Businesses Face Increased Scrutiny Over Packaging Waste as Regulations and Customer Expectations Tighten

Businesses across the UK are coming under growing pressure to improve how they manage packaging waste, as regulators and industry groups highlight concerns over excessive materials, poor recyclability and lack of accountability across supply chains.

Environmental advisers say packaging has become a key focus area due to its visibility, environmental impact and increasing role in procurement and consumer decision-making.

Recent industry assessments indicate that many organisations continue to rely on packaging designs that prioritise cost and protection over environmental performance. In some sectors, particularly retail, manufacturing and e-commerce, packaging volumes have increased significantly, with limited reduction in material use or improvement in recyclability.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said businesses are expected to take greater responsibility for the full lifecycle of packaging materials. “Organisations should consider how packaging is designed, sourced and disposed of. Reducing waste and improving recyclability are key steps in minimising environmental impact,” the spokesperson said.

Environmental consultants report that one of the main challenges is a lack of visibility across supply chains. Packaging is often specified by different teams or suppliers, leading to inconsistent approaches and missed opportunities for standardisation or reduction. In some cases, businesses are unaware of the full environmental footprint of their packaging materials.

“Packaging decisions are often made in isolation from environmental objectives,” said Sarah Collins, a sustainability adviser working with commercial organisations. “Without clear governance, businesses can end up using more material than necessary or selecting options that are difficult to recycle.”

Regulatory expectations are also evolving. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes and packaging regulations are placing greater obligations on businesses to track, report and reduce packaging waste. Organisations that fail to demonstrate control over packaging materials may face increased compliance costs and scrutiny.

Customers and procurement teams are adding further pressure. Many organisations now require suppliers to provide evidence of sustainable packaging practices, including material reduction, recyclability and responsible sourcing. In competitive markets, packaging performance is increasingly influencing supplier selection.

Some businesses have begun reviewing packaging specifications, reducing material use and introducing recyclable or reusable alternatives. Others are working more closely with suppliers to redesign packaging systems and improve consistency across product lines.

Environmental specialists say the growing focus reflects a broader shift in expectations. Collins added: “Packaging is one of the most visible aspects of a company’s environmental performance. It’s no longer just about protecting the product - it’s about demonstrating responsible resource use.”

As environmental regulations and stakeholder expectations continue to develop, packaging waste management is expected to remain a priority area. For organisations operating under environmental management systems such as ISO 14001, demonstrating control over resource use, waste generation and supplier practices is becoming an essential part of maintaining compliance and credibility.

A message from our sponsors, The Ideas Distillery: 

If you would like to look at how to implement an ISO 14001 environmental management system, then simply contact us.

Or, if you want to see what's involved in more detail, then get a completely free, no obligation, totally tailored ISO Gap Analysis for your business (only available to UK businesses).