Publications

The importance of packaging sustainability on consumer purchasing decisions.

This Guidance reviews the pertinent regulatory and institutional frameworks and provides an assessment of available collection and sorting scenarios.

An analysis of the impact of the EU Green Deal and its implications on the European packaging industry.

Results of a recycling study on cartonboard confirming that cartons can be recycled more than 25 times

The European Paper Recycling Council’s 2020 Monitoring Report contains statistics on the recycling rates achieved for paper-based products as well as targets for the future.

Cepi’s annual statistics for the European pulp & paper industry provide robust and reliable data on all sustainability aspects.

In conjunction with the Consumer Perceptions Study, Pro Carton asked over 3,500 young people aged between 11 and 21 years their views on global issues and the environment. You can read the findings here.

An independent consumer survey of the importance of packaging sustainability on consumers’ purchasing decisions. Conducted across seven countries and amongst 7,000 consumers.

Pro Carton has commissioned a study that compares the carbon footprint of cartonboard based packaging against plastic alternatives. Four products have been compared, one in a predominantly plastic pack and one in cartonboard across three food products and one non-food item. The analysis was conducted by RISE, the Swedish research institute and verified by Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider.

Extended version of FFI/PTS-Project „Recyclability of Folding Cartons and Material Combinations“

The October 2020 FFI/PTS Project on Recyclability of Folding Cartons and Material Combinations confirms that all folding cartons are recyclable.

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study, conducted by Ramboll for EPPA in 2021 demonstrates the significant benefits of single-use fibre-based products compared to re-use systems in Quick Service restaurants.

An independent survey exploring European consumer preferences and attitudes towards packaging, commissioned by Two Sides in 2020.

Consumer survey study carried out by Justus Liebig University Giessen on behalf of FFI and Pro Carton in 2019.  Conducted amongst 1252 consumers in Germany.  Organic products are viewed more positively if they are packaged sustainably and folding cartons are better, are of higher quality and are more sustainable.

An independent consumer survey (2018) of the importance of packaging sustainability on consumers’ purchasing decisions, conducted across 7 countries and amongst 7,000 consumers.

In 2018, Pro Carton commissioned Truffula Ltd to research and write an intentionally transparent independent report analysing the advantages and disadvantages of plastic and cartonboard from a technical and environmental standpoint. Information sources are all in the public domain and individually referenced.

A 2017 independent study from Smithers Pira, commissioned by Pro Carton, amongst brand owners and retailers in 5 European markets shows resounding evidence of the importance of sustainability in packaging, folding cartons were perceived as the most sustainable packaging, there is still some confusion the circular economy and what makes packaging sustainable.

The Touchpoint Study 2015, offers valuable insights into the number of touchpoints that a consumer has with a carton, how that is valuable to marketing and advertising and the performance of cartons as a communication channel.

In 2015, Pro Carton commissioned the EHI Retail Institute to conduct the Multi-channel: requirements, trends and potentials for product packaging in E-Commerce study which concluded that 80% of the retail trade regard cartons as the packaging of choice.

A report on this study was launched in March 2008. It looks at recognition speeds at the point of sale of different types of packaging and the study was conducted in 6 European countries.

Pro Carton’s 2012 brochure explains cartonboard packaging’s approach to Sustainability, Resource Efficiency and Carbon Footprint. It demonstrates that cartons have a strong environmental story to tell and highlights the carbon benefits of choosing cartonboard packaging.

A recently completed study “Packaging: a medium with considerable power” compares the efficacy and reach of 23 communication channels. The study was commissioned by Pro Carton and FFI and conducted by Pointlogic International Media Consultants. For the first time there are actual numbers : cartons are not just packaging but a marketing instrument in its own right and an advertising channel same as TV, print or the Internet.

How do the three pillars of sustainability relate to cartonboard packaging? Pro Carton has published a brochure which gives folding cartons’ perspective on Respecting the Environment; Cartonboard Packaging and Society and Value Creation.

Pro Carton’s brochure clearly explains cartonboard packaging’s approach to fossil and biogenic carbon. It describes the carbon footprint part of the cartonboard and carton industry’s strong environmental story and highlights the carbon benefits of choosing cartonboard packaging.

This report, comissioned from Gruppe Nymphenburg in Germany, looks at how the brain reacts to packaging and how different types of packaging design can appeal to different types of people. It looks in depth at how different groups of people react to various shapes and types of packaging and gives an indepth insight into purchasing habits by different types of people.

This publication looks in detail at the packaging requirements and needs of the over 60 age group. Detailed market research was undertaken on behalf of Pro Carton to establish the likes and dislikes in terms of packaging of this growing sector of the population.

This report summarises a study into the attitudes and feelings of both retailers and brand owners toward the future development of RRP. It looks at the satisfaction with current RRP and also at the views on what improvements are required. Printed copies are available from your local Pro Carton office or you can download a copy.

This report commissioned from Prism by Pro Carton looks at the interface between Cartons and flexible packaging. It covers such aspects as the current markets, expectations for the future and the perceptions of both brand owners and retailers regarding these different packaging materials.