Analyst Insight: Companies are under mounting pressure from both consumers and regulatory bodies to adopt sustainable packaging solutions. As new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws come into effect in 2025, brands must acquire accurate packaging data to meet regulatory requirements and consumer expectations, or risk facing significant financial penalties.

The move toward sustainable packaging isn’t just coming from consumers; it’s also motivated by governments and regulatory bodies. With a growing number of EPR laws set to take effect in the U.S. in 2025, companies will face increased accountability for the environmental impact of their packaging. These regulations will require manufacturers to manage the end-of-life disposal of their products, pushing brands to adopt more sustainable packaging solutions through the use of detailed packaging data.

Gaps in the Data

With the increase in regulations such as EPR, product and packaging professionals are adapting their everyday work to not only accommodate new requirements, but scale compliance for the future. In a 2024 survey of manufacturing professionals, Specright found that 61% of manufacturers see sustainability as a competitive advantage. However, 68% of respondents cited data management as a key challenge in achieving sustainability goals.

These findings reinforce the need for companies to adopt effective data-driven strategies. Without accurate, comprehensive packaging data, companies can’t expect to report and scale reporting to meet these regulatory requirements.

Growing Consumer Demand

In a 2023 consumer sustainability survey, Specright found that 69% of consumers don’t believe companies are accurately and honestly reporting on sustainability goals and metrics. And, more than half of the respondents said they are willing to spend more money on products that are deemed sustainable or environmentally friendly. Further, 74% of consumers indicated they are more likely to purchase from a company that is transparent about its sustainability practices, and shares updates on progress toward sustainability goals frequently. 

Consumers are increasingly looking beyond generic sustainability claims, and demanding measurable proof of impact. Companies that provide concrete data, third-party certifications, and frequent progress reports are more likely to gain consumer trust and loyalty. Brands must ensure that environmental initiatives are not just marketing tactics but deeply embedded in their operational and production processes.

Organizations that fail to address these expectations risk losing market share to competitors that prioritize authenticity and accountability in their sustainability commitments.

Using Specification Data

To effectively meet consumer and legislative demands for sustainability, companies must harness specification data to drive informed decisions. By analyzing data gathered throughout the supply chain, they can identify inefficiencies, streamline packaging processes, and implement more sustainable materials.

The challenge for many companies is that this crucial data still lives in disconnected or outdated systems such as spreadsheets, email, shared drives or PDFs. By digitizing and centralizing packaging data, companies can ensure consistency, reduce errors, and make data-driven decisions that align with environmental objectives. In 2025, the technology is available, and they need to be deploying the right tools for today’s demands. Teams should be able to easily see which materials are being used for a package and product, have automated alerts if materials are non-compliant with regulations, and optimize the supply chain to make more informed, sustainable decisions. 

Say, for example, that a certain material can be sourced from a closer geographic region, with the promise of reducing both carbon emissions and costs. Or, a packaging material that’s easier to recycle can be identified. Without the appropriate data at your fingertips, these decisions will take time — and time is not what companies have right now. 

Making the Business Case

Today, the adoption of sustainable packaging practices is more than an environmental imperative; it’s a strategic business decision. Companies that prioritize sustainability can enhance brand reputation, meet regulatory requirements, and appeal to a growing segment of eco-conscious consumers. Moreover, sustainable practices can lead to cost savings through material reduction and improved operational efficiencies.

Companies must navigate these obstacles by ensuring transparency, authenticity, and clear communication regarding their sustainability efforts. Avoiding superficial or misleading claims is crucial to maintain consumer trust and loyalty.

The incorporation of sustainability into packaging strategies is increasingly vital for brands aiming to meet consumer expectations and achieve long-term success. By drawing on specification data, they can implement sustainability initiatives that resonate with consumers and contribute positively to the environment. As buyer demand for sustainable practices and packaging legislation continues to rise, brands that proactively embrace eco-friendly packaging solutions are set to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.