There’s a quiet revolution happening on supermarket shelves, pet shops, and garden centres across the UK. It’s not just about what’s inside the bag anymore – it’s about sustainably packaged products – what the bag is made of.

Today’s consumers are more informed and values-driven than ever. From food to fuel, seeds to pet feed, the modern customer actively seeks out products that align with their environmental principles. One of the clearest ways to signal your brand’s sustainability is through your packaging.

At Peter Marsh Group, we’ve helped countless businesses transition from plastic sacks to eco-friendly paper alternatives without compromising on performance, cost, or customer satisfaction. The shift isn’t just good for the planet, it’s becoming a necessity for staying relevant in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

What the Data Tells Us

Consumers are no longer passive purchasers. They are actively looking at the packaging when choosing between products. In a growing number of sectors, sustainability packaged products are a deciding factor:

  • Over 80% of UK consumers say they try to buy products with minimal or eco-friendly packaging.
  • Younger consumers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are more likely to avoid brands that use excessive or non-recyclable packaging.
  • Retailers are responding by tightening procurement policies, favouring suppliers who use sustainable materials.

This behaviour shift has direct consequences for producers still relying on plastic packaging. Not only does it risk alienating customers, but it can also result in lost retail contracts when your packaging fails to meet buyer criteria.

A Real-World Example: The Bird Seed Supplier Who Switched Just in Time

One of our clients, a medium-sized bird seed supplier based in the North of England, had been using flexible plastic sacks for years. It seemed like the obvious choice. It was cheap, durable, and compatible with their packing machines.

However, as demand for sustainable options grew, the challenges began to surface:

  • Their largest retail outlet updated its procurement policy to require fully recyclable or biodegradable packaging by the end of the year.
  • Customers started questioning the plastic sacks, leaving negative reviews about the environmental impact.
  • Waste disposal costs increased, with plastic packaging often incurring higher fees.

Initially hesitant to switch due to concerns over price and performance, they contacted us for advice. After a consultation and product sampling phase, we showed that:

  • A paper sack alternative could meet all their functional needs, including moisture resistance and branding.
  • The cost was comparable to their previous plastic sacks, once waste disposal and downtime from occasional sack failures were factored in.
  • The transition wouldn’t require any major changes to their existing machinery.

Within three months, they were up and running with fully recyclable, branded paper sacks and their retail relationships were stronger than ever.

“We thought paper would be too expensive or too fiddly. But Peter Marsh proved us wrong. Not only did we meet our retailer’s deadline for sustainable packaging, but we also started receiving great feedback from customers. It’s one of the best business decisions we’ve made.”

Why Paper Packaging Aligns With Consumer Expectations

Here’s what today’s shoppers are looking for and how paper sacks deliver:

1. Recyclability

Customers are looking for materials they can dispose of responsibly. Paper is widely recyclable through kerbside collection, while flexible plastics are rarely accepted and difficult to process.

2. Biodegradability

Unlike plastic, which can linger in the environment for hundreds of years, paper breaks down naturally within weeks or months. Even if not recycled, paper doesn’t contribute to long-term pollution or microplastics.

3. Visual Appeal & Brand Trust

Eco-conscious customers view paper as a mark of quality and responsibility. A product packaged in well-designed paper communicates care, authenticity, and alignment with modern values.

4. Conformity with Retailer & Regulatory Demands

Many retailers now include sustainability criteria in their supplier assessments. Packaging made from responsibly sourced paper often helps businesses meet corporate social responsibility (CSR) targets and upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations.

Packaging That Works for Your Product and the Planet

At Peter Marsh Group, our paper sacks are engineered for performance without compromise. Whether you’re packaging flour, charcoal, seeds, or feed, we provide:

  • Multi-ply construction for strength
  • Optional grease or moisture-resistant linings
  • Custom sizes for optimal filling
  • Bold flexographic print for full branding and traceability

We understand that each product has different needs and we build packaging that supports product integrity while also standing out on the shelf.

A Smooth Transition from Plastic to Paper

We’ve developed a proven four-step process to help you make the switch with confidence:

1. Consultation – We understand your product, machinery, and logistical requirements.

2. Sampling – We send tailored samples to trial on your existing lines.

3. Prototyping – You receive design proofs and custom artwork to test branding options.

4. Production & Support – Once approved, we handle manufacturing and guide you through implementation.

There’s no need to halt production or invest in new equipment. Most clients are surprised how straightforward the transition can be.

Why Wait?

If you’re still using plastic packaging, now’s the time to re-evaluate. Your customers are already making the shift. Your competitors may already be using sustainable materials. And your retail buyers are likely updating their procurement policies.

By switching to sustainable paper sacks, you’re not just reducing your environmental impact, you’re improving your competitive position.

Talk to the Experts

At Peter Marsh Group, we bring over 150 years of packaging expertise, combined with modern design and production capabilities, to deliver bespoke solutions that meet today’s environmental and business challenges.

Speak with our Business Development Team today to request a free consultation or packaging sample.

Visit www.petermarsh.co.uk or call us now to begin your packaging transformation.

Your customers are choosing sustainability, so make sure your packaging reflects their values.