News / May 14, 2025
Food waste is a global issue — but many of the everyday choices that contribute to it happen at home. Consumers are increasingly mindful of their habits: planning meals more carefully, freezing leftovers, and checking expiry dates. But one key factor is often overlooked — packaging.
In a global consumer survey from 2022, 26% of respondents said they often throw away food because the packaging makes it hard to get everything out. That’s more than one in four people discarding perfectly good food — not because it’s spoiled, but because they couldn’t access it.
Whether it’s yoghurt left in a corner or sauce that won’t pour properly, inefficient packaging can lead to unnecessary food waste. And in a time when food costs are rising and sustainability is a growing concern, throwing away edible food due to poor packaging design is something most people want to avoid.
Consumers are ready to do their part. But packaging needs to support that — with formats that are easy to handle, portioned for real-life use, and designed to empty completely.
Traditionally, packaging has been about protection and transport. But today, usability is emerging as a crucial part of sustainable design — especially in the effort to reduce waste. Producers and brands are rethinking materials, closures and formats to make it easier for consumers to use every last drop.
More than half of all food waste happens in households. That’s why design details — like making a package easier to empty — are getting more attention.
At Ecolean, we’re closely following this shift and continuously working to improve how our packaging performs in everyday use. Because sometimes, reducing waste starts with something as simple as getting the last bit out of the pack.
Fact Box – Sources
• FMCG Gurus, SU63701, 2022 – Consumer reasons for food waste, including packaging being too difficult to empty completely (26%)
• FMCG Gurus, SU83301, 2022 – 80% of global consumers say it is important to avoid food waste
• FMCG Gurus, CO757, 2022 – Share of consumers actively trying to avoid food waste, globally and by region
• FMCG Gurus, February 2023 – Report: How to Enhance Value in a Recession