The global sustainable packaging market is expected to grow in value to $491.75 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 7.44% from 2023-2029. There are a few factors fuelling this dynamic growth, but there is one that is stealing focus - the growing global emphasis on environmental conservation and corporate social responsibility.
Which, given the Office for the Internal Market (OIM)’s recent announcement, launching its study of restrictions on single-use plastics - and considerations around how businesses respond to regulations across the UK internal market - it’s only going to grow further.
Building on the work of its latest annual report, the OIM is now looking to stakeholders including SMEs and others operating across the supply chain for their input and experiences in dealing with regulatory changes in relation to single-use plastics. The OIM particularly wants views on how businesses have responded to the changes and the extent to which differences in the timing or substance of regulations have impacted policymaking and innovation across the UK.
But for businesses, addressing sustainability and plastic usage starts way before it reaches the consumer. Working with responsible suppliers and implementing sustainable packaging earlier on in their supply chain, way before it reaches their target market is an area where we know customers can begin reaping environmental benefits.
With ten lines operating across both sites in Scunthorpe, Omni-Pac Group UK produces 0.5 billion pieces of moulded fibre each year, serving the medical and fresh produce sectors as well as those with tailor-made requirements which can be made to package and transport anything from paint tins and drinks to electronics and plant trays, such as with the sales partner Modiform supplying the latter to B&Q.
An end-to-end process which sees 7,000 tonnes of recycled paper and cardboard repurposed each year.
It is these efforts that are setting Omni-Pac Group UK apart from others operating in the incredibly competitive landscape that is the global sustainable packaging market. Highly competitive due to it still being a very niche market, for Omni-Pac Group UK the importance of maintaining these points of difference is vital to its continued success and growth across the sector.
James Gallacher, Managing Director at Omni-Pac Group UK, said: “As the demand for sustainable packaging solutions continues to grow, maintaining high operating standards is not just our responsibility as industry leaders but a necessity for everyone working within it. High standards ensure that Omni-Pac Group UK consistently delivers innovative, high-quality products that truly meet the needs of both consumers and the environment. By committing to these standards, we aim to set a benchmark that drives continuous improvement and helps to foster trust with our customers, distributors, and regulators.
“As the UK Government pushes forward with initiatives to reduce the national reliance on single-use packaging, our industry must lead by example. It is essential to demonstrate that sustainable packaging is a viable and effective alternative, helping to pave the way for a more circular economy.”
OIM Panel Chair, Murdoch MacLennan, said: “We know that reducing our consumption of single-use plastics – from carrier bags used for the weekly shop to straws in our drinks – is important for the environment. We also know that the UK internal market for goods and services is worth £190 billion a year and green issues are a top priority for consumers, so it’s in everyone’s interest to get the full picture of how national restrictions on single-use plastics are working.
“To help us build that picture, we’re inviting feedback from interested stakeholders, including businesses that have experience with regulatory changes related to single-use plastics. This will help us understand how effectively companies of all sizes are able to sell their products and services across the 4 nations of the UK.”
Get in touch
If you’re keen to address how your business can become more sustainable, get in touch with the Omni-Pac team today to find out more about our solutions.
