April 2009 -Consumers are very positive about glass packaging. This was revealed by a market study, the results of which were presented on 20th April, 2009. 6200 households in 12 European countries took part in the survey, which is one of the most extensive ever to be initiated by the packaging industry. The sponsor of the study was Feve, the European Association of the Container Glass Industry, which is headquartered in Brussels.
Environment
According to the study, half of the respondents believe that glass, compared with the other packaging types and materials included in the study such as plastic, tins, drinks' cans and cartons, has a more positive effect on the environment. They rate glass as being the most environmentally-friendly packaging material, something that is attributable to the fact that glass is 100% recyclable. Nine out of ten Europeans are aware that glass can be recycled over and over again without any loss of quality or functionality and can be processed to create new glass packaging. 82% of European consumers state that they are active "glass recyclers". Germany and Austria are the front-runners when it comes to glass recycling: by their own account, more than 90% of respondents from these two countries take their bottles and glasses to glass recycling points. (Switzerland was not involved in the study).
Health
Another result of the study revealed that many consumers are concerned that certain packaging materials could potentially present a risk to the foodstuffs and drinks they contain. Here consumers regard glass as being harmless: 69% of respondents are convinced that glass packaging most effectively preserves the original flavour and nutritional value of food and drinks. When it comes to their health, 48% regard glass as being the safest packaging material.
Image
As far as consumers are concerned, food and drinks that are packaged in glass have a better image. 68% of respondents believe that glass packaging is suitable for "special occasions" since it bestows greater added value on the products. Within the framework of the survey, 85% of all European consumers interviewed said that if they were hosting a party or celebration, they would not considerer dispensing with glass.
Convenience
According to the glass packaging association, Feve, further results emerging from the study reveal that consumers are increasingly placing health and environmental considerations over convenience when it comes to choosing packaging. 45% of respondents indicated that they would prefer to buy water and fruit juices in glass bottles if given the choice by their local grocery store.
The study was carried out in the following countries: Germany, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom. Coinciding with the presentation of the study, the Feve Association has also announced that it has launched a campaign called "Friends of Glass" and an online platform for promoting container glass.
Links to further websites:
www.friendsofglass.com
www.feve.org/FEVE-Survey-Result.html
www.feve.org
