A recent European study shows that the Covid-19 pandemic has led to new shopping habits. Nevertheless, consumers continue to value sustainable packaging.
In the study, 85 per cent of respondents stated that they want to buy products that As little packaging as possible use. Almost a third (29 %) no longer want to buy certain brands because their packaging is not sustainable.
The analysis was conducted among 9000 respondents in 12 European countries and shows that although shopping habits have changed, sustainability still plays an important role. The Study was analysed by DS Smith and the market research institute Ipsos carried out.
Study shows priorities
Due to the pandemic, two thirds (68 %) of respondents are trying to, as little time as possible in shops to spend. This has led to significant growth in e-commerce. Almost half (48 %) of online shoppers say they have received unsustainable packaging from e-commerce and one in five (22 %) say they have stopped buying from some online retailers because the packaging was unsustainable.
„This study shows not only what has changed due to Covid-19, but also what priorities have remained and that sustainability is still top of mind for consumers across Europe. Retailers and brands need to embrace sustainable packaging during this important time to ensure they reap the benefits for the environment and consumers.“ Stefano Rossi, CEO of DS Smith Packaging
Hygiene is another concern for consumers: more than half (57 %) state that they would like to wash their hands after touching e-commerce packaged products. wash your hands thoroughly and 30 per cent throw away packaging more quickly.
One of three (33 %) (40 % in Germany) also washes or disinfects all loose items such as fruit and vegetables and 12 per cent now avoid buying loose, unpackaged goods (22 % in Finland and 19 % in the UK).
New corrugated cardboard packaging designs
In response to this DS Smith developed a range of new, innovative packaging designs, such as. Corrugated cardboard packaging for fruit and vegetables and Corrugated board handling solutions for bottles and dairy products.
DS Smith assumes that the demand for new, sustainable packaging solutions will increase in the coming months. The company continues to apply its Circuit design principles developed in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation - to design high-performance, recyclable packaging solutions that meet the changing challenges of the market.
[infotext icon]Between 24 September and 19 October 2020, Ipsos surveyed a total of 8,500 adults aged 18 to 65 in the UK, France, Poland, Germany, Italy and Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands and Sweden as well as 500 adults aged 18 to 55 in Portugal in an online sample[/infotext]Source: DS Smith
