Title: The Big Plastic Count: Impact on Food and Beverage Packaging

Introduction:
A recent report published on May 13, 2025, sheds light on the results of "The Big Plastic Count," the largest citizen survey on waste conducted in Switzerland. The report, organized by The Gallifrey Foundation, Earth Action for Impact, and Green Peace Switzerland, highlights the alarming amount of plastic waste generated by households in just one week. Among the findings, food and beverage packaging emerged as the primary source of plastic consumption.

The Scope of the Issue:
In a span of one week, 4,498 households reported discarding 215,463 pieces of plastic, equivalent to nearly 9 billion pieces annually for the entire Swiss population. Notably, food and beverage packaging accounted for 83% of the total plastic waste, with flexible packaging like films, bags, and nets being the most commonly disposed items.

End-of-Life Destinations for Plastic Waste:
The report utilized the Plasteax17 database to project the likely destinations for the discarded plastics. Due to Switzerland’s limited recycling infrastructure, 73% of the plastic waste is expected to be incinerated, while 22% will be exported to countries like Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, or Turkey. Only a mere 5% of the plastic waste is projected to be recycled within Switzerland.

Consumer Sentiments and Demands:
In addition to quantifying their plastic waste, participants also expressed concerns and demands regarding plastic usage. A significant majority (86%) highlighted the lack of plastic-free or reusable alternatives in stores, underscoring the need for more sustainable options. Moreover, 91% emphasized the responsibility of companies in reducing plastic waste, while 95% expressed apprehensions about the health implications of plastic exposure.

Key Demands for Policy Action:
The organizing NGOs outlined four key demands to address the plastic pollution crisis at the national level. These demands include:

• Implementing binding reduction targets to curb plastic pollution
• Ensuring transparency and traceability of plastic packaging to combat greenwashing
• Scaling up reuse and refilling initiatives
• Banning hazardous substances in all plastics, including recycled materials

  Industry Insights:

• Food and beverage professionals must take note of the growing consumer preference for sustainable packaging options.
• Companies should consider investing in innovative, eco-friendly packaging solutions to meet consumer demands and reduce environmental impact.
• Collaboration with policymakers and NGOs can help drive regulatory changes that promote sustainable packaging practices in the industry.

  Future Outlook:
  The findings of "The Big Plastic Count" serve as a wake-up call for the food and beverage industry to prioritize sustainable packaging solutions. Embracing eco-friendly alternatives, promoting recycling initiatives, and advocating for policy changes can help address the plastic pollution crisis and meet consumer expectations for environmentally responsible practices.

  Industry Analysis:
  The revelations from "The Big Plastic Count" highlight the urgent need for the food and beverage industry to transition towards sustainable packaging practices. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, companies that fail to adapt may face reputational risks and regulatory challenges. Embracing innovation in packaging materials and collaborating with stakeholders to drive systemic change will be crucial in shaping the industry’s future trajectory. Supply chains, pricing strategies, and trade dynamics are likely to be influenced by the shift towards sustainable packaging, making it imperative for businesses to proactively address these changes to stay competitive in the evolving landscape.