Shoppers in the UK believe that cardboard packaging provides better protection than polystyrene and is convenient to recycle.
This has been revealed in a research commissioned by Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI). A survey was carried out online in this connection by YouGov, according to a report by Fresh Plaza.
Conducted among 2,030 respondents representing a cross-section of the society, 40% of them opined that cardboard was the best material for packaging their purchases to preserve their pristine condition while carrying. Around 37% selected polystyrene and another 7% batted for plastic.
London and Scotland showed the highest approval for cardboard's protective qualities, with regional ratings of 45% and 46%, respectively.
On being asked which packaging materials are the easiest ones to recycle, consumers voted the most for cardboard and paper. The materials were approved by 85% of respondents, with 55% and 30% respectively for paper and packaging respectively, compared to 7% for plastic and 1% for polystyrene.
The CPI feels that the opinion reflected in the survey 'should be an eye-opener for online retailers' and 'make them consider the choice of packaging in their supply chains'.