Packaging and the environment: Shoppers say, 'It's not my problem'

Packaging and the environment: Shoppers say, "It

And while more shoppers expect environmentally friendly packaging to cost more (36 percent vs. 15 percent in 2008), fewer report a willingness to pay for it (51 percent vs. 57 percent in 2008), and a majority (59 percent) say that environmentally friendly packaging should be at no additional cost to the consumer.

Ironically, while few indicate they would like to choose more environmentally friendly packaging (28 percent), nearly half (48 percent) think manufacturers should produce more of it; and fully one third (35 percent) think government should mandate stricter environmental standards for packaging.

Their reliance on manufacturers' efforts may derive from an awareness of the steps that have been taken, as half of the shoppers polled have noticed companies making claims about environmentally friendly packaging. And of those, half have noticed more of these claims in the past six months.

Fortunately for manufacturers, these shoppers feel their motives are primarily virtuous as over half say companies are making these efforts for reasons having to do with helping the environment (such as, reduce waste, save resources, make the world a better place), while very few attribute these actions to such self-serving interests as selling more product or increasing profits. And few think companies overstate the environmental benefits of their packaging.

Shoppers' reported behavior patterns also suggest that they want someone else to do the work in this area, as nearly half say that seeing a "made from recycled materials" claim makes them more interested in buying the product, a significant increase from 2009 (48 percent vs. 39 percent).

This more passive activity contrasts with the fact that very few (only 17 percent) say they check to see if a package can be recycled before buying a product. And, fully one-third report that they generally do not recycle packaging, consistent with the 2008 level.

"It's becoming clear that while consumers may voice concern for the environment, most appear unwilling—at the moment—to make any major sacrifices to make a difference. They'd rather rely on manufacturers to provide products and packaging that they can feel good about, without changing their behavior, giving up performance or paying more," according to Jonathan Asher, svp of PRS.

"Manufacturers have had the impression that they needed to be in synch with consumers' environmental concerns and fit with the emerging lifestyle of ‘going green'" Asher continues. "Our findings suggest that rather than follow consumers' lead, manufacturers must actually be at the forefront, making it easier for shoppers to buy the products they prefer while also feeling good about the environmental impact, and making as little sacrifice as possible. It's a tall order, but if delivered, will be highly rewarded."

The three waves of this research were conducted in 2008, 2009 and 2010, 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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