The Future of Packaging 2025 report from the Retail Institute calls for urgent cross-sector collaboration and systemic change

The Retail Institute at Leeds Beckett University has released a major new report on the future of sustainability in the packaging sector. Drawing upon futures and foresight methodologies, the report synthesises insights from senior leaders across the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) supply chain, alongside academic expertise.

The Collaborative Industry Group led by the Retail Institute, was a structured programme for industry practitioners aiming to map the best sustainability outcomes for the packaging industry by 2034. The results are presented in a forward-looking report, written by Leeds Beckett’s Dr Ben Mitchell and Olga Munroe, which offers actionable recommendations for businesses, governments and trade bodies.

The report outlines that the packaging industry faces a "wicked problem"—a complex challenge marked by systemic interdependencies, consumer behaviour, and fragmented waste infrastructure. Addressing this challenge demands not only technological innovation but also transformative shifts in collaboration, policy, and public engagement.

Among some of the key recommendations is the need for the industry to work with government stakeholders to enhance national self-sufficiency in sourcing and processing packaging materials. This entails fostering domestic manufacturing capabilities and localised supply chains to mitigate global disruptions and reduce Scope 3 carbon emissions.

Secondly, the report calls for collaborative efforts between government, academia, and industry to standardise packaging formats and recycling processes. This includes replacing complex, multi-polymer packaging with mono-material alternatives to streamline recycling and enhance material value. Authors postulate that standardisation can improve recycling rates and reduce contamination in waste streams, leading to more circularity in the sector.

It also recommends for the industry to build trust with consumers, through transparent communications and the avoidance of greenwash.  Public trust is deemed essential for the adoption of sustainable practices, as consumer perceptions significantly influence recycling behaviour and packaging acceptance. A coordinated public awareness campaign, supported by evidence-based messaging, is advocated.

Finally, the paper presents case studies of existing success stories within the industry, documenting circular and reuse models being implemented by progressive businesses, which can be an inspiration for further collective action. However, the authors acknowledge that a meaningful systemic change requires alignment across all sectors—government, industry, academia, and civil society.

Leeds Beckett University’s Retail Institute leads a groundbreaking project on sustainable packaging. Olga Munroe, Head of the Retail Institute, said:

“This project demonstrates the value of multi-stakeholder initiatives in addressing critical societal and commercial challenges, including climate change and environmental sustainability. It’s an example of how, through a facilitated academic platform, the packaging industry can come together and meaningfully shape a sustainable future.”

Dr Ben Mitchell, Research Fellow at the Retail Institute said:

“The work and discussions of the knowledgeable and experienced members of our group has provided a sound and comprehensive overview of the issues experienced in the packaging system. Their collaborative efforts have provided a vision for the future of packaging, and crucially, what must be done to overcome barriers and ensure more sustainable outcomes.”

Download the full report here:

Notes for editors:

The Retail Institute at Leeds Beckett University is a research centre providing applied knowledge on the future of consumer experiences in retail, food and packaging. It helps companies to develop new strategies to respond to key business challenges. It has worked with Arla, ASDA, Unilever, Nestle and more.

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.