More than half of UK consumers want food and drink in glass packaging, according to a recently published survey.
The independent survey, which was commissioned by glass packaging awareness campaign Friends of Glass and FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation, found that respondents favoured the higher recyclability of glass compared to other packaging materials.
The survey also revealed that consumers are paying more attention to food safety with 41% of respondents saying they worry about food safety, a 5% increase on the 2014 figures. 60% of respondents also raised concerns relating to chemicals and microorganisms leaching into food or the environment from packaging.
Dr Nick Kirk, technical director at trade body British Glass, commented on the findings, “The research gives us good insight into UK consumers’ thoughts about glass packaging. We were pleased to find that many people are aware of the environmental reasons for buying and using glass. 54% stated that they would use glass because of its higher recyclability compared to other packaging materials, and 64% saw glass as the most environmentally friendly packaging material.
“Glass is 100% and endlessly recyclable and therefore ideal for those seeking a more sustainable lifestyle. Used glass isn’t waste, but actually a resource that can be re-used time and time again without loss of quality.”
The survey was conducted in 11 EU countries – the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Switzerland between November and December last year.
