Too much packaging? Consumers say supermarkets and retailers are guilty

New research conducted by YouGov for the Local Government Association (LGA) reveals that an overwhelming 71 percent of individuals believe that supermarkets and retailers use excessive packaging.

The study, conducted online between November 1st and 2nd, 2023, surveyed 2,112 adults in England and Wales. It found that not only do consumers feel there is too much packaging, but they also advocate for environmentally friendly solutions, with 88 percent expressing a preference for recyclable materials and clearer labelling.

Furthermore, the poll indicates strong support for government intervention, with 85 percent of respondents believing that companies should be mandated to reduce packaging. Interestingly, consumers are significantly more likely to trust local councils (52 percent) over the government (6 percent) or industry (8 percent) to manage waste and recycling services.

Moreover, a staggering 48 percent of participants believe that producers, rather than local councils (4 percent), should bear the costs of packaging recycling.

The LGA, alongside councils nationwide, is urging political parties to commit to implementing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme. Additionally, they advocate for local autonomy in waste management and sufficient funding for councils to deliver effective waste management services tailored to community needs.

Cllr Darren Rodwell, environment spokesperson for the LGA, said: Good packaging is essential for keeping products fresh and intact, and producers are doing more to reduce waste and support recycling. But everybody can see the levels of waste, across our shop shelves, delivered to our homes, and into our bins. Councils see it every day and spend millions dealing with it. We support reforms for packaging producers taking responsibility for meeting costs and in helping further reduce and recycle packaging waste, it is crucial that the costs are met and that councils continue to lead local waste and recycling services.