Over half of supermarket food and drink in the UK is unnecessarily packaged in plastic, a new analysis has revealed. The study highlights that up to 29.8 billion unnecessary pieces of plastic are being produced annually. Alarmingly, a quarter of food and drink companies are behind on their individual packaging goals, with most targets set for 2026, giving them just two years to take action. Manufacturers and retailers face challenges such as costs and concerns about consumer reactions to change.
The Material Change Index, conducted by Retail Economics for sustainable packaging company DS Smith, analysed 1,500 supermarket items. It found that 51% of food and drink products in UK supermarkets are needlessly packaged in plastic when viable alternatives exist. The research shows that processed foods, such as ready-meals and meal kits, are predominantly (90%) packed in plastic, followed by bread, rice, cereals (89%), dairy products (83%), and meat and fish (80%).
DS Smith’s Group Chief Executive, Miles Roberts, acknowledged progress in reducing plastic but emphasised the need for more action. He called for government intervention to phase out certain plastics, create a level playing field for innovation, and drive competition in sustainable packaging. European food manufacturers and retailers are committed to reducing plastic packaging, with 98% having such obligations. However, challenges such as the raw material cost and consumer acceptance of changes hinder progress for many.
The analysis compared packaging materials in 25 supermarkets across six European countries, revealing that the UK relies the most on plastic packaging. A staggering 70% of food and drink items on British shelves are packaged in plastic, topping other countries like Spain, Italy, Germany, Poland, and France. DS Smith estimates that 84% of unnecessary plastic in the UK could be replaced with fibre-based alternatives, and the company continues to invest in innovative solutions.
The research highlights a global shift towards sustainable packaging and the urgent need for the industry to accelerate efforts. With impending deadlines for packaging targets and mounting environmental concerns, the findings call for immediate action to reduce plastic waste and embrace more sustainable packaging practices.