According to Canadean’s latest survey, 55% of Britons are worried about bacteria on the outside of a can more than the presence of dirt and dust, or if it is dented or discoloured. So it predicts, reasonably, that antibacterial packaging that is designed to delay the development of germs and bacteria in canned products is set to become the next big thing there.
UK consumers are concerned about the transportation and storage of grocery products, the study found. And they are increasingly concerned about the presence of bacteria and germs on everyday items and the impact that it can have on health.
According to Canadean, 55% of Britons either say they are “concerned” or “very concerned” about germs on the outside of cans.
As one might expect, there is a clear correlation between age and levels of concern. Those aged 18-24 years old are the least likely to view bacteria as an issue (49%) and those aged 55 and older, the most (63%).
Oddly, men are more likely to be worried about bacteria (57%) compared to women (53%).
UK consumers are more worried about the presence of bacteria on canned products than signs of dirt on packaging (42%), or dust on a can (32%). Traditional cues for a degraded product are less important. People are less concerned about the deformation of a can (46%) or if a label is discoloured (48%). Britons worry the most (82%) only if canned food looks as though it has been previously opened.
Michael Hughes, lead analyst at Canadean stated, “Consumers are becoming more conscious about the distribution and storage of grocery products and the implications this has on the safety and quality of food. As such, there is a clear demand for products that have antibacterial packaging to help reassure consumers. This will be particularly true with products that are purchased on-the-go and from retailers that consumers are unfamiliar with and where they are less confident about the safety and quality of products.
“Given that older consumers are most worried about the presence of bacteria – which can be linked to a greater level of concern about immunity and maintaining health, the demand for antibacterial packaging will only intensify in the future as society continues to age.”
