\n\n\n
\u2715<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n\n
A report that recently caught my attention is \u201cThe Tipping Point: Building trust in the circular economy,\u201d<\/em> developed by BSI<\/strong><\/a> in collaboration with the University of Cambridge\u2019s Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL<\/strong><\/a>).<\/p>\n Among other things, the report touches on consumers\u2019 views of recycled packaging and efforts to achieve a circular economy.<\/p>\n \u201cOur current dominant economic model operates on a linear trajectory: extract resources, manufacture products, use them \u2014 often briefly \u2014 and then discard them,\u201d the report notes. \u201cAccordingly, global waste generation is on an upward trajectory. The circular economy (CE) represents a systemic shift towards an economy intentionally designed to be restorative and regenerative \u2014 and according to our research, 86% of consumers believe it should be a priority for businesses and government.\u201d<\/p>\n The report adds: \u201cWhile the economic and environmental logic of the circular economy is compelling, its widespread adoption hinges on a critical factor: trust. This is because a transition to circular models requires significant shifts, for businesses and consumers.\u201d<\/p>\n The report\u2019s researchers set out to explore the fundamental pillars required to build trust and reach a \u201csocietal tipping point, whereby sustainability becomes the norm, desired by consumers and appealing as a business model.\u201d<\/p>\n Some of the report\u2019s findings:<\/p>\n The report minces no words when it comes to the challenges of achieving sustainable food packaging.<\/p>\n \u201cShort product lifespans, fragmented supply chains and reliance on just-in-time logistics, along with stringent cosmetic standards and misinterpreted date labeling, make the sector particularly prone to waste, with edible food discarded at various stages,\u201d the report notes. \u201cThe system also lacks coherence on key enablers such as harmonized labeling, collection infrastructure, or policy incentives for recovery and reuse.\u201d<\/p>\n However, the report also points to signs of progress, citing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks that are driving reform and incentivizing sustainable packaging. It\u2019s worth noting that\u202fPackaging Strategies\u202frecently established an\u202fEPR topic page<\/strong><\/a>\u202fdedicated to all things EPR as it relates to packaging. I encourage you to check it out.<\/p>\n As for companies that are rethinking packaging formats, the report specifically cites Notpla<\/strong><\/a>, which specializes in seaweed-based packaging and which has been on Packaging Strategies\u2019<\/em> radar for some time now. We also have reported extensively on other types of biobased packaging<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n The challenges cited by BSI and CISL in their report reminded me of the testimony of Dan Felton, President and CEO of the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), when he testified in July of this year<\/strong><\/a> before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce (E&C) Subcommittee on Environment during a hearing about recycling innovation and economic growth.<\/p>\n Dan Felton, President and CEO of the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce (E&C) Subcommittee on Environment during a hearing about recycling innovation and economic growth. Image source: Flexible Packaging Association<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n \u201cFPA believes that properly constructed and executed\u202fExtended Producer Responsibility (EPR)\u202fprogram laws for packaging are one public policy mechanism that could significantly assist with increasing flexible packaging recovery and recycling in the U.S. through additional funding and infrastructure,\u201d said Felton. \u201cWhile these laws are not all created equal and some are arguably overreaching in their goals and requirements, FPA is proud to have publicly supported the enabling legislation in Maryland and Minnesota as vehicles we believe have real potential to promote a critical and necessary shift in flexible packaging recycling in the U.S. while not placing overburdensome requirements or restrictions on flexible packaging manufacturers and users.\u201d<\/p>\n As President John F. Kennedy said in that memorable speech in September 1962: \u201cWe choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.\u201d<\/p>\n Brad Addington<\/strong>\n
![\"Dan](\"https:\/\/www.packagingstrategies.com\/ext\/resources\/ISSUES\/2025\/08-August\/Columns\/DanFeltonTestifying-1170x658.jpg\")
![\"Brad](\"https:\/\/www.packagingstrategies.com\/ext\/resources\/images\/Brad-Addington-signature.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n
\n
Chief Editor, Packaging Strategies<\/em>
\n
(248) 227-4727
\n
addingtonb@bnpmedia.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n