NEW research has revealed that 64% of UK shoppers are motivated to reduce their single-use packaging when shopping for groceries.
Environmental charity, City to Sea, worked with market research team, Obsurvant, to ask 2,037 UK-based respondents about their awareness and attitudes towards plastic pollution, as well as their reuse habits. The research comes as the UK prepares for a general election this year.
The polling shows how the population is actively trying to transition away from plastic use, with 83% of consumers state they are ‘concerned’ about the amount of plastic that can be found in their weekly grocery shop, up from 75% in May 2021.
Results also reveal a strong commitment to reuse, with 81% of those polled using reusable shopping bags and 65% owning a reusable water bottle. However, when asking what’s stopping respondents from doing more to reduce their use of single-use plastics, a lack of availability of sustainable alternatives was the primary response.
Over two-thirds agree brands should do more to offer reuse and refill and reduce packaging, with 71% saying they would view brands and retailers much more favourably if they took these vital steps.
Transitioning to reuse and refill systems allows consumers to either bring containers to stores and fill them with goods from dispensers, or purchase products in reusable packaging that is then returned to stores to be cleaned and reused.
City to Sea has been collaborating with industry and retailers to make reuse and refill more accessible. This includes a partnership with Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Reposit to implement a returnable packaging alternative for own-brand cleaning and laundry products which is now available in 23 M&S stores nationwide.
To scale up reuse and refill systems to increased numbers of locations across the UK, campaigners are calling for political parties to include commitments to legally binding reusable packaging targets, and a complete ban on single-use packaging, in their manifestos.
Jane Martin, CEO of City to Sea, said, “Retailers such as M&S, Aldi and brands like Ecover are leading the reuse and refill mission by undertaking trials which are showing great results. However, businesses must have legislative support to meet consumer demand. This includes governments setting legally binding reusable and refillable packaging targets alongside single-use plastic bans.
“To create a plastic-free future, governments must set out incentives and foster opportunities for businesses to transition from single-use packaging. Our research shows just how important the plastic problem is to the British public and their desire for reuse and refill alternatives. We will continue to work with policymakers, businesses, and consumers to create a reuse revolution.”
Stuart Chidley, co-founder at Reposit, added, “It’s a positive step forwards to see consumers demand more reuse options. Through our ongoing collaborations with leading brands including M&S, we’re building scalable solutions that create sustainable packaging for people and planet. As the public continues to move away from single-use packaging, we call on brands and retailers to build on this momentum by committing further to reuse schemes.”
