today face the prevalent challenge of meeting sustainability goals. The driving force across most industries comes from the top down through legislative frameworks and from the bottom up with consumers flexing their buying power to support organizations with actionable sustainability initiatives. This shift was expedited by the recent pandemic in 2020, when a rapid e-commerce growth compelled businesses to reduce the environmental impact of their packaging and shipping operations.

The study investigated the definition and the implementation of sustainable practices across three primary industries, including industrial (manufacturing, automotive and transportation), retail/e-commerce, and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies. By surveying 325 decision makers and influencers from these industries, Pregis was able to strategically uncover key environmental themes and critical ways for businesses to build on their efforts through packaging solutions and services.

Key findings included:  

Some of the important revelations uncovered by this study relate to how decision makers define sustainability in packaging and fulfilment, stakeholders’ influence on prioritisation of sustainability, and preferences in the choice of a packaging supplier.

• Sustainability in packaging is largely defined as a reduction in the overall use of packaging and ensuring that the packaging is being sustainably and responsibly sourced. However, there is a discrepancy between companies’ definitions of sustainability vs. the initiatives they are prioritising. For example, reducing package damage stands low on the list of implemented tactics.
• Usage of recycled materials and reduction of landfill waste are the most common sustainability strategies implemented in packaging and fulfilment. There is a connection between reducing landfill waste and minimising damage rates, but businesses appear to overlook this relationship.
• In terms of decision-making, management is identified as ‘very influential’ in prioritising a company’s sustainable goals. Customers closely follow in terms of decision-making power, whereas employees and shareholders have least influence. Departments involved in sustainable packaging decision-making include Sustainability, Finance, Operations, and Procurement, while Packaging Engineering and Marketing are involved to a lesser extent.
• Overwhelming majority of businesses are interested in their packaging supplier supporting the decision making by providing package design and testing services. To further their sustainability agenda, 70% of the respondents indicated they would like their supplier to perform an environmental impact analysis of packaging.
• Consumers choose to buy from brands they believe are implementing environmentally friendly initiatives, and this creates revenue-driving opportunities for brands that effectively communicate sustainability through packaging. The surveyed companies are aligned with this preference, with 93% surveyed stating that on-pack sustainability messaging is the preferred communication method.
• The study also revealed gaps between the sustainability goals established by companies and their implementation strategies. And key company roles that are missing during the decision-making process. The good news is that there are actions that can be taken to close these gaps and bolster the decision-making process to create positive progress.    

Developing sustainable packaging is a journey of exploration and discovery. Everyone has an important part in preserving the environment and aligning sustainability priorities to meet customer, industry, and government demands. If you are looking for a packaging partner that is equally committed to addressing global waste challenges, while building a better future for everyone, contact Pregis.