64% of the public also agreed that reusable, refillable and returnable packaging systems are more effective at reducing waste than recycling.
The poll was conducted by Yonder and saw 2,067 surveyed between 5 to 6 February 2025.
The government does not currently have any targets around reusable and refillable packaging, although it is hoped that extended producer responsibility for packaging (pEPR) may encourage a shift towards these systems.
With supermarkets and online retailers introducing reusable packaging schemes, 77% of the public said they want to see all retailers make these schemes permanent rather than keeping them in their pilot stages.
Jane Martin, CEO of City to Sea said: “It’s easy to forget that single-use plastic only took over our supermarket shelves in the 60s and 70s, and the decision to use plastic for most of our products was a choice. Half a century later and we understand the damage that single-use plastic causes people and planet. It’s time for retailers to step up and commit to more sustainable packaging systems. Consumers want it, the environment needs it, our economy requires sustainable growth and high street regeneration.
“Imagine a world of refilling and returning, rather than dumping and burning. The Global Reuse Summit 2025 brings together people from around the world to hold critical conversations to unlock the new reuse economy. The market is ready, the opportunity is significant, and the time is now.”
City to Sea will host its second Global Reuse Summit in partnership with Ecosurety on 12 March 2025 in Bristol.
Will Ghali, CEO of Ecosurety, added: “Over the past few years there has been a welcome increase in alternative packaging systems, presenting opportunities for innovative solutions to the single-use packaging crisis.
“We have steered retailers and packaged consumer goods brands in the right direction to make sure their reusable packaging systems are safe for consumers whilst protecting the environment, but more retailers and brands need to feel confident making this transition.
“The Global Reuse Summit is an opportunity to share insights and ideas and discuss data-driven insights that prove reusable packaging can succeed for all retailers and packaged consumer goods brands worldwide.”
UK charity City to Sea looks to encourage systems of reuse in an effort to stop plastic pollution.
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