PakTech Study reveals ongoing tension in recycled plastic vs. fiber debate 

USA – A recent study commissioned by packaging designer and manufacturer PakTech, involving 500 packaging experts across the UK, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, reveals ongoing tensions in the sustainable packaging debate. 

According to the findings, over 85% of respondents view plastic as essential for consumer packaged goods (CPG) sectors, yet 67% report their companies are reducing plastic use or shifting to recycled options to address environmental concerns.

“We conducted this research to understand the practical challenges European manufacturers and co-packers face,” said Gary Panknin, PakTech’s sustainability officer and supply chain manager. 

He noted that while companies are not abandoning plastic, they are prioritizing recycled materials over virgin and single-use plastics to minimize environmental impact.

The study highlights a divide in material preferences. UK experts (63%) see recycled plastic as more sustainable than fiber, followed by Spain (52%) and France (51%). 

In contrast, Germany (47%) and Italy (53%) lean toward fiber-based materials. Job roles also shape opinions, with sustainability and operations teams favoring recycled plastics, while marketing and procurement teams often prefer fiber for its perceived eco-friendly appeal.

PakTech emphasizes that recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) offers durability, cost, and density advantages. 

A PakTech life cycle assessment (LCA) found rHDPE handles produce a carbon footprint of 0.022–0.034 kg CO2 equivalent, significantly lower than paperboard alternatives, which can have a global warming potential two to five times higher. 

Despite these benefits, over 80% of respondents cited environmental concerns as a barrier to adopting rHDPE, particularly among marketing teams skeptical of its sustainability credentials.

Two-thirds of surveyed organizations have set ESG targets to optimize plastic use, but their practices vary widely, indicating a gap between goals and implementation. 

Panknin stated, “With the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, effective February 2025, and growing consumer pressure, professionals are seeking materials that ensure circularity and efficiency. Recycled plastics like rHDPE can meet these demands.”

In a recent development, a January 2025 report noted that Europe’s packaging sector, responsible for 40% of plastic waste, faces challenges in meeting 2030 recycling targets, with only 40% of plastic packaging recycled in 2022. 

This underscores the urgency for solutions like rHDPE to bridge the gap between sustainability goals and operational realities, as companies navigate regulatory and consumer expectations.

PakTech’s findings suggest that informed, data-driven material choices are critical. The company advocates for recycled plastics as a practical solution, challenging the notion that sustainability means eliminating plastics entirely.

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