Is Sustainable Packaging Still a Priority for U.S. Consumers in 2025?

Is Sustainable Packaging Still Prominent for U.S. Consumers in 2025?

Image Credits:  Sustainable Packaging News

Environmental concerns are beneficial, but do people work towards them positively as well? The question is simple but the answers to it vary depending on multiple factors in 2025. Post pandemic the world has been through numerous and humongous changes. May it be financial strategies, the use of products, or even the ingredients of the products, there has been change in every aspect. It can be said that people still are adapting to such changes. Among the different forms of changes faced by people, packaging was not an exception. It too took a whirlwind in such scenarios.

Sustainable packaging sounds fancy and elegant but the benefits of the packaging form are similar to the adjectives mentioned. Let us have a glance at a few of them:

What is Sustainable Packaging and what are its Perks?

Packaging made from sustainable materials such as PET or HDPE which can be recycled into something new is known as sustainable packaging. Packaging helps to maintain the environmental balance by lowering the carbon emissions of the packaging industries. Such packaging is strong enough like traditional packaging and is also available in creative designs and color options.

Sustainable packaging is the need of the hour and holds major importance in maintaining harmony in nature and allowing future generations to breathe clean. The main aim of sustainable packaging is to keep the products safe while maintaining the environmental balance. The procedure also helps to reduce waste and contribute to nature’s greener cycle.

Perks of Sustainable Packaging

• The environmentally friendly packaging helps to maintain the ideal balance of manufacturing procedures without disturbing the environmental balance.
• As per Towards Packaging, sustainable packaging helps brands enhance their goodwill in the market by enhancing their CSR image among customers.
• The procedure is also cost-effective when done in the right way and involves AI in the manufacturing procedure for smart decisions.
• Setting up a sustainable packaging plant is a long-term investment for brands which helps to lower raw material costs in the future along with lowering dependency over it.
• The eco-friendly practices of the brands also help to attract investors for profitable and valuable investments.

Importance of Sustainable Packaging in the U.S.

As per a survey conducted by McKinsey on sustainable packaging in 2025, the data gathered from the year 2020 to 2025, the survey stated that more than sustainability people are concerned about the price they have to pay for the packaging. Hence, the form of packaging has taken a seat back as the price matters more to Americans.

There are multiple reasons why people in the U.S. pay more precedence on price rather than the form of packaging. The foremost reason as per the survey is that the convenience provided by the traditional packaging method helps them compared to sustainable packaging. For instance, an individual buying groceries won’t prefer to carry a bag to carry back home the groceries, one would rather prefer buying a plastic bag from the vendor as a convenient option.

Another major reason that compels Americans to stay stuck to the traditional packaging methods is the performance. To understand this scenario one can refer to the sustainable packaging provided by the world-renowned fast-food chain, McDonald’s. The paper cup packaging provided by the brand for liquid food items dissatisfied many customers in the past. People also trolled the brand online for charging more money but stopped the sustainable packaging as it becomes soggy and is of no use to carry liquids safely.

Top Reasons of the U.S. Less Concerned about Sustainable Packaging

Money Matters more rather than the Content

One of the biggest reasons why Americans do not pay attention to the form of packaging is the money factor. Setting up of sustainable packaging plant by the brands is a one-time investment for them. Still, it is considered just as a cost incurred by the brand which needs to be balanced in the form of the final price of the product. Hence, the brands offering sustainable packaging are charging for the same making customers inclined towards the brands charging low comparatively. High material costs, limited supply chain, and an array of obstructing factors pile up to become a major reason for Americans avoiding sustainable packaging. Hence, when such factors result in high costs of the final products then consumers prefer to purchase from the brands without such costing parameters.

Lack of Proper Knowledge

Another major reason why there is a declining rate of adopting sustainable packaging is less information and not staying up to date with the market trends. Many people wish to adopt sustainable packaging but are not aware of its different forms available in the market. For instance, many brands offer their products in biological plastics which may appear like traditional non-degradable plastics. Hence, this creates confusion among consumers and many consumers aren’t able to identify the eco-friendly option. Hence, many people restrain themselves from buying such brands while a few consumers due to a lack of knowledge shop for the traditional non-sustainable option by assuming it is bioplastic.

Food Safety, Shelf Life, and Convenience- Weakening Packaging Aspect

Another major reason why Americans avoid paper packaging or any other form of eco-friendly material packaging is its low durability. Sustainable packaging is highly adopted by the food and beverage industry in the U.S. The paper packaging provided by the food brands is least favored by consumers. The packaging gets soggy, it’s non-durable, and also messy, are some of the top comments observed by people when food brands use paper packaging.

There was a huge backlash faced by McDonald’s in America when people complained about the soggy and non-convenient paper packaging for liquid products. Social platforms were filled with comments regarding poop packaging standards for their hot coffees and other beverages. Hence, the brand had to make proper reforms to maintain its customer base.

Also, the food served in paper packaging or another sustainable form of packaging ruins the shelf life of packed food is the biggest misconception in the minds of the American people. Hence, many people do not prefer buying food from such brands and stay stuck to the foods served in traditional non-environment-friendly packaging. People find it messy when paper packaging is drenched in the food liquids sometimes making it messy for people to carry it for long journeys. Hence, some similar non-practical reasons make the US favor traditional and non-environment-friendly packaging options.

Greenwashing- A Gimmick to be in the Good Books

Greenwashing is one of the biggest market misleading activities followed in the US along with various other countries globally. The activity involves a brand misleading its consumers and selling them products by stating they are eco-friendly. But on the contrary, the products are made from traditional, non-ecofriendly materials. Such activities also mislead consumers to differentiate between fake and authentic sustainable packaging. Attractive labels, high usage of green color to show the environment-friendly attitude of the brand, and use of environment-friendly slogans that compel people to believe their deceptive thoughts. Hence, it is another reason why many Americans are unable to stay stuck to sustainable packaging.

In 2022, Kohl’s and Walmart, two big US retailers were accused of selling eco-friendly bedsheets made from bamboo fibers, but the product was manufactured using rayon, a semi-synthetic fiber made from toxic chemicals. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also filed a complaint against the retailers for misleading the consumers.

Looks matter too rather than the Content!

‘Looks matter’ is one of the most common statements when people start judging others by their looks. However, the temperament is applicable for the packaging in the US as well. People in the US prefer elegant, attractive, and eye-grabbing packaging irrelevant of the material it is made of and its impact on the environment. Hence, the traditional packaging forms such as plastics available in shiny, bright colors, and designs attract people more rather than the simple paper packaging that is eco-friendly.

Sustainable packaging today is also available in creative options but may be on the pricy side, hence people are more inclined towards the cheaper non-sustainable options. A major chunk of the population, especially the kids and adolescents in the US are attracted to brands providing good-looking packaging rather than minding its sustainability. Hence, looks play a vital role in minds of the Americans causing sustainable packaging to feel weak due to another impractical reason.

It’s the Brand’s Responsibility, not ours!

Packaging is the brand's responsibility, not the customers'- hint to start.

Another major reason that Americans do not shoulder the responsibility for sustainable packaging is that they believe it is the brand’s responsibility to look after it, not the consumer’s. The US people believe that it is the brand’s responsibility to be concerned about sustainable packaging. The same consumers claimed it isn’t even aware of about 10 packaging brands when asked about it in a survey. Many of the consumers currently aren’t even aware of recyclable products and hence shoulder their responsibility to contribute towards sustainable packaging.

All Industries are not capable of providing Sustainable Packaging.

Another major reason that Americans highlight for not contributing to sustainable packaging is, that they believe all industries do not contribute to the sector. The crowd feels that all industries not providing their most sustainable packaging, hence consumers are bound by this attitude as well. As per Shorr Americans believe that industries such as automobile, cosmetics, electronics and tech, pharmaceuticals, cleaning products, and many such industries are not contributing that much to the sustainable industry. Hence, people are not able to contribute towards sustainable packaging.

Steps required to improve Consumer Contribution for Sustainable Packaging

There are multiple reasons why Americans are not contributing to sustainable packaging. Many times the consumers are not aware of the concept, while on the other hand, many of them hold the brands responsible for not doing their bit. The overall situation leads to a decline in the eco-friendly packaging market. Hence, finding out the core reasons and making strategies accordingly will help the US market to draw customers’ attention toward the use and perks of sustainable packaging.

Mentioned below are a few steps that can be followed:

• Study Consumer Behavior- Studying consumer behavior at the grassroots level and understanding their pattern of shopping as per their needs will help the US market to identify the major reasons blocking the progressive ways. Companies need to study their consumer’s shopping patterns and behavior.
• It will help the brands understand their preferences and make the necessary changes to enhance the inclination of customers for sustainable packaging. Companies are also required to pay attention to the disposal of their product’s packaging. A mere guesswork won’t help the brands deeply understand the disposal methods used by consumers which might not help to complete the consumer study.
• Smart Selection of Materials- As per the survey conducted by McKinsey as mentioned above, the US consumers were also concerned about the materials used for packaging. Eco-friendly materials in replacement of toxic substances such as plastics and Styrofoam will help enhance a brand’s image and reputation and will also help them to draw more customer base. The selection of such packaging materials will help the brand promote its contribution to sustainable packaging and inform people about it as well.
• Planned Packaging Design- Another important aspect that needs to be taken care of is a smart packaging design. The use of materials as required and the smart box sizes as per the product requirement will help the brands to lower wastage. Such a decision will also help to lower the carbon emissions of a brand. The use of lightweight materials that can be recycled, reused, and eco-friendly will help the brand to improve their waste management and follow the sustainable packaging to the most.
• Along with the content the looks of the packaging also matter. Hence, well-designed packaging to attract more customers is also an essential aspect for brands to maintain their customer base. Hence, attractive packaging also plays a vital role in engaging customers in sustainable packaging.
• Improved Circular Economies- Among an array of benefits, one of the major benefits of sustainable packaging is it aids in circular economies. When customers return the empty eco-friendly packages it helps the brands to recycle them the right way. It also helps the brands to lower wastage and their dependency on the supply of raw materials as well. The use of these materials helps in the continuous recycling of eco-friendly materials to maintain the perfect environmental balance.

Eco-Friendly Supply Chain Management

Implementing sustainable packaging from the grassroots level and involving it in supply chain management is essential for brands says Perivan. It helps the brands to involve the practice at the initial level and helps the companies to achieve the sustainability goal with ease.

Mentioned below are a few steps that can help brands include sustainable packaging in supply chain management:

• Combined Alliance- One of the biggest and major steps involves the alliance of brands with manufacturers and suppliers. When all the production units along with brands combine their ideas together, it will help the last result to be eco-friendly and as per the consumer requirement. The procedure also helps to stay updated about each unit and also detect any uprooting issues to be resolved immediately.
• Contacting Sustainable Suppliers- Another major step that can be included by the supply chains is approaching sustainable suppliers. They help brands maintain their carbon footprint and also help them to contribute to the environmental balance. The practice will also help to encourage others to follow the eco-friendly practice as well.
• Improve Logistics- Improved logistical planning to enhance the supply chain further is another essential step required to be inculcated by brands in their sustainable packaging journey. Smart packaging to maintain the product-to-package ratio helps brands improve their boxes’ sizes as per the products. It helps in the transportation of more products in one trip and also brands to make optimum utilization of fuel by delivering more products. It also helps brands with easy time management and enhances their delivery time. The step also helps in lowering carbon emissions and improving the overall image of the brand.
• Transparency- Maintaining transparency between the brands and consumers is one of the utmost factors. It helps to educate consumers about the materials used by brands for packaging. It can be done by providing QR codes over the packaging that can be easily scanned by consumers for detailed information. The method also helps the supply chain management to prove their authenticity and stay at bay from greenwashing. It enhances customer’s trust in the brand and helps in staying consistent with eco-friendly packaging methods as well.

The contribution of the U.S. to sustainable packaging is a mix of trivia. People aren’t completely against the form of packaging neither are they completely supporting the eco-friendly mission. Many instances depict that less knowledge about the domain restrains consumers from doing their bit for sustainable packaging. On the other hand, people also are more concerned about the materials used for the packaging and shop from the brands accordingly.

Hence, rather than having a dispute over the topic it is recommended to take the necessary appropriate actions and help the people to educate about the essential points. It will not just help the brands to stay consistent with eco-friendly packaging but will also help strengthen their consumer base.