Shared Producer Responsibility for Sustainable Packaging in FMCG: The Convergence of SDGs, ESG Reporting, and Stakeholder Engagement

Fotios Misopoulos () and Priyanka Bajiraj
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Fotios Misopoulos: Management School, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZH, UK
Priyanka Bajiraj: Management School, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZH, UK

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-46

Abstract: Packaging waste is a major environmental issue, making the transition to sustainable solutions imperative. This article proposes the concept of Shared Producer Responsibility (SPR) as a key approach to advancing sustainable packaging in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. The study explores how the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, and stakeholder engagement converge to support this transition. The research identifies current trends, challenges, and gaps in sustainable packaging practices through a systematic literature review (SLR) and analysis of sustainability and ESG reports from leading FMCG and packaging companies. The findings highlight the need for standardised reporting frameworks and improved stakeholder cooperation to enhance transparency and accountability in sustainability efforts. This study proposes a conceptual framework for accelerating sustainable packaging adoption through combining strategies like consumer education, regulatory incentives, and clear product labelling. The proposal to implement the concept of Shared Producer Responsibility emphasises the shared accountability of FMCG companies and packaging manufacturers in managing the full environmental lifecycle of packaging materials. This approach is crucial for achieving SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) and SDG 13 (climate action) and driving more effective and sustainable packaging practices across the FMCG industry.

Keywords: sustainable packaging; fast moving consumer goods (FMCG); ESG reporting; sustainability reports; sustainable development goals (SDGs); stakeholder engagement; shared producer responsibility (SPR) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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