Heaptalk, Jakarta — F&B processing and packaging company Tetra Pak, in a survey conducted in 2023, revealed that F&B companies are preparing to minimize the use of plastic as packaging material. This fact is shown in three of the company’s five main commitments to running a sustainable business which are related to the reduction of plastic use.
These findings involved 346 respondents in 29 countries, including Italy, Poland, Spain, Germany, England, Australia, India, South Africa, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, China, Vietnam, USA, South Korea, Arab South, Turkey and Japan.
In more detail, 77% of companies expressed readiness for the costs incurred in implementing sustainable manufacturing and processing technology amidst the macroeconomic challenges they face. This aligns with the results of COP28 Dubai, which shows that business players, including Tetra Pak, are committed to implementing sustainable business.
Consumers as a factor in implementing sustainable practices
More than 50% of companies surveyed said that consumers were a factor in their efforts to implement sustainable business practices. This is in line with consumer studies related to packaging previously conducted by Tetra Pak, which shows that 3 out of 4 respondents have a tendency to purchase a product if the brand has discussed an environmental topic.
Meanwhile, around 42% of consumers stated that changing retail prices to higher was acceptable as long as the packaging promoted sustainability and had tangible evidence of efforts to reduce the environmental impact.
According to Sustainability Director for ASEAN at Tetra Pak Terrynz Tan, the results of this research confirm the shift in the role of consumers who want food or drink brands that positively impact the environment. By choosing renewable materials, a brand has an advantage and can attract consumers with the same environmental awareness.
Tan said, “At Tetra Pak, we are passionate about creating product packaging that supports sustainability. This is not solely about business but the company’s commitment to responsibly produced, recyclable, and carbon-neutral packaging.”
Focusing on businesses’ environmental impact
Another finding is that businesses’ environmental impact has become the focus of current attention, with companies continuing to be encouraged to adopt practices that decarbonize the world’s food system. The practice of decarbonizing the food system is expected to increase by 10% in the next five years to around 59%. Additionally, 65% of companies mentioned the importance of innovation and joint efforts in overcoming climate change.
Meanwhile, Vice President of Climate & Biodiversity at Tetra Pak Gilles Tisserand said that the food and beverage industry is currently reconsidering how running a business can help overcome world climate problems and deal with the impacts they cause. Companies rely on their partners to continue operating and improve in a competitive market.
“For this reason, Tetra Pak emphasizes the company’s commitment to continue to innovate, develop the latest research, and create a collaborative ecosystem, including product offerings,” concluded Tisserand.
