Philip Chadwick / PackagingNews

Surge in greener consumers says global report

Research from Tetra Pak has found that 77% of consumers bought certain products because the packaging was better for the environment.

The Environmental Research 2011 report showed a rise in consumers researching green issues. The study covered 6,600 consumers and more than 200 “industry influencers” in 10 countries including the UK, US, Germany, China and Brazil.

According to Tetra Pak, the research also found that 28% of consumers would buy products with packaging less harmful to the environment even if it cost more.

In addition, 88% of consumers expressed a preference or strong preference for products in recyclable packaging, while around 50% refused to accept packaging from stores on environmental grounds.

The survey has been conducted every two years since 2005 and traces consumer behaviour towards the environment.

“We’ve seen a step change in environmentally-conscious consumers behaviour around the world since 2005,” said Tetra Pak president and chief executive Dennis Jönsson. “A majority of the consumers polled now take action to safeguard the environment and this is reflected in the products they buy and the packaging they choose.”