Importance of sustainability in packaging rated high

(Packaged produce at Austin, Texas-based H-E-B; photo by Brooke Park)

The importance of sustainability in packaging is somewhat important or very important for close to 90% of consumers.

Did you miss The Packer's 2021 Sustainable Produce Summit? Not to worry, access it here or download the complete sustainability survey. Also, read The Packer's Sustainability Insights Magazine.

The Packer’s Sustainability Insights survey of about 550 primary grocery shoppers, conducted by Farm Journal’s Trust in Food division in late July, asked consumers to rate the importance of sustainability in packaging.

According to the survey, 44% of consumers rated sustainability in packaging as very important, with 43% rating sustainability in packaging as somewhat, and 13% as not important. The survey found that recyclable, reusable and biodegradable are trigger words that indicate sustainable packaging.

Answering the question, “What does sustainable packaging mean to you? (select all that apply),” consumers said: 

  • Recyclable: 56%;
  • Biodegradable: 47%;
  • Reusable: 47%;
  • Made from recycled material: 32%;
  • Compostable: 31%;
  • Package protects produce: 28%; and
  • Single use: 18%.
 

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