Consumers prefer glass as a packaging material for food and drinks, according to a pan-EU survey by independent research consultancy InSites. Reflecting the growing desire among consumers to life a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, glass is preferred because it preserves the taste of its contents; is considered to be healthy and safe and, due to its endless recyclability, is environmentally friendly. The InSites study asked over 8000 consumers in 17 countries across Europe about their perception of different packaging materials. It revealed that 65% of consumers prefer glass because they believe it is best at preserving taste and 63% perceive that it is safest for their health, while almost half say it is the most environmentally-friendly form of packaging. "Because of these three characteristics, best taste preservation, health benefits and environmental friendliness, glass is the perfect container for pure and natural products," says Stefan Jaenecke, member of FEVE Board of Directors. The survey also suggests that there is a substantial proportion of EU consumers that would be willing to pay extra for glass containers, especially for milk, yoghurts, juices and wine.
