FPA Releases Consumer Preferences in Packaging Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Linthicum, MD, February 20, 2003 - According to the Flexible Packaging Association's recently released Consumer Preferences in Packaging Report, American consumers embrace many forms of flexible packaging and would like to see the use of flexible packaging expand into a range of markets.

FPA commissioned Perception Research Services (PRS) to conduct the qualitative research study in order to identify growth opportunities for the flexible packaging industry. The results of the research were presented at FPA's Fall Executive Conference in November, and the report was released to FPA members in late December.

The study included four focus group discussions where consumers analyzed and discussed their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with existing packaging structures in various categories including home entertainment, produce, medical, health and beauty, and household supplies. For each category, consumers were presented with a range of flexible packages and were asked to evaluate each on ease of opening, ability to be resealed or closed, portability, and tamper evidence. The flexible packages included stand-up pouches, film bags and pouches, padded bags with zippers, pouches with fitments and/or valves, and active and intelligent packaging.

The study revealed that in the produce category, consumers want improved product freshness retention and product protection, and they prefer clear packaging that enables them to conduct a thorough visual inspection of the produce. There exists considerable interest in packaging with modified atmosphere flexible film lids for soft produce items such as berries, and bagged packaging with reclosable features is preferred for solid produce items. Additionally, the study found many opportunities in the produce category for intelligent and active packaging.
Consumers demonstrated widespread interest in the expanded use of stand-up pouches because of their storage benefits and convenient reclosure systems, and they identified powdered laundry detergent, dry dog food, dry cereal, potato chips, pretzels and tortilla chips, and even staple food products such as flour, sugar, and rice as items they would like to see packaged in stand-up pouches.

Consumers would like to see a greater use of flexible pouches with valves, particularly for bulk liquids, laundry detergent and floor cleaners, as well as beauty products such as shampoo, shower gel, hair conditioner and lotion. Pouches with aseptic valves were considered a viable packaging solution for beverage products that easily spoil such as milk and orange juice.

The study further revealed that consumers understand the trade-offs between difficulty in opening medical packaging and the need for tamper resistance and child proofing assurances.

FPA's Consumer Preferences in Packaging Report is available at no charge to FPA members, and $1900 for non-members. For more information, please contact Lourdes Pogue, Director, Marketing & Communications at 410. 694. 0800 or lpogue@flexpack.org.

The Flexible Packaging Association has served as the voice of the flexible packaging industry since the Association was established in 1950. Its members convert or supply the raw materials used to produce bags, pouches, labels, liners, wraps, rollstock, and other flexible products. Produced from paper, plastic film, aluminum foil, or any combination of those materials, flexible packaging is now the second largest segment of the U.S. packaging market. The $20 billion industry serves a multitude of end use markets including food, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, household goods, personal care products, pet food, lawn and garden supplies, and industrial applications.

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