Food packaging design plays a key role in protecting and preserving products, driving user-friendliness, contributing to brand equity and giving products standout on shelf. However, consumers continue to hold negative views of the amount of packaging used and 44% of adults don’t think companies are doing enough to keep food packaging to a minimum. This indicates a need to put the positive aspects of food packaging in the spotlight, most notably its fundamental role in keeping food fresher for longer and helping to reduce food waste.
Given that recyclability has become an expected norm for the majority of adults, companies must go above and beyond in order to stand out for their green credentials. However, with only 15% of adults willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products, it is important for companies to assure consumers the cost of their ‘greenness’ is not being passed onto them..
The UK’s ageing population means that brands need to do more to respond to the needs of this increasingly influential demographic. The most pertinent quality of food packaging is being easy to open, which is recognised widely but is most important among over-55s. While some progress has been made, easy-open features remain niche, creating a space for companies to stand out for ergonomic packaging solutions for all ages.
Definition
This report examines new product development and consumer trends in the UK market for food and drink packaging in relation to consumer products. This includes outer and inner packaging purchased with products, but excludes packaging used for bulk transportation and industrial purposes.
The report also considers the role that labelling plays in enhancing product packaging in terms of on-shelf appeal and providing product information.
This report does not follow the usual format of Market Intelligence reports, due to the nature of the industry. For example, the large number of suppliers in this industry means that it is not applicable to include a section on the supply structure or manufacturer/brand share data, while due to the absence of consumer-facing sales of packaging as a standalone product, it is not applicable to include a section on market size.
