Abandoning packaging sustainability a ‘serious strategic miscalculation’: Bain

Core Insights - Companies are still investing in sustainability initiatives, particularly in packaging, despite a reduction in public sustainability messaging [2][3] - Losing focus on sustainability is viewed as a significant strategic error, especially as regulations increasingly influence economic factors [2] - Sustainability is a critical purchasing criterion, with 59% of surveyed packaging customers indicating they would change suppliers if sustainability metrics are not met [3] Industry Trends - The report emphasizes that the time for merely setting sustainability targets has passed; companies must now take concrete actions to meet their commitments [4] - Key themes in the 2026 paper and packaging outlook include rethinking supply chains, the impact of artificial intelligence, chemical recycling, and expectations for mergers and acquisitions [4] - The packaging industry has experienced significant turbulence over the past five years, with rapid changes in market dynamics [5] Material Preferences - Approximately 60% of the estimated 8 trillion units of consumer packaging globally are plastic, while 20% are fiber, with increasing pressure from consumers and regulators for more sustainable options [6] - Categories such as cups, lids, containers, boxes, and clamshells are under scrutiny due to their high plastic content, presenting opportunities for fiber alternatives [6] - US consumers show a preference for non-plastic substrates, favoring paper and glass packaging for grocery products [7]