In May 2022, UPM Specialty Papers and Smithers published a white paper forecasting what sustainable food packaging will look like in 2040 based on surveys of over “200 global packaging professionals from across the value chain.” Highlighted trends include that by 2040 “consumers won’t tolerate a choice between sustainability and convenience” and “sustainability will not be a brand choice but a strict government mandate.” Paper and other fiber-based forms of packaging are largely seen by consumers as the most sustainable, which the surveyed professionals predicted will continue. And while reuse and composting will increase, around one-fifth of packaging will likely still be thrown away for the next two decades.
The majority of survey respondents were from Europe (50%) and the Americas (22%) with the rest from China (12%) or other parts of Asia (16%). Most respondents were converters (30%), suppliers (22%), or brand representatives (17%).
Over 80% of respondents in every region responded that it is “quite likely” or “very likely” that “sustainable packaging is no longer a brand or consumer issue but a strict government mandate.” A challenge to increasing the recyclability and sustainability is the risk that inks, adhesives, etc. used in recycled paper and other recycled fibers in food contact will contaminate the food. Survey respondents believe that “through a combination of better recycling processes, improved traceability and enhanced barrier properties,” ‘food safe’ recovered paper fibers are likely to be made available, but “a significant increase in supply chain visibility will be required.” The white paper is available for free but requires completion of an online form.
In February 2022, the consulting firm McKinsey & Company reviewed packaging regulations in 30 countries across the globe and found the majority of regulations target the beginning or the end of the supply chain by either banning a material or creating extended producer responsibility schemes (FPF reported). A review by Konrad Grob published in September 2021 discussed approaches to reduce chemical migration from recycled paperboard such that it meets current safety requirements for food packaging applications (FPF reported). Grob discussed three measures for improving the safety of recycled fiber, (i) internal bags with an incorporated barrier, (ii) barrier layers, and (iii) functional sorbents added to the board.
Read more
UPM Specialty Papers and Smithers (May 2022). “What will sustainable food packaging trends look like in 2040?” Smithers
Megan Smalley (June 16, 2022). “Study outlines food packaging forecast for 2040.” Recycling Today
