As England prepare for their next World Cup clash, new research from Park member Xampla has revealed strong public support for plastic-free food packaging at major sporting events.
It is estimated that this year’s FIFA World Cup will generate around 156 tonnes of single-use plastic waste, enough to stretch the length of more than 13,000 football pitches. It also highlights that FIFA’s recent decision to reintroduce single-use plastic water bottles could make the problem even worse. Closer to home, more than 1.3 million single-use food containers are thrown away during a typical British festival season.
Against this backdrop, 74% of people said major sporting and outdoor events should use only plastic-free food packaging, while four in five (80%) believe food packaging should be plastic-free wherever possible.
The research also found widespread confusion over takeaway packaging. Half of those surveyed did not realise that many paper and cardboard food containers contain a hidden plastic lining, making them difficult to recycle. Almost four in five (79%) said packaging should clearly state whether it contains plastic so they can make informed choices.
Based at the Park, Xampla has developed Morro Coating, a plastic-free barrier coating made from plants, that replaces the hidden plastic layer used in many food containers. Earlier this year, Just Eat Takeaway.com rolled out plastic-free takeaway boxes using the technology across 10 European markets.
Alexandra French, CEO of Xampla, said: “The public care deeply about the environment and want to play their part to address the global plastic pollution crisis. Solutions like Morro materials are making it easier than ever for brands and businesses to offer genuinely plastic-free options.”