According to a Nielsen Global Food Packaging Survey, nearly one in two global consumers would give up all forms of packaging provided for convenience purposes if it would benefit the environment. That includes:
packaging designed for easy stacking/storing at home (49 per cent); packaging that can be used for cooking, or doubling as a resealable container (48 per cent); and packaging designed for easy transport (47 per cent).
At the other end of the scale, the survey found consumers were least willing to give up packaging designed to keep products clean and untouched by others (27 per cent); packaging designed to keep products in good condition (30 per cent); packaging information in the form of food labelling, cooking and usage instructions (33 per cent); and packaging that preserved products to make them last longer/stay fresher (34 per cent).
One in 10 global consumers was not prepared to give up any aspect of packaging for the benefit of the environment.
“Our survey found consumers¹ responses towards packaging reflected regional and lifestyle factors which are all important considerations for FMCG manufacturers,” said Pat Dodd, president of The Nielsen Co, Europe.
Generally, Europeans and North Americans were in agreement on the kinds of packaging they would forego to help the environment. Nearly 60 per cent would give up packaging designed for stacking and storing at home, and 55 per cent also said they were willing to give up packs that can be cooked in or kept at home as a resealable container.
Among Asians however, 42 per cent said they would be prepared to give up stack-and-store packaging and only 39 per cent would be prepared to forgo ‘easily transportable¹ packaging.
“Asian homes tend to be smaller and have limited storage space, so stack and store options are more practical and preferable,” observed Pat Dodd. “Asian lifestyles also determine that Asians were least likely to give up convenience packaging that can be cooked in or kept at home as a resealable container, and easy to transport packaging.”
Overall, the two aspects of packaging that consumers would be reluctant to give up are ‘protective’ packaging - that keeps products in good condition, and hygienic aspects of packaging - that keeps products clean and untouched by others.
Globally, Europeans (23 per cent) and North Americans were least prepared to give up packaging for hygiene and protective purposes.
Contact
The Nielsen Co
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