Glass Packaging Earns Top Marks in Consumer Sustainability Rankings
A recent McKinsey & Co. survey of U.S. consumers reinforces what the glass industry has long known: recyclability is central to how Americans define sustainable packaging—and glass leads the way. Among all packaging materials, glass was ranked as the most sustainable, followed by paper and metal. These results reflect the high recycling rates and recycled content associated with glass, as highlighted in the full McKinsey report.
While price, convenience, and quality remain top priorities for shoppers, the survey found that 77% of Americans consider recyclability to be “extremely” or “very” important when evaluating packaging. Consumers also placed responsibility for packaging sustainability squarely on brand owners and packaging producers, not retailers or individuals—a significant insight from the McKinsey analysis. For glass manufacturers and their partners, this reinforces the competitive and ethical value of investing in truly recyclable materials.
The report urges businesses to design packaging that meets a full spectrum of consumer expectations—balancing cost, safety, and performance with environmental responsibility. With non-recyclable multimaterial packaging presenting ongoing challenges, glass stands out for its simplicity, recyclability, and durability. For brands looking to lead on sustainability, embracing glass is both a smart and strategic move in today’s evolving consumer landscape.
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