Some 80% of UK shoppers believe that retailers need to do more to tackle the issue of plastic waste, according to a study commissioned by compostable packaging company TIPA.
Six out of 10 shoppers feel that it is the retailer’s responsibility to cut down the environmental impact of plastic waste.
Role Of Eco-Friendly Alternatives
Around 70% of the respondents were more likely to shop with a brand that offers compostable packaging, while 39% felt that retailers should make more use of compostable packaging.
The CEO of TIPA, Daphna Nissenbaum, commented, “Retailers are now recognising that shoppers are not only opposed to plastic waste, in theory, they are very concerned about its large-scale polluting effect on the world’s lands and oceans.
“While a considered, wide-scale solution is needed by the industry to be effective, retailers should take note that consumers are holding them most accountable and are demanding more urgent action.”
Reducing Plastic Waste
Around 78% of the respondents opined that shoppers are responsible for reducing plastic waste, followed by retailers, government, and merchants.
Some 29% of respondents said that retail stores should be completely plastic free, while 39% felt that a plastic-free aisle should be added to every store.
Almost half of the shoppers place ethics ahead of functionality when it comes to manufacturing products for the retail industry, while a third feel both should be given equal weightage, the study found.
Other significant ethical issues that concerned consumers include sustainability (41%), fair trade (33%) and nutrition (30%).
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
