Research highlights widespread US and UK support for plastic packaging tax

23 Aug 2018 --- More than half of consumers in the UK and a third in the US are in favor of a tax on all plastic packaging on food products, new research has shown. The survey of 1,000 consumers, commissioned by Ingredient Communications, also finds that many people are more likely to shop in supermarkets that offer fruit and vegetables without plastic packaging.

These results follow the news that the UK public are supportive of a plastic tax being introduced after the Treasury received an “unprecedented” level of strongly tax-positive responses from the public on its recent call for evidence on packaging waste. Last week, a French Environment Ministry official unveiled plans to introduce a penalty system for consumer goods packaged in unrecyclable plastic in the country.

“Our research makes clear that there is high demand for food manufacturers to use more plastic-free packaging and for supermarkets to introduce plastic-free features into their stores. However, the benefits of plastic packaging for food and beverage products are often overlooked. It helps protect goods from damage, extends shelf life and creates a brand identity, which undoubtedly influences consumers’ purchasing decisions,” says Richard Clarke, Founder and Managing Director of Ingredient Communications.

The online survey, carried out by research specialists Surveygoo, indicates significant support for economic incentives to reduce the use of plastic food packaging. Over half of 500 consumers in the UK, 52 percent, said they were in favor of a tax on all plastic packaging of food products. In the US, support was lower but still significant, with 33 percent of American consumers favoring such a tax.

“The lower results in the US may reflect a greater public opposition to taxation generally, as well as greater skepticism about government measures to protect the environment,” says Neil Cary, the Managing Director for Surveygoo.

The research highlights that more than a third of food sold in the EU is packaged in plastic and that UK supermarkets create more than 800,000 tons of plastic packaging waste every year. Consumers may well be influenced by the positive effect that a charge for plastic bags had on their usage, with an 80 percent reduction being noted in the UK since its introduction in 2015, the survey notes.

In the UK, 41 percent of consumers said they would be more likely to buy produce from supermarkets that sold fruit and vegetables without plastic packaging, with only 3 percent saying this would make them less likely to shop there, the survey found. In the US, 38 percent of consumers said they would be more likely to shop in stores selling fruit and vegetables without plastic packaging, although the number saying they were less likely to do so was higher than in the UK: 13 percent.

Clark tells PackagingInsights that it is essential to find alternative packaging materials that can mirror plastics functional benefits, such as biodegradable plastics. “And where plastic offers no functional benefit, materials such as paper are often suitable. We’re beginning to see more innovative packaging alternatives, such as plant-based plastics, on the shelves, demonstrating that the industry is responding to consumers’ concerns.”

Blue Planet effect
Blue Planet, a British nature documentary series that is famously narrated by David Attenborough, aired an episode dedicated to the impact of human activity, namely plastic waste, on marine life late in 2017. The survey highlights that the effect of this profound episode, particularly on the British public, may explain the strong desire for change around plastic waste and its management. 

“Our research reflects the ‘Blue Planet effect’ in the UK. Viewers were left in no doubt about the harmful and often heartbreaking impact of plastic waste and many were inspired to make a change,” adds Cary.

Indeed, Julie Anderson, Global Executive Director of the Oceans Plastic Foundation tells PackagingInsights how, when working with businesses over the reduction of single-use plastics and plastic waste, the animal aspect of the problem is strong. “A big component is raising awareness and finding some emotional triggers that get people involved. The love for animals is significant for change, as is the belief in the science of human health.”

“The topic is trending, and we try not to let people get overwhelmed. If everybody joins in, plants a seed of information, which will make a difference.” The time has come, she explains, for a social rethink of plastic."

“In the UK at least, there’s no doubt from our research, and the response to the Government consultation, that there’s been a sea change in social attitudes to plastic. The ‘Blue Planet effect’ isn’t going to go away, but the more interesting question is how the public will respond if they end up having to pay significantly more for products. The experience of the plastic bag charge suggests the response may not be negative, but it probably depends on the scale of increases,” Clark concludes.

By Laxmi Haigh