Leeds Beckett University’s Retail Institute releases report on packaging sustainability through 2034, offering a strategic vision and actionable roadmap; research outlines UK self-sufficiency goals, waste processing needs, consumer behavior impacts

May 28, 2025 (Packaging News) –

The Retail Institute at Leeds Beckett University has released a major new report on the future of sustainability in the packaging sector.

one of the UK’s leading academic research centres focused on the future of consumer experiences in retail, food and packaging, Ten institute brought together senior leaders from across the FMCG supply chain, lead a structured programme 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 , that offers actionable recommendations for businesses, governments and trade bodies.

Key themes from the report include:

• Shifts in consumer behaviour and their impact on packaging design and sustainability
• The UK’s need for greater self-sufficiency in materials and waste processing
• The transformation of waste value chains and circular economy strategies
• The role of cross-sector collaboration in achieving long-term, sustainable goals

The report outlines desirable future scenarios but also lays out a roadmap between now and 2034 to make them a reality.

Among the key recommendations:

• Industry should drive change, not rely on action from the government
• Legislation is needed to both define and curb greenwashing by industry
• Develop a strategy for UK self-sufficiency in packaging
• Awareness-raising initiatives and education to inform consumers about their role

Olga Munroe , head, 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. By applying rigorous academic methodologies, such as Futures & Foresight and Action Learning, it creates a structured yet dynamic environment for innovative, long-term sectoral strategy development. Under the guidance of Professor Jeff Gold , the Retail Institute and our expert panel formed a strategic vision and actionable roadmap for how the consumer goods retail sector can contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.”

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