Shoppers in the U.S. and Canada are increasingly refusing to buy products wrapped in excessive or unsustainable packaging, signaling rising public concern over plastic pollution and its links to climate change and health risks.
Yusuf Khan reports for The Wall Street Journal.
In short:
- A survey by sustainability consultancy Aura found 37% of U.S. and Canadian shoppers had chosen not to buy items due to unsustainable packaging, with even higher numbers in Europe.
- Although major brands pledged in 2020 to cut plastic use by 2025, companies like Coca-Cola and Unilever have delayed those targets to 2030, citing early misjudgments.
- A study in Nature identified more than 4,200 chemicals used in plastics that pose health concerns, including toxicity and persistence in the environment.
Key quote:
“Packaging is the new pressure point for North American brands and retailers. It’s become a visible test of their environmental credibility, and if they’re willing to accept the costs of positive change.”
— Gillian Garside-Wight, director of consulting at Aura
Why this matters:
Plastic packaging is a growing threat to human health and the environment. Chemicals used in plastic wrap, containers, and coatings can leach into food and water, and many remain in the environment for decades. Studies link exposure to some plastic-related chemicals with endocrine disruption, cancer, and developmental issues, particularly in children. Plastic production also relies on fossil fuels, driving greenhouse gas emissions. As corporations stall on promised reductions and continue to push back deadlines, consumer impatience is growing.
Related: The environmental impact of paper versus plastic packaging
