Environmental innovation of packaging in Czech chemical companies

Abstract

Chemical companies are currently under the increasing pressure to enhance the sustainability of packaging for the products intended primarily for final consumers. To identify the extent of the implementation of environmental innovations in packaging, motivators thereof and barriers associated therewith, quantitative research was carried out among 26 Czech chemical companies. It has been found that the most common environmental innovations of packaging focus on the introduction of packaging made from biodegradable or recycled materials. However, it is innovations that allow savings in packaging materials that are considered successful. The main motivating aspect for the introduction of environmental packaging innovations is the expected growth in value for the customer(s). The biggest barriers include the fear that customers will not accept raised prices of innovated products and the incompatibility of packaging with its content.