GPI research claims consumers desire more glass packaging for food, beverages

New research from EcoFocus released by the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) claims consumers want more foods and beverages available in glass. Arlington, Virginia-based GPI says the data points to an emerging trend in how consumers define healthier products, with expectations extending beyond ingredients to the packaging itself.

The survey of 4,046 United States adults, conducted from May-June, claims 64 percent of respondents wish more foods and beverages were available in glass jars or bottles. That number jumps to 73 percent when posed to organic food buyers.

The survey claims that 72 percent of respondents believe foods and beverages with healthier ingredient lists should use packaging materials they consider healthier, too. Additionally, 60 percent say they expect natural and organic brands that promote healthy ingredients to use glass packaging.

“These findings affirm what we have long known,” GPI President Scott DeFife says. “Consumers trust glass and want more products packaged in it. The demand is there, and brands have an opportunity to respond. Consumers are looking at more than the ingredient list. They expect the packaging to reflect the health and quality a brand stands for. Glass helps brands deliver on that expectation.”

Beyond health expectations, the survey highlights how glass packaging shapes consumer trust, purchasing decisions and brand loyalty. Among the key findings:

59 percent of respondents say that glass is the only material they trust to not have to worry about chemicals;
54 percent say they have changed what they buy to avoid packaging that might introduce unwanted chemicals into their foods or beverages;
glass is the most sought packaging material when the packaging influencing product or brand choice at 42 percent;
69 percent of Millennials and 63 percent of Gen Z expect natural and organic brands that promote healthy ingredients to use glass packaging;
69 percent report that packaging influenced their purchase and 71 percent want to see more glass options; and
62 percent of respondents say they are looking for glass first when shopping for pantry staples, and buying those products in glass whenever available

“Together, the findings show that packaging is part of how consumers evaluate products and brands, giving brands and retailers practical insights into what shoppers expect and how they respond to packaging decisions,” GPI says.

This article was originally published in Recycling Today.