FMCG sector ‘very aware’ of microplastics in packaging

New research from Aquapak – which surveyed 100 UK packaging experts responsible for packaging research and development, technology, design and sustainability for FMCG brands – highlights growing concerns about businesses’ use of plastic packaging and the impact of microplastics on oceans, waterways and living organisms, including humans.

According to the survey, 37% of respondents said they were very concerned about microplastics, while another 63% said they were somewhat concerned. Meanwhile, 84% said there should be much stricter regulations to help reduce the introduction of microplastics into the environment.

Another 92% of respondents said they plan to eliminate plastic from consumer packaging altogether and switch more to paper-based materials. However, only 28% expect to achieve that goal by 2029.

Of those surveyed, 86% said their company is willing to spend more on packaging to improve sustainability and bottom line, ultimately reducing the risk of microplastics entering the environment. In the long term, 25% expect their company to increase investment in packaging materials with improved recyclability.

Microplastics are plastic particles up to 5 mm in diameter that are created both by the development of commercial products and by the breakdown of larger plastics. Concentrations of these particles appear to have increased significantly over the past 40 years, and as a pollutant, microplastics can be harmful to the environment and animal health.

Dr John Williams, Technical Director at Aquapak, said: “Microplastics are one of the most problematic consequences of plastic in the environment. The truth is that we are only just beginning to fully understand the damage they are doing to the food chain and the long-term impacts they will have. Our research shows that the FMCG sector is very aware of the problem, but the pace of change remains slow.​