Metal has long been one of the packaging industry's most misunderstood materials when it comes to evaluating its green credentials. Despite the fact that metal can be indefinitely recycled, many consumers & retailers regard it as having a more negative impact on the environment than other materials. In recent research conducted by the MPMA, consumers were asked to rank 9 items likely to be included in a weekly shop, collectively representing all types of food & drink packaging, in order of their negative impact on the environment. Interestingly, drinks cans were considered by consumers to have a greater impact on the environment than drinks cartons, which are made from multiple materials & are more difficult to recycle. This is just one example of the confusion that can surround different materials when it comes to determining environmental impact of packaging. With major retailers including M&S, ASDA, & Tesco, in addition to organisations like the Carbon Trust, developing methodologies for identifying and sharing with consumers a product's environmental credentials, there is a vital need for a consistent & fair evaluation system.
