By Rebecca Casey, Senior Vice President, Sales & Strategic Marketing for TC Transcontinental Packaging
Gone are the days when sustainability was just a buzzword; today, it’s a way of life. As consumers become more conscious of their environmental impact, they’re turning to brands prioritizing sustainability in every aspect, from ingredients to packaging. In fact, according to the Euromonitor Voice of the Consumer Lifestyle Survey 2022, a whopping 54% of US consumers meticulously research the products they purchase, gravitating towards eco-friendly options.
This trend extends to packaging, where the demand for compostable, recyclable, and reusable solutions is skyrocketing. TC Transcontinental Packaging, a trailblazer in flexible packaging across North and Latin America, reports that 40% of US consumers express interest in refillable packaging for household items. With a commitment to making all plastic packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025, TC Transcontinental Packaging is leading the charge towards a greener future, investing $60 million in recyclable flexible plastic packaging solutions.
But it’s not just about reducing plastic waste; it’s about redefining our relationship with packaging. Euromonitor predicts a surge in US consumer interest in refillable options, driven by a desire for high-quality, sustainable alternatives. A staggering 60% of US consumers believe they can make a difference through their choices, underscoring the importance of eco-conscious decisions.
The younger generations are also hopping on the sustainability train, with 39% of Gen Z and 35% of millennials viewing refillable options as sustainable. To meet this growing demand, TC Transcontinental Packaging recently launched vieVERTe recycle-ready packaging, featuring up to 38% post-consumer recycled content (PCR), and vieVERTe PCR, boasting up to 50% PCR content. From laundry and dishwashing pouches to personal care product overwraps, these sustainable solutions cater to the eco-conscious consumer without compromising on quality.
But sustainability isn’t the only perk of refillable options; they’re also cost-effective in the long run. By purchasing larger quantities and refilling containers as needed, consumers can save money while reducing waste—a win-win scenario.
As refillable options continue to gain traction, manufacturers are stepping up to the plate, introducing innovative solutions that cater to mindful consumers. Take Notes, for example, with their refillable candle kit containing nontoxic beads that can replenish an existing glass container, minimizing the environmental footprint of air fresheners.
Looking ahead, the future of packaging lies in recycled materials, bulk packs, and refillable options. By embracing these eco-friendly alternatives, packagers can align with the values of environmentally conscious consumers while ushering in a new era of sustainability in the beauty and personal care market.
About the Author
Rebecca Casey is Senior Vice President of sales and strategic Marketing for TC Transcontinental Packaging. She leads the company’s marketing efforts, including executing the strategic market direction to propel organic growth and increase competitiveness. She joined TC Transcontinental’s packaging sector as Senior Director of Marketing in 2016 and played a key role in the Coveris acquisition and integration in 2018.
Before joining TC Transcontinental, Casey held numerous commercial positions in the chemicals and packaging industry with Merck KGaA, USG, Alcan Packaging, and Coveris. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Illinois and an MBA with a marketing focus from Northern Illinois University. She is the President of the PAC Global board and serves on the Executive Committee for the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. Rebecca Casey was nominated as one of the “Women Breaking the Mold” in 2019.
Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
