A Recent Poll Shows 69% of Americans Have More Concerns About Food Packaging Safety Than Several Months Ago – What It Means for Your Food Packaging
The current COVID-19 crisis has affected a range of industries, including food packaging. Namely, people are increasingly concerned about sanitation and safety related to food packaging. Companies who sell food and drinks must take note and incorporate changes to reassure customers.
69% of Americans Are More Concerned
According to a study from G&S Business Communication, a full 69% of Americans have greater concerns regarding food safety than they did a few months ago, before the pandemic. While the fact that consumers have greater concerns about food safety should not be surprising, the percentage who feel that way maybe.
Other Relevant Figures
The study also found that 44% of Americans use disinfectant to clean their food packaging. Some other key findings include that 54% of Americans have at least some concern about contracting coronavirus via food. 65% indicated that research that shows packaging and food are unlikely sources of the virus would be reassuring. Finally, an overwhelming 95% of Americans say it is somewhat important (or more important) that companies communicate the measures they take for customer safety.
What It Means for Food Companies and Packagers
These figures underline the importance of sanitary and safety measures on food packaging for any company involved in the process at any point. Food companies must make a conscious effort to increase their security measures – and they must let consumers know the various steps that they are taking.
Transparency Is Key
Looking at the specific figures, it is clear that those in the food industry must be as transparent as possible regarding food safety. In the current situation, consumers want reassurance. Remember that 95% of Americans want more communication regarding food safety. This comes largely from transparency.
The study also asked where consumers want to know more about food safety protocols. 74% would feel reassured to know more about these protocols at their grocery stores, 70% at processing plants, 57% in food storage and transport, and 41% in farms.
Sustainability Is No Longer the Most Important Factor
While food safety has always been a concern, it was pushed back in recent years as consumers prioritize sustainability. To some extent, this focus on eco-friendliness allowed companies to maintain the status quo in terms of food safety, instead of working to improve in that respect.
Now, however, sustainability has been pushed back. Many consumers still consider it when selecting which brand to buy, but food safety is now more important. This gives companies some wiggle room as they can sacrifice sustainability somewhat in exchange for safety.
The Effects Will Likely Last
The report also indicates that food packaging safety concerns are likely to continue even after the outbreak. As such, adapting your packaging design and manufacturing will be a long-term effort to benefit your brand.
The Bottom Line
The most important takeaway from this study is that those in the food packaging industry, whether as food companies or packaging manufacturers, should make a conscious effort to improve transparency regarding their food safety measures, in addition to improving the measures themselves.
