In a recent report by packaging giant Tetra Pak, it was found that a substantial majority, accounting for 54% of consumers, are willing to take an active role in preserving the environment through their food choices. The study, known as the Tetra Pak 2023 Nutrition Index, suggests that consumers are prepared to make trade-offs, such as transitioning to plant-based foods and alternative proteins, to support sustainability efforts.
Despite economic concerns, with nearly 49% of respondents admitting financial struggles, only 17% expressed a reluctance to spend more on environmentally friendly, organic, or healthier food and beverages. This highlights a growing willingness among consumers to invest in products that align with their environmental and health-conscious values.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes a strong connection between healthy eating and sustainability. Half of the survey respondents believe that nutritious food choices are also more sustainable for the planet, and significant 65% associate environmental factors with negative health consequences.
The report underscores the evolving priorities of consumers who now consider the environmental impact of their food and beverage choices alongside health and wellness. Simultaneously, major consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are reevaluating their supply chains to align with their environmental objectives.
A consortium of 170 leading food companies, including Nestlé, Danone, PepsiCo, Unilever, and Bayer, recently committed to implementing regenerative agriculture practices within their supply chains. The initiative, led by the SAI Platform, focuses on outcome-based approaches to enhance soil health while supporting farmers’ business development. This move comes in response to criticism from environmental groups regarding unmet promises and the inconsistency in the definition of “regenerative agriculture.”
Despite the growing preference for eco-friendly and healthier food options, consumers remain vigilant about the threat of food insecurity. Tetra Pak’s survey revealed that 42% of respondents are concerned about their ability to access their desired food and beverage products in the near future.
Interestingly, the use of technology to address sustainability challenges in the food industry received widespread support among the survey participants, with 62% expressing optimism about its potential. However, 69% emphasized that unprocessed food remains the most crucial metric in achieving their desired nutritional levels, according to the report.
Philip Long, the director of human dimensions science at The Nature Conservancy, questioned the direction of future innovations, suggesting that the most successful solutions will be those that strengthen the connection with the ecosystems we derive our food from.
Adolfo Orive, CEO of TetraPak, emphasized the importance of ongoing innovation in the quest for sustainable food solutions. With the world needing to produce 60% more food by 2050 to accommodate a growing population, innovations like precision fermentation and biomass-based foods are becoming increasingly critical in the pursuit of sustainability.