With eco-friendly consumer concerns having just been picked out by Euromonitor as one of the top four global packaging trends for the industry, the recent focus on recyclable packaging seems savvy.
P&G last month announced that its Head & Shoulders brand is set to produce the ‘world’s first’ recyclable shampoo bottle, set to be retailed in France.
Meanwhile, Unilever has also asserted that it is committing to similar development: the consumer goods giant states that by 2025, it will ensure that it is technically possible for all its plastic packaging to be reused or recycled.
Eco-friendly in the spotlight
In a recent report that highlighted four key emerging trends for the beauty and personal care packaging industry, market research firm Euromonitor International picked out eco-friendly solutions as one with increasing global relevance.
“Increased consumer interest in greener packaging coupled with brand owners and packaging manufacturers’ growing involvement in sustainability will continue to ensure that new innovations come on stream,” the firm’s analyst, Mylan Ngyuen, explained.
“Developing more environmentally-friendly packaging solutions will be an important influencer for both brand owners and packaging manufacturers, if also communicated well to consumers.”
Indeed, refillable packaging is a closely related sister trend to that of recyclable packaging, and it too is seeing increasing investment and innovation.
Award winning attempts
It’s not just the major players turning their sights on meeting consumer demand for recyclable packaging; smaller packaging companies are also getting in on the act.
Indeed, one company, AR Metallizing, was recently awarded Belgian National Champion status at the European Business Awards thanks to its Silberboard sustainable packaging board.
The board offers manufacturers a ‘fully sustainable packaging alternative to conventional plastic packaging’ according to the company.