As online shopping orders continue to grow as consumers are forced to stay home because of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, more boxes are being recycled than ever. However, a recent survey by DS Smith found that Baby Boomers are the most motivated to recycle leftover boxes.
“As consumers increasingly turn to e-commerce, they don’t want to feel guilty about the packaging that comes along with it,” said Mark Ushpol, managing director of the North America Packaging Division for DS Smith. “They want packaging that is sustainable, and corrugated boxes made from renewable fiber are reusable and recyclable, helping businesses and consumers tackle those challenges and feel good about their choices.”
Even though Boomers outpaced other generations in recycling, 57% of respondents said that they don’t mind accruing extra boxes as you can “never have too many.” Still, all groups agreed that they want their packaging to be made out of sustainable materials.
Per DS Smith:
- Approximately 44% of those surveyed report getting more shopping deliveries during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 15% saying they are “drowning in boxes.”
- In an important, pro-environment signal, three-quarters (73%) of those polled say they care if the box is made from sustainable materials.
- Nearly two-thirds (62%) put the responsibility to recycle their boxes on themselves, with the rest saying sustainability falls on the companies that make the products packaged in the boxes (34%) or recycling services in their local communities (33%).
