Consumer demand for antibacterial packaging, Canadean
Antibacterial packaging designed to delay the development of germs and bacteria in canned products is set to become a hit with UK consumers, according to new findings from market research organisation Canadean.
The research found that over half of UK consumers were worried about bacteria on the outside of a can more than the presence of dirt and dust, or if it is dented or discoloured.
“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,” said Michael Hughes, lead analyst at Canadean.
“As such, there is a clear demand for products that have antibacterial packaging to help reassure consumers,” Mr Hughes said. “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,” he said.
Growing concern about bacteria’s impact on health
UK consumers are concerned about the transportation and storage of grocery products. Moreover, there is also a growing concern about the presence of bacteria and germs on everyday items and the impact that it can have on health, according to Canadean.
Canadean found that a total of 55 per cent of UK consumers either said they were “concerned” or “very concerned” about germs on the outside of cans. The survey showed a clear correlation between age and levels of concern, with those aged 18-24 years old the least likely to view bacteria as an issue (49 per cent) and those aged 55 and older the most (63 per cent).
Males were more likely to be worried about bacteria (57 per cent) compared to females (53 per cent).
“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,” Mr Hughes said.
More worried about bacteria than dirt, dust or dints
UK consumers reported being more worried about the presence of bacteria on canned products than signs of dirt on packaging (42 per cent), or dust on a can (32 per cent).
When it came to the presentation of cans, consumers were still more worried about bacteria, but less about the deformation of a can (46 per cent) or if a label was discoloured (48 per cent). Canned food that looked like it had been previously opened made UK consumers worry the most (82 per cent).
