Marketing, sales and consumer behaviour – February 2024

Packaging – market information and trends
A survey by L.E.K. Consulting shows that brand owners, more than ever before, believe that packaging is imperative to selling their products. They are willing to invest in packaging as it represents just a small percentage of the value of the products they sell and are increasingly focused on the sustainability of their packaging.
According to preliminary statistics (267 kB) published by Cepi, the consumption of paper in Europe fell by 15.3% in 2023 and the production decreased 12.8%. The downward trend can also be observed in packaging paper and board, traditionally an engine for growth in the sector.

Study on how food packaging can become more environmentally friendly
DLG, in cooperation with the Münster University of Applied Sciences, has conducted a three-part study on how food packaging can become more environmentally friendly. Based on consumer and company surveys, the study focusses on packaging from the consumer's point of view, the effect of claims and industry strategies for sustainable packaging.

Choosing healthy products and the influence of Nutri-Score
The Nutri-Score system should encourage consumers to eat healthier. However, research by Elke Godden and UAntwerp colleagues shows that three consumers in ten choose an unhealthier product because of Nutri-Score. ‘That sizeable group does not believe that healthy products can also be tasty’, Elke Godden explains.

Steering consumers towards plant-based food
USC research shows that Americans are more likely to choose vegan food if it is labelled ‘Healthy’ or ‘Sustainable’ than food labelled ‘vegan’ or ‘plant-based.’ The findings (4.19 MB) are published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology.
A new report (6.08 MB) released by ProVeg International reveals insights into the impact of colour in steering consumers towards plant-based food. Flexitarians and omnivores showed a greater inclination to try plant-based products when presented in red packaging because of the association with tastiness.

Liquid laundry detergent packet exposure
A new study conducted by researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Central Ohio Poison Center found declines in the number, rate and severity of liquid laundry detergent packet exposures among children younger than 6 years. However, exposures have increased among older children, teens and adults.

Prices for plastics
Dutch trade magazine Vraag en Aanbod publishes a weekly overview of the prices for plastics (in Dutch). The prices given are estimated averages between the gross prices published in the trade journals and the net prices.
 

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