Nearly 70% of consumers prefer paper food packaging

A recent survey conducted by YouGov, a well-known research agency in China, collected responses from 7,076 consumers. Out of these, 4,857 participants mentioned that products displayed on shelves and stored in containers were more appealing to them. Specifically, fresh foods and fruits and vegetables presented in such ways tended to increase their interest in making a purchase.

The survey also explored consumer preferences between plastic and paper packaging. Among the 4,857 respondents, 68% expressed a preference for paper packaging, while 32% leaned toward plastic. When asked about their choice if both types of packaging offered the same price and quality, 41% said they didn't care about the type of packaging used. Some even admitted they weren’t fully aware of the differences between the two materials.

However, among the remaining 59% of respondents who did pay attention to packaging, an impressive 85% stated they would be more inclined to buy products wrapped in paper. This preference highlights a growing awareness and concern for sustainability among consumers.

The survey was carried out across several European countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain. The findings align with a similar study conducted in the UK in 2014 by another research firm. In that survey, 1,114 consumers were asked which packaging material influenced their buying decisions. A staggering 93% of them chose paper packaging as their preferred option.

Industry experts suggest that this trend reflects a shift in consumer behavior, where eco-friendly and visually appealing packaging is becoming increasingly important. Corrugated paper packaging, in particular, has gained popularity in Europe due to its ease of use, eye-catching design, and environmental benefits. These results reinforce the idea that when it comes to fresh produce, paper packaging continues to hold a stronger appeal than plastic, driving more purchases among environmentally conscious shoppers.