Consumers are choosing paper: The new packaging revolution!

Consumers are choosing paper: The new packaging revolution!

Consumers in Europe show a clear preference for paper-based packaging, as evidenced by the recent Two Sides Trend Tracker Report. According to [oekonews.at](https://www2.oekonews.at/papierbasis- Verpackungen-bevorzugt+2400+1227974), the advantages of this type of packaging consist in particular of its recyclability and lower environmental impact. More than 12,000 respondents assessed various packaging materials for their recyclability, biodegradability and environmental impact. The results show that 75% of consumers prefer paper and cardboard due to their biodegradability.

The survey shows that paper/cardboard is the first choice in 9 out of 15 categories, followed by glass in 4 and metal and plastic in 1 category each. Furthermore, 53% of those surveyed stated that they find paper/cardboard to be particularly environmentally friendly, while 51% cited the ease of recycling as a reason for their choice. But the majority see governments and authorities as responsible for reducing non-recyclable packaging. 39% of consumers see them as the main culprits, followed by 22% who hold brands and retailers responsible.

Packaging preferences and ecological aspects

The trend study also shows that paper/cardboard is the favorite when it comes to environmental attributes such as compostability, environmental friendliness and recyclability. 76% of survey participants agree with the aspect of compostability, which even rises to 86% in Austria. In addition, handling, price and storage are also important factors when choosing packaging materials. In Europe, paper packaging achieves an impressive recycling rate of 82%, making it the most commonly recycled type of packaging. In addition, the recycling rate for plastic is only 38% and for glass it is 76%.

According to [twosides.info](https://at.twosides.info/AT/trendtracker23- Verpackungen/), Austrian consumers place above-average value on ecological packaging. The need to reduce waste and promote a sustainable circular economy thus finds economic and social support. The survey results show there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact of packaging, and many consumers believe more action should be taken by governments.

Packaging waste in Germany

The problem of packaging waste is also a central issue in Germany. According to the Federal Environment Agency, around 19 million tons of packaging were used in 2022, with paper, cardboard and cardboard being the most common material group. The increase in packaging waste is due to changing living conditions and consumption habits, including the growth of the mail order industry, which requires additional packaging.

The EU has committed recycling targets: 65% of all packaging should be recycled by 2025, and this rate must rise to 70% by 2030. The packaging law in Germany is intended to further support these quotas and has already significantly reduced the use of lightweight plastic carrier bags. In 2022, the recycling rate of packaging waste was an impressive 97.1%. This development shows that collaboration between industry, governments and the public is crucial to further improve recycling rates and promote environmentally friendly alternatives.