Too Much Unnecessary Plastic in Packaging?

The study by DS Smith and the consumer research institute Retail Economics analyzed a total of 1,500 food and beverage packages at the five largest food retailers in Germany, France, Italy, Poland and Spain. The study shows that although it is possible to reduce plastic packaging in the food retail sector, there are financial and structural challenges. Uniform guidelines at European and global level, on the other hand, could speed up implementation in the sector and reduce the plastic burden in the long term.

According to the study, avoidable plastic in food packaging amounts to 38.6 billion pieces per year in Germany. The meat and fish products category in particular accounts for the largest proportion of plastic packaging at 84 percent, closely followed by dairy products at 83 percent and non-alcoholic beverages at 80 percent.

As part of the study, 300 experts from the food and beverage industry were also surveyed. Almost all (98%) of those surveyed stated that their companies had committed to a voluntary reduction in plastic packaging. According to the study, the biggest obstacle to switching to more sustainable packaging is the cost of raw materials, cited by 40 percent of respondents. And 39% expressed concern that customers would not accept changes to packaging. Seven out of ten respondents also assume that customers would not be prepared to pay higher prices for more sustainable packaging.

Plastic Consumption Remains High in Europe

A comparison of countries shows that the UK relies most heavily on plastic, accounting for 70% of food packaging. This is followed by Spain (67%), Germany and Italy (66%), Poland (62%) and France (59%). “Food manufacturers have committed to replacing plastic packaging. However, reality shows that this is often not implemented as long as targets are voluntary. The EU has already introduced some rules for a gradual ban on certain plastic packaging,” explains Uwe Väth, Managing Director at DS Smith Packaging Germany and Switzerland.

In order to drive forward a comprehensive and rapid transformation, DS Smith is therefore pushing for globally uniform regulations, including with regard to the necessary food safety requirements. This is not about banning all plastic as long as it is necessary. However, too much plastic is not recycled at all, so the legal framework should provide for avoidance and reduction along the supply chain, Väth continues. According to DS Smith, up to 85% of the plastic in packaging could already be replaced by fiber-based alternatives.

Plastics Industry Criticized

Mara Hancker, Managing Director Communications at the IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen, is highly critical of the study and the statements made by paper packaging manufacturer DS Smith in an interview with Lebensmittelzeitung. The work was very sloppy.

“According to European and German legislation, it is not a question of whether packaging contains 'visible' plastic, but whether it contains plastic, regardless of its proportion of the total weight. For this reason, many plastic-coated paper packages that the study praises as an alleged substitute for plastic packaging should also be included,” said Hancker.

Recyclability Is Important

Whether a packaging material is “necessary” or “unnecessary” is determined solely by whether the environmental impact of the contents and the wrapping is minimized along the entire product life cycle.

The packaging industry should not disqualify individual materials. “If we don't need the properties of plastic, we shouldn't use it. If it contributes to sustainable consumption and climate protection, we should value it and keep it in the cycle as a valuable resource.”

Recyclability is an enormously important property of packaging materials. Hancker refers to the Central Agency Packaging Register and the Federal Environment Agency, which require proof of recyclability for paper packaging in the minimum standard.

Recyclability is an extremely important characteristic of packaging materials. Hancker refers to the Central Agency Packaging Register and the Federal Environment Agency, which require proof of recyclability for paper composites as a minimum standard.

Whether paper or plastic: product protection is the top priority for packaging, say experts from various sectors. This is why the discussion about the choice of materials will continue to be held against this background – also at FACHPACK 2025. Secure the early bird advantage as an exhibitor now until December 1.