As you know by now, we did a big consumer study which gave us insights on what consumers believe and want regarding packaging in the future. The study was made in three countries, the United Kingdom, Germany and China. In all the three countries, the consumers clearly are interested in helping the environment, for example by choosing packaging that can be reused or recycled.
In the United Kingdom, the consumers are looking for the functionality of the packaging to be increased and they are also expecting to see all packaging become more functional, especially re-sealable. They are hoping to see paper mimicking plastic and becoming foldable and moulded. We are on the way…
In Germany, consumers want the whole packaging concept to be simplified. This for example by using more recyclable, biodegradable material and going shopping in stores where you have to bring your own packaging or only get paper bags/cornets. They would also value functional, re-sealable packaging. At the same time, they want to see less of thin plastic, aluminium cans and double- or triple packaging.
In China, consumers think that eco-friendly packaging will be the trend in the next five years.
While many retailers and brand owners have started the shift towards more consumer-needs-driven products, packaging is still largely defined by manufacturing capabilities. Brand owners often seek converters’ help - and miss the advantage of utilizing material expertise early enough in the projects.
So, it’s not an easy road ahead to meet the consumers demands. We want to promote cooperation across the industry and the entire value chain to develop new solutions and to drive new standards for better packaging in the future, based on renewable and recyclable materials.
Happy new year – and let us help you with your packaging challenges!
