Chicago, IL: PreScouter, a Chicago-based research intelligence firm, has released a detailed report on reusable packaging solutions and the companies at the forefront of the trend toward encouraging the reuse of packaging materials.
“Growing up, my parents fetched groceries in paper bags, produce in reusable nylon bags, and milk in steel cans. I strongly feel it’s time to get rid of convenience packaging and make the switch to reusable containers,” says PreScouter Researcher Paromita Raha. “It’s neither unfamiliar nor impossible,” she adds.
Today, only 14% of plastic packaging is collected for recycling, and over 80% of plastic packaging is disposed of after just one use. The result is that an estimated 95% of packaging material value is lost to the economy because it is disposed of so quickly instead of being used multiple times.
However, polling shows that more than 70% of consumers worldwide would be willing to change their habits to embrace sustainable options. And according to a 2017 report by the World Economic Forum, the reuse potential within the plastic packaging sector is an estimated 20%. One of the strategies highlighted in the report is refillable bottles, where only the active ingredients are shipped. If all bottles just in the home cleaning and beauty & personal care sectors adopted this concept, it would amount to about 3 million tonnes, or at least $8 billion, in packaging cost savings.
This PreScouter Intelligence Brief takes an in-depth look at the main drivers and reuse potential within the packaging sector. The brief also examines the benefits that come with making the shift to reusable packaging as well as the issues that are currently hindering its widespread adoption. In addition, the report highlights examples of different sectors adopting reusable packaging solutions and profiles five companies that have built successful models for offering reusable packaging solutions to both businesses and consumers alike.
As PreScouter’s Technical Director of Plastics & Packaging Marija Jovic points out, “Reusable packaging is like going back to the basics — and finding out why some old practices might be foundations of modern ways, provided with a bit of a twist.”
About PreScouter, Inc.: PreScouter provides research support services to help business leaders make better R&D, product development and corporate development decisions. PreScouter’s custom-selected teams of Advanced Degree Researchers and Subject Matter Experts connect business leaders with new markets, commercializable technologies, industry-impacting startups, and other actionable data. PreScouter’s growing list of 500+ clients includes GE Healthcare, Coca Cola, BAE Systems, Clorox, and Volvo. For more info, please visit www.prescouter.com.