RDM Group Calls on Brands to Shift to Recycled Cartonboard Amid Rising Consumer Pressure

Milan, Italy – RDM Group has urged brands to accelerate the adoption of recycled cartonboard, citing increasing consumer demand for sustainable packaging and tightening regulatory expectations across global markets.

The company, which specializes in recycled fibre-based cartonboard, said brand owners are facing growing scrutiny over packaging choices, particularly regarding recyclability and environmental impact. Consumers are increasingly favouring products packaged in materials perceived as sustainable, prompting companies to reassess their packaging strategies.

RDM Group highlighted that recycled cartonboard offers a lower environmental footprint compared to virgin fibre alternatives, particularly in terms of reduced energy consumption and resource use. The material is widely used in sectors such as food, personal care, and household goods, where packaging plays a key role in both product protection and brand perception.

The company noted that regulatory developments, especially in Europe, are reinforcing the shift. Policies aimed at improving recycling rates and reducing packaging waste are encouraging the use of materials that fit within established recycling streams, such as cartonboard made from recovered fibres.

RDM Group also pointed to the role of the circular economy in shaping packaging decisions. By using recycled inputs and ensuring materials remain within the recycling loop, brands can align with sustainability targets while maintaining functionality and quality standards.

According to the company, collaboration across the value chain—from material producers to brand owners and recyclers—will be essential to scale adoption. It emphasized that transitioning to recycled cartonboard is not only an environmental consideration but also a strategic response to evolving market expectations.

The call reflects a broader industry trend in which sustainability is becoming a central factor in packaging innovation and procurement decisions, driven by both regulatory frameworks and consumer behaviour.