Top 3 Consumer Demands Driving Produce Packaging Trends

Changes in consumer buying behaviour have altered the way we look at produce packaging. Consumer demands for sustainability, convenience and food safety are the driving forces of fresh produce packaging.

According to Flexible Packaging Association’s survey, 60 percent of respondents said they would pay more for packaging that offers easy storage, re-sealable, easy opening and extended shelf life.^[1]

Top 3 Consumer Demands for 2018

1 – Sustainability

2 – Convenience

3 – Food Safety

1. Sustainable Packaging

The demand for sustainability has taken many industries by storm, from the cars we drive, and the clothes we wear, to food we consume. Consumers, especially Millennials, are more environmentally conscious than ever before. According to 2015 Cone Communications/Ebiquity Global CSR Study, 84 percent of consumers say they seek out responsible products whenever possible.^[2] 12 percent of respondents from FPA’s 2015 survey said they would pay more for a product if it was packaged in environmentally friendly packaging.^[1]

As consumers seek out ways to be more environmentally friendly, selecting a product packed in sustainable packaging is an easy way for consumers to feel like they are making a difference. GrowPack Packaging offers a variety of sustainable produce packaging materials. From pulp fibre trays to films made from renewable resources.

Benefits:

Increased throughput
Reduced material waste
Reduced downtime
Reduced product loss
Reduced/reallocated labour
Consistent packaging

44% of FPA survey respondents said packaging that is better for the environment is important to them.[1] 43% of survey respondents said packaging that is reusable, and recyclable is important to them.[1] 36% of survey respondents said packaging made of recycled content is important.[1]

2. Convenience Packaging

The push for on-the-go packaging has grown rapidly, with no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Today’s consumers are eating around their busy schedule, rather than scheduling in meal time. These busy, health-conscious, consumers are seeking products in small, portable packaging that fit their lifestyle.

Crawford Packaging’s GrowPack containers are designed with ease of use and convenience in mind. Consumers can rinse, drain and store their freshly purchased produce in the original package. GrowPack containers come in a variety single-serve and portioned pack styles formulated to meet consumer demand. These containers are easy to open and can be paired with GrowPack Resealable Top Seal Film.

Types of GrowPack Containers

Tray
Punnet
Clamshell
Insert

66% of FPA survey respondents said easy storage packaging was important to them.[1] 65% of FPA survey respondents said resealable packaging was important.[1] 60% of FPA survey respondents said easy opening packaging was important.[1] 26% of FPA respondents said single-serve/portioned packaging was important.[1]

3. Food Safety

New advances in produce packaging protect produce from physical damage, light, air and temperature changes. 55 percent of FPA survey respondents said the ability to extend product life was important.^[1]

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

Standard packaging ventilation uses inconsistent hole sizes that allow too much oxygen, causing moisture loss. Modified Atmosphere Packaging increases produce shelf life by controlling the pack’s flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide through micro-perforation technology. MAP Technology is scientifically formulated for your specific product and processes. Testing shows that over an 18-day period, produce packed with MAP Packaging has a moisture loss rate of less than 1 percent.

How MAP Technology Increases Shelf Life of Produce

Retain Product Moisture
Maintain Product Weight
Maintain Product Colour
Maintain Product Texture
Maintain Product Visual Appeal
Protect Product Against Bacteria

How MAP Technology Increases Shelf Life of Produce

Retain Product Moisture
Maintain Product Weight
Maintain Product Colour
Maintain Product Texture
Maintain Product Visual Appeal
Protect Product Against Bacteria

Tamper-Evident Technology

It is common for consumers to open a produce pack and swap some contents for another pack on the shelf. With tamper-evident technology, consumers and retailers can quickly identify an open pack on the shelf. Tamper-evident technology can be easily built into GrowPack Top Seal Films and Resealable Flow Wrap Films. Tamper-Evident Packaging demonstrates a concern for the well-being of the buyer/retailer and can increase brand loyalty.

Don't Get Left Behind!

Speak with our highly trained and knowledgeable Packaging Specialists today to discover how GrowPack Packaging can help your products stand out on retail shelves.

References

1 – “Brand Value.” Flexible Packaging Facts & Figures – Industry Information | Flexible Packaging Association, 2015, www.flexpack.org/programs/marketingcommunications/brand-value/.