;
COVID-19 SERVICE: We are heightening our efforts to assist the UK retail & leisure industry through this challenging period. Explore this service now… COVID-19 SERVICE

The Material Change Index: Unpacking the scale of plastic packaging and opportunities for change in European supermarkets

 

5 Minute Read

 

 

154.3 billion pieces of plastic could be removed from European supermarkets

The Material Change Index — the first study of its kind  exposes the scale of unnecessary plastic packaging in European supermarkets and identifies clear pathways for positive change...
 
 
Plastic packaging sustainability retail economics
 
 

What can you learn from this report?

  • Discover how 154.3 billion pieces of plastic could be eliminated from European supermarkets through readily available alternatives

  • Access detailed country analysis revealing why France leads and the UK lags in the first-ever Material Change Index rankings

  • Understand which product categories offer the biggest opportunities for plastic reduction, with up to 87% potential savings in some areas

  • Learn how industry leaders are overcoming key barriers to change, from cost concerns to consumer acceptance

  • Get actionable strategies to reduce unnecessary plastic packaging while maintaining product safety and quality

 

Click here to explore working with Retail Economics for creating thought leadership papers like this.

 

 

Plastic packaging waste food sustainability

Key findings 

  • 154.3 billion pieces of plastic packaging are needlessly purchased across six European markets annually

  • Each household buys over 1,000 pieces of replaceable plastic packaging every year

  • The UK uses the most plastic (70% of products), while France leads with the lowest usage (59%)

  • 98% of manufacturers have plastic reduction targets, but 25% are struggling to deliver

 

Why this research matters

As regulatory pressure mounts and consumer demand for sustainable packaging grows, the food and drink industry stands at a critical junction. The Material Change Index provides an essential framework for understanding where and how to reduce unnecessary plastic use.

Our research reveals that meeting plastic reduction targets could deliver:

  • Significant cost savings through material optimisation

  • Enhanced brand reputation and consumer trust

  • Improved regulatory compliance readiness

  • Reduced environmental impact

  • Competitive advantage in a changing market

 

Plastic packaging waste food sustainability

 

Contents

  • Introduction
  • Section 1 - Europe’s Plastic Challenge – Understanding the Food & Drink Packaging Landscape
  • Section 2 - The Material Change Index: Country snapshots
  • Conclusion

 

Transforming European retail: The Material Change Index

Almost two-thirds of food and drink products in European supermarkets use plastic packaging. But how much of this is really necessary? Our groundbreaking research reveals a compelling opportunity for change.

The Material Change Index, the first study of its kind, exposes the scale of unnecessary plastic packaging in European supermarkets and identifies clear pathways for positive change. Through detailed analysis of 30 leading retailers across six markets, we've uncovered that 45% of plastic packaging could be replaced today.

 

Cross market comparison within the Material Change Index (MCI)

  • Our index reveals interesting variations in plastic packaging use across European markets, showcasing both positive strides in transitioning to alternative materials and areas needing attention.
  • France leads the way, with 59% of food and drink items packaged in plastic – the least reliance on plastic among the six markets. However, even in France, 41% of the overall food basket is in plastic packaging considered replaceable, indicating room for improvement.

 

Fig. 3 – Proportion of food and drink items containing plastic packaging across Europe

Proportion of food and drink items containing plastic packaging across Europe

 

Plastic usage by product category

Our research highlights some expected patterns – and a few surprises. Meat, dairy, and bread products lead with around 80% or more items packaged in plastic, driven by the need to maintain freshness and extend shelf life. Non-alcoholic drinks and processed foods also show high plastic usage, emphasising the practicality and convenience of plastic for liquids and ready-to-eat items.

Vegetables still see a significant 63% plastic packaging rate, despite industry efforts to reduce it. Heavier items like root vegetables and packaged salads often remain in plastic for easier transport and preservation. Meanwhile, fruit has the lowest plastic usage among food items at 47%, reflecting consumer demand for loose options and stronger regulatory pressure.
 
Fig. 4 – Plastic packaging use by category for items containing all or part plastic packaging
 
Fig. 4 – Plastic packaging use by category for items containing all or part plastic packaging
Source: DS Smith, Retail Economics. Note includes frozen food and fresh counters where present
 

The plastic packaging challenge

Packaging is the leading driver of plastic demand in Europe. It accounts for 35% of total plastic consumption¹—equivalent to almost 19 billion kilos annually. Of this, an estimated 7.4 billion kilos are used specifically for food and drink products, a weight comparable to 733 Eiffel Towers every year.

Nevertheless, plastic remains a practical choice for food producers and retailers, valued for its light weight, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, as well as its role in ensuring food safety and extending shelf life. Awareness of its environmental impact—from pollution to fossil fuel reliance—demands a rethinking of packaging strategies. Pressure is building to reduce plastic use and explore alternatives that better address these challenges while meeting evolving consumer expectations.
 
 
Fig. 5 – Food & Drink packaging accounts for significant share of European plastic demand
 
Fig. 5 – Food & Drink packaging accounts for significant share of European plastic demand
Source: Plastics Europe, Retail Economics estimates
 
 

Progress on packaging innovation

Efforts to reduce plastic usage differ across companies, but often focus on testing innovative packaging formats and improving design by using less material, incorporating more recyclable content, or transitioning to alternative materials. Common goals include achieving 100% recyclable packaging and reducing reliance on virgin plastics by 2025 or 2030.

Regarding consumer food and drink packaging innovation, European food businesses feel they have made the most progress with enhancing recyclability (Fig. 8).

Conversely, less progress has been made in switching to fibre-based alternatives, with only about one in four firms reporting significant progress in this area. This is a missed opportunity. Here, viable solutions already exist, and new technologies are emerging that could greatly reduce plastic usage without compromising product integrity.
Fig. 8 – Qu: How would you rate your organisation’s progress in the following areas of consumer food and drink packaging innovation? % progress
 
Fig. 8 – Qu: How would you rate your organisation’s progress in the following areas of consumer food and drink packaging innovation? % progress
Source: DS Smith, Retail Economics 
 
 
 

Explore our country profiles

Get deeper insights on country profiles for the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Poland.

 

Plastic packaging food Spain retail economics

Download: The Material Change Index: Unpacking the scale of plastic packaging and opportunities for change in European supermarkets report

*All fields required

Don’t worry, your phone number and personal data are kept confidential. We never sell, rent or pass on your details to a third party.

NOTE: We will never sell, rent or pass on your details to a third party.

Find out more about our complete end-to-end thought leadership service

Discover our proven five step process & avoid the complex multi party approach

  • Say something new & insightful
  • Use our extensive experience to inject real industry value
  • Get maximum engagement from our media networks
  • Develop an authoritative voice within UK retail
  • Be seen as an industry leader!

DISCOVER NOW

Is change needed?

With thousands of opportunities to replace unnecessary plastic packaging identified across every category and market studied, the potential for positive change is enormous. But success requires informed, strategic action.

 

Download the complete report to access:

  • Country rankings - see who's top of the Packaging Index
  • Individual country profiels for: UK, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Poland
  • Industry challenges
  • Solutions

 

>> Complete the form at the top of page to continue accessing this insight <<

About this report

About the Research

This report was produced by Retail Economics in partnership with DS Smith. It included a European field survey of leading supermarkets conducted in June 2024. This survey was used to quantify and explore plastic packaging use in food and beverages, and the opportunities for reduced or removal of use in various instances. . 

The Material Change Index represents the most comprehensive analysis of plastic packaging in European supermarkets to date:

  • 30 leading supermarkets analysed

  • 1,500 food and drink items assessed

  • Over 22,000 sq. m of store space studied

  • 300 senior industry professionals surveyed

  • 6 major European markets covered

View All THOUGHT LEADERSHIP REPORTS

Other popular thought leadership reports

Online ecommerce customer loyalty and delivery Amazon Shipping and Retail Economics

Report

Customer loyalty begins at the doorstep: Enhancing relationships through delivery excellence

Discover how delivery can drive loyalty and boost satisfaction in ecommerce. Get the key insights now!
Recommerce used second-hand spending at Christmas retail economics

Report

Recommerce Christmas 2024: Measuring the impact of second-hand on retail spending behaviour

Explore the £2B second-hand Christmas boom in 2024 and discover the strategic insights you need this festive season
Cost of Online returns retail economics

Report

The Cost of Serial Returners in 2024

Discover how £27bn in returns are eroding retail profits, and why just 11% of customers are responsible. Download the benchmark report
Children spending behaviour in retail consumer economics

Report

Tomorrow's Consumers: Exploring how and where children spend their money

Find out how & where children in the UK spend their money, having analysed 8 million card transactions of 6-17yrs
Retail Resilience business models report Retail Economics Barclays

Report

The Retail Resilience Report

Check out our Retail Resilience Framework to help assess your business model & retailers top risks & preparedness
Social media commerce economics tiktok

Report

The Power of Social Commerce: Building brands in the TikTok era

See how brands are leveraging social media & TikTok to enhance brand awareness & sales with entertainment and stories
Brexit to Breakthrough

Report

From Brexit to Breakthrough: UK Brands Embrace Marketplaces for Global Success

Explore how UK retailers adapt to Brexit by leveraging digital marketplaces for international growth and resilience
Basket Abandonment 2

Report

Battling Basket Abandonment Report: No Margin for Error in Zero Tolerance Era

Explore key strategies to combat the £34.4B impact of UK basket abandonment in 2024
Communication & Solving Consumer Pain

Report

Omnichannel Communication & Solving Consumer Pain Across The Customer Journey

Unlock 2024 UK retail insights: consumer trends, pain points, and strategic retail solutions in our detailed report
Impact of delivery lockers on UK retail

Report

Delivery Lockers: Unlocking the Final Mile

Explore the impact of delivery lockers on UK retail, consumer preferences, and sustainable urban logistics
Consumer and Retail Trends in 2024

Report

Taking Stock 2024 - UK Retail & Consumer Trends

Learn what 2024 holds in store for UK retail and consumers & discover key trends to look out for in 2024 and beyond.
Customer Affluence and the Wealth Effect - Retail Economics, beBettor

Report

Customer Affluence and the Wealth Effect: Strategies for Retail Growth

Find out how customer affluence insights can improve retail marketing strategy
Net Zero commitments of brands and retailers

Report

The Path to Net Zero - The future of the retail industry

This report evaluates net zero efforts of the top 200 retailers/brands with DTC operations in global markets.
Outlook for the UK Retail & Consumer Industry 2024 - Retail Economics

Report

Retail and Leisure Outlook Report 2024

Learn about the Outlook for UK Retail & Leisure in 2024: With insights to help businesses thrive in a complex landscape
Report about new customer journeys, the importance of omnichannel & the role of delivery/logistics - Retail Economics

Report

Ecommerce Delivery Benchmark Report 2024

Explore the intricacies of new customer journeys, the importance of omnichannel & the role of delivery/logistics.
The Psychology of Recommerce

Report

Second-Hand, First Choice: The Psychology of Recommerce

Discover key industry and consumer insights and strategies for businesses to implement as recommerce continues to evolve
The Cost of Retail Theft

Report

The Cost of Retail Crime: Financial Impacts & Mitigation Strategies

Discover the motivations behind employee retail theft and strategies to minimise theft within the workplace
Digital Wallets in Retail

Report

From Plastic to Pixels: Navigating Shifts in Consumer Payment Preferences

A look into the trajectory for digital wallets across UK retail, leisure & hospitality + strategic considerations
Peak Trading Season Report

Report

Peak Season Report 2023: Building a risk-resistant ecommerce strategy

Discover what Christmas 2023 has in store for retail and how consumer behaviours will affect it + strategies for success
New Age of Digital Transformation

Report

Retail at Inflection Point: A New age of Digital Transformation

Discover the impact of digital sophistication on financial indicators inc. sales growth, profitability & valuation
The cut back economy a widening crisis within the retail industry

Report

The Cut Back Economy 2023: A Widening Crisis

Part 2 of our Cut Back Economy series, this report identifies opportunities & risks to navigate the cut back economy
Consumer and Retail Trends in 2023

Report

Taking Stock - UK Retail & Consumer Trends

Learn what 2023 holds in store for UK retail and consumers & discover key trends to look out for in 2023 and beyond.
Top 10 European Retail Markets

Report

Top 10 European Retail Markets: In-store & Online Spending Data (2013-2022)

Data and Insights on the Top 10 European Retail Markets consolidated into one report
Personalisation Pays Reshaping Retail

Report

Personalisation Pays: How Data-Driven Strategies are Reshaping Retail

Discover how data-driven strategies are changing retail as we know it and how personalisation can help businesses thrive
The Bottled Water Industry

Report

An Economic and Environmental Case for Acting Against Bottled Water Packaging, Labelling and Marketing in the UK

Discover the economic and environmental case against bottled water packaging in the UK. Take a stand for a sustainable future.
Battling Basket Abandonment - GFS & Retail Economics

Report

Battling Basket Abandonment: Mastering Delivery Choice & Convenience

Discover more information about why consumers abandon their online shopping baskets and how to reduce these abandonments
Outlook for the UK Retail & Consumer Industry 2023 - Retail Economics

Report

Outlook for UK Retail & Consumer 2023

Learn about the Outlook for UK Retail & Consumer in 2023: Cost of living impact on consumer behaviour & retail brands.
The Future of Retail Property Preview Report - Retail Economics

Report

The Future of Retail Property

Check out the Future of Retail Property preview report. Full access available to Retail Property Members only.
40 future retail trends to 2030 - Retail Economics

Report

40 Future Retail Trends to 2030

Discover the top 40 retail trends shaping the future towards 2030: a great resource to help future-proof your business
Retail insight report on consumer shopping behaviour online vs. in-store

Report

UK Omnichannel Retail 2023: Understanding Consumer Segmentation for In-store & Online Markets

Find out where shoppers are spending: online vs. in-store for key retail categories + impact of age, income & workplace.
Report about the impact of inflation & changing consumer behaviour on the retail sector - Retail Economics

Report

Ecommerce Delivery Benchmark Report 2023: Impact of inflation & consumer behaviour on online retail

Learn about the impact of inflation & changing consumer behaviour on the retail sector: spot opportunities & challenges.
The Future of the EU Apparel Industry Business Models  Profitability Retail Economics

Report

The Future of the European Apparel Industry: Business Models & the Profitability Paradox

This report looks at the future of the apparel industry & how business models are adapting to profitability concerns.
Christmas 2022 Retail Sales: Holiday Shopping Trends Report - Retail Economics

Report

Christmas 2022 Retail Prospects: Holiday Shopping Trends Report

Christmas 2022 retail sales prospects? This report assesses performances across peak trading in ‘cost of living’ crisis.
uk pensions report - retail economics

Report

Understanding Pensions in an Era of Disruption

Discover how much savings & income you need for retirement & the shortfall between current pension pot values & income.
Changing consumer and shopper values in retail

Report

Changing Consumer Values & Behaviour: Building a Competitive Proposition in Retail

Consumer behaviour across Europe is changing in response to industry disruption & the cost of living crisis - see how.
The cut back economy cost of living crisis retail economics

Report

The Cut Back Economy & Cost of Living Crisis

Explore the key drivers & impacts of the cost of living crisis on UK retail & what brands can do to mitigate its effects
The apparel market Five key trends to 2025

Report

The Apparel Market: Five Key Trends to 2025

Learn about the five key industry trends that will shape the apparel sector towards 2025 (clothing & footwear).
The Retail Experience Economy 2.0 report - How Consumers value experiences in times of crisis - Retail Economics

Report

The Retail Experience Economy 2.0

Find out how the experience economy is being impacted by the cost of living crisis & many other factors.
Top five strategies for retailers and brands to combat rising inflation and operating costs - Retail Economics report

Report

Top 5 strategies for retailers & brands to combat rising inflation & operating costs

Discover our top 5 strategies for retailers & brands to help combat rising inflation & operating costs.
The Big Squeeze Report pressure on consumer finances and rising inflation - Retail Economics

Report

The Big Squeeze: Pressure on consumer finances, rising inflation & money management

Discover the 4 financial personas of consumer spending & how rising inflation & household bills are impacting behaviour
Impact of the metaverse on the retail industry sector - Retail Economics

Report

Impact of the metaverse on the retail industry

Is the metaverse going to be the next big thing? Download our report to find out what retailers should be thinking about & how customer journeys could change.
Ecommerce Delivery Benchmark Report 2022 - Retail Economics - Metapack

Report

The Future of Online Delivery for the Retail Industry

Discover the impact of the ongoing shift to online retail within key European markets & how it's affecting consumer behaviour & retailer's operations.
Future of European Apparel Industry - Evolution of Stores - Retail Economics

Report

Future of European Apparel Industry: Evolution of Stores

See where the future of the European apparel industry is heading & how physical stores & their purpose is fast evolving.
Outlook for UK Retail & Consumer Industry 2022 - Retail Economics

Report

Outlook for the UK Retail & Consumer Industry 2022

Get your free Outlook for UK Retail 2022 report: economic outlook, forecasts, Covid-19 impacts, online, supply chains...
Covid-19 and the Future of UK takeaway industry - Retail Economics

Report

Covid-19 and the Future of Takeaway

This report looks into the valuable economic, social and cultural contribution made by the UK takeaway sector in 2020.
UK Food and Grocery Market Retail Trends to 2025 - Retail Economics

Report

The UK Grocery Market: Five Key Trends to 2025

This report explores five emerging retail trends in the Food & Grocery sector towards 2025 (consumer behaviour, online).
The True Cost of Online Retail - Retail Economics

Report

The True Cost of Online Retail

This research looks at the online retail channel & investigates the real operating costs & profit margins for retailers.
Outlook for UK Retail 2021 - Ten retail trends - Retail Economics

Report

Outlook for UK Retail and Leisure 2021

This report looks at challenges facing UK retail in 2021 in context of Covid-19 & other key structural changes unfolding.
Covid-19 and the Future of Retail Supply Chains - Retail Economics

Report

Covid-19 and the Future of Retail Supply Chains

This report explores retail supply chain networks & key disruptive factors: Covid-19, security, labour, technology, ESG etc.
Connected digital retail customer journey - Retail Economics

Report

The Connected Retail Customer Journey and Digitalisation

Explore the connected retail customer journey & the importance of digital as online engagement soars in this current era.
Retail Customer Journey Fashion Apparel Industry - Retail Economics

Report

Understanding the retail customer journey for the fashion industry

Discover insight into the retail fashion customer journey (stage 1) - consumers first interact with retailers & brands.
Brexit disruption Food & Grocery - Retail Economics

Report

Structural Changes for UK Food & Grocery Sector

In a pre-Covid era, this research report looks at consumer behaviour & the impact of Brexit on how consumers shop for Food.
Economic Outlook for UK Retail and Impact of Covid-19 - Retail Economics

Report

Economic Outlook for the UK Retail Industry and the Impact of Covid-19

Explore the outlook for the UK retail sector & 5 underlying trends that will reshape the industry from Covid-19 impacts.
Consumers and the New Normal - Exploring Covid-19 impact on EU retail

Report

Consumers and the New Normal: Exploring the impact of the coronavirus on European retail

What is the 'new normal' going to look like for retail in the EU? This report examines this in detail & offers insight.
Contribution of the UK takeaway market to the economy - Retail Economics

Report

The Contribution of the Takeaway Market to the UK Economy

How does the UK takeaway industry impact the UK economy? This report looks at the valuable economic & social contribution.
Retail Cash Crunch Impact of Covid-19 - Retail Economics

Report

The Retail Cash Crunch: The Impact of COVID-19 on Major Non-Food UK Retailers

How long can UK retailers' cash reserves last? This report looks at Covid-19 impacts, consumer behaviour & profit margins.
Whats happening to retail property?

Report

What's happening to Retail Property?

Exploring the contributing factors of how physical retail property is changing: rise of online, shopper behaviour & more.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the UK retail industry - Retail Economics

Report

The impact of AI on the UK retail industry

A look into how artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting the UK retail industry, at all stages of the customer journey.
Future of online retail in the UK  - Retail Economics

Report

The Digital Tipping Point: 2019 Retail Report

Unearths insights into causative forces driving digital customer journeys & reveals differences across consumer segments.
Impact of Covid-19 on UK retail industry - Retail Economics

Report

Impact of the Coronavirus on Retailers

This report explores the impact of the initial stages of Covid-19 on the UK retail & leisure industry back in March 2020.
Outlook for UK Retail 2020 - Retail Economics

Report

2020 UK Retail and Leisure Outlook

The outlook for the UK retail industry 2020 from a pre-Covid-19 perspective. Research, commentary & analysis of factors.
Outlook for UK retail 2019 - Retail Economics

Report

Retail Economics/RBS Outlook for UK Retail 2019

Find out what's in store for UK retail in 2019 & beyond. Discover current factors affecting retailer and consumer alike.
The Retail Experience Economy - The Behavioural Revolution - Retail Economics

Report

The Retail Experience Economy: The Behavioural Revolution

This work explores four realms of retail experiences that have been quantified & discusses their impact shopper behaviour.