Consumers were split on who should lead and promote sustainability practices and policies, with approximately one-quarter citing consumers and the same number citing the government, according to The Packer’s recent sustainability survey.
When The Packer’s survey asked consumers were asked what sustainable packaging means to them, they responded:
- Recycled: 32%
- Compostable: 19%
- Bio-based: 18%
- All of the above: 50%
Most consumers rated sustainable packaging as at least somewhat important to them. The Packer’s survey found 33% of consumers rated sustainable packaging as extremely important, and 27% rated sustainable packaging as very important.
When asked which packaging solutions they prefer, 53% of consumers indicated “recyclable,”, 32% indicated “biodegradable” and 15% said “compostable.”
Approximately one-third of participants report recycling primary packaging, secondary packaging, and shopping bags.
Premium or not
The Packer’s survey of consumers asked how much more they were willing to pay for bio-based packaging.
About 40% percent reported being willing to pay 5 to 10% more for bio-based packaging.
Consumer willingness to pay a premium for bio-based packaging:
- Nothing: 29%
- 5 to 10% premium: 40%
- 11 to 15% premium: 19%
- 16 to 20% premium: 6%
- More than 20% premium: 6%
Half of the consumers reported sometimes making food purchasing decisions based on how the packaging was produced, and The Packer’s survey revealed half reported feeling the current level of labeling on their food provides most of the information they need.
