Leeds Beckett University’s Retail Institute leads project looking at future of sustainability in packaging sector
The Retail Institute at Leeds Beckett University has released a new report on the future of sustainability in the packaging sector.
Bringing together senior leaders from across the FMCG supply chain, the Retail Institute headed up a programme to map the best sustainability outcomes for the packaging industry by 2034. The results are presented in a report, written by Leeds Beckett’s Dr Ben Mitchell and Olga Munroe, that offers actionable recommendations for businesses, governments and trade bodies.
Key themes from the report include:
Shifts in consumer behaviour and their impact on packaging design and sustainability
The UK’s need for greater self-sufficiency in materials and waste processing
The transformation of waste value chains and circular economy strategies
The role of cross-sector collaboration in achieving long-term, sustainable goals
The report outlines desirable future scenarios and also lays out a roadmap between now and 2034 to make them a reality.
Among the key recommendations:
Industry should drive change, not rely on action from the government
Legislation is needed to both define and curb greenwashing by industry
Develop a strategy for UK self-sufficiency in packaging
Awareness-raising initiatives and education to inform consumers about their role
Even amid today’s uncertainties, the project discovered reasons for hope and clear signs of industry commitment and a willingness to co-create better and more sustainable outcomes for future generations.
Munroe says: “This project demonstrates the value of multi-stakeholder initiatives in addressing critical societal and commercial challenges, including climate change and environmental sustainability. By applying rigorous academic methodologies, such as Futures & Foresight and Action Learning, it creates a structured yet dynamic environment for innovative, long-term sectoral strategy development. Under the guidance of Professor Jeff Gold, the Retail Institute and our expert panel formed a strategic vision and actionable roadmap for how the consumer goods retail sector can contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.”
The Retail Institute at Leeds Beckett University has worked with the likes of Arla, Asda, Unilever, and Nestle.
The report is drawn from the work of a collaborative group of FMCG experts from companies including Morrisons, BASF, Asda, Arla, Nestle, Amcor, BAMA, British Plastics Federation, Kingfisher, ABP, Parkside, Coveris, BPIF, Warburtons and FIA UK.
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Green retail will be a key focus area at our sister title RTIH’s 2025 Innovation Awards.
The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”
He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”
“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”
Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering.
For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.
