Awareness of Resource Scarcity is Growing But Understanding of Business Impacts is Limited
New Survey Findings From Tetra Pak Suggest More Can Be Done
DENTON, Texas, December 19, 2014 /3BL Media/ — Packaging professionals within consumer packaged goods companies report growing awareness around the business impacts connected to natural resource scarcity, but robust knowledge and understanding is still absent, according to findings from a survey conducted recently by Tetra Pak® U.S.
Last month, Tetra Pak surveyed 120 sales, marketing, R&D, purchasing and other packaging professionals within the consumer packaged goods industry to explore industry perceptions around company resource management practices, especially in light of diminishing finite natural resources combined with population growth and increased consumer demand for packaged goods.
The results from Tetra Pak's survey align to recent findings from Packaging Digest's annual survey of packaging and sustainability around use and expected growth of bio-based packaging materials.
Among Tetra Pak’s findings, just 41 percent of survey respondents said they were “very aware” of the impacts of resource scarcity on their business. And while respondents reported some awareness around eight attributes related to resource management practices within their companies, it is far from pervasive, with awareness levels of most attributes at 50 percent or less.
“The results of our survey suggest that more must be done to educate and increase attention around the impacts of natural resource scarcity,” said Brian Kennell, President and CEO, Tetra Pak® U.S. “This is very real and significant issue for the packaging industry and beyond. Greater knowledge of the potential risks and deeper insights around solutions can spur companies to adopt risk mitigations strategies and change their practices,” he added.
Survey respondents reported three top impacts to companies: 1) greater price volatility around supply/raw materials; 2) long-term shortage of supply resources; and 3) decreased ability to manage costs.
Respondents also cite the following as the top reasons for using renewable materials:
- Sustainable resource management will contribute to growth
- Using renewable materials allows company to secure long-term supply
- I expect demand for renewable packaging to increase
- Using renewable resources can help mitigate climate change
Survey findings also reveal that respondents are uncertain if companies are doing the right things and following best practices. Only 18% of respondents report being satisfied with their company’s resource management practices and only 22% believe their company has a good understanding of actions to take to become an industry leader.
The survey is part of Tetra Pak’s Moving To The Front initiative to sharpen the focus on resource scarcity and its implications for the ongoing viability and business growth of consumer packaged goods companies. The initiative invites manufacturers, brand owners, NGOs, and others to expand attention from the mid and end of the life cycle to the beginning
To learn more about Moving To The Front and to download Tetra Pak’s infographic, “How Is Resource Scarcity Impacting Businesses?” visit http://www.doingwhatsgood.us/moving-to-the-front/
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ABOUT TETRA PAK
Tetra Pak is the world's leading food processing and packaging solutions company. Working closely with our customers and suppliers, we provide safe, innovative and environmentally sound products that each day meet the needs of hundreds of millions of people in more than 170 countries around the world. With more than 23,000 employees based in over 80 countries, we believe in responsible industry leadership and a sustainable approach to business. Our motto, “PROTECTS WHAT’S GOOD™," reflects our vision to make food safe and available, everywhere. More information about Tetra Pak is available at www.tetrapakusa.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Larine Urbina
Tetra Pak U.S. and Canada
Telephone: +1 940-380-4630 Mobile: +1 940-231-4268
Larine.Urbina@tetrapak.com
Bess Winston
The Winston Agency for Tetra Pak
Mobile: +1 202-321-4355
Bess.winston@gmail.com
