Packaging and the environment: Shoppers say, "Please help me!"

In the most recent research conducted by Perception Research Services, shoppers demonstrate that they are interested in choosing environmentally-friendly packaging. Significantly more shoppers state they would like to choose environmentally friendly packaging compared to 2010 (36 percent vs 28 percent), with fully half still willing to pay more (despite the economy). This is especially true of younger (under 40) shoppers. More than half (59 percent) of our sample state that seeing environmental claims on packaging positively impacts their behavior (to either buy more of the brands they usually do or switch to others).

Ironically, while shoppers continue to notice environmental claims at a high level (roughly half state seeing more of them in the past 6 months, just as in 2010), they are increasingly frustrated by the information provided. Significantly more report there isn't enough environmental information (26 percent vs 20 percent), that they are confused by all the different environmental claims (20 percent vs 12 percent), and that they don't know which packages are best for the environment (22 percent vs 17 percent).

Importantly, fewer shoppers feel that manufacturers' motives are primarily honorable (57 percent vs 61 percent). Shoppers are becoming more skeptical of manufacturers behaviors and motives in this area, as more state that companies are increasingly self-serving (enhance reputation; realize profit gains) and show less concern for the environment.

Of the various claims seen, those having to do with recycling (recyclable, made from recycled material) are both noticed most and have the most impact on buying behavior. Conversely, made with less material is less influential.

In 2011, we noticed a significant increase in shoppers checking to see if a package can be recycled prior to buying it. Since seeing environmental claims positively impacts purchase behavior, it is incumbent upon manufactures to clearly convey this feature.

Fully two-thirds of shoppers indicate that they recycle on a regular basis. Those who do not recycle claim that the single biggest reason they don't is that they forget to do so (44 percent)—suggesting that messaging could serve as a useful reminder. This could also help bridge the gap between shoppers' stated concern for the environment (66 percent very/somewhat concerned) and their level of activity regarding the environment (46 percent very/somewhat active).

"We're seeing a great opportunity for manufacturers to provide truly value-added packaging to their target shoppers by making it more environmentally friendly—primarily in the form of recyclability and recycled content—and clearly communicating these aspects. We have seen that it is vital to get both the message right (what is said) as well as the delivery (how it is executed on pack)—because one without the other will create a missed opportunity." states Jonathan Asher, evp at Perception Research Services. "In addition, it is becoming apparent that the days of disguising cost reductions (such as smaller, thinner packages) as being driven by environmental concerns may be coming to an end, and continuing to do so may test shoppers' good will," he continues.

The four waves of this research were conducted in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 across the U.S., among more than 1,000 primary household grocery shoppers aged 18-64 per wave.

Source: Perception Research Services

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