The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) announced the results of a poll commissioned by the association to measure attitudes toward glass sustainability. The survey found that U.S. consumers prefer glass packaging due to its environmental benefits, and are inclined to shape their purchasing behavior accordingly. Some key highlights of the poll:
- 92% of respondents said they would feel positively toward a company that offered more glass packaging because of its lower environmental impact than other materials.
- 76% of respondents were familiar with the fact that glass is infinitely recyclable, versus less than a quarter (24%) who were hearing about it for the first time.
- 73% of respondents, or about three in four, wish more companies offered their food and beverage products in glass packaging.
- A strong majority of respondents, nearly three in five (58%), said knowing that glass was infinitely recyclable could make them change their purchasing behavior.
“This poll further proves what research has shown for years: Consumers trust glass,” said GPI President Scott DeFife. “Consumers want and expect more out of brands when it comes to sustainable packaging, and brands should include more glass options in their portfolio or risk alienating important customer segments.”
DeFife also identified another cause for hope and celebration from the poll: “We see in the numbers that members of Gen Z are the most environmentally-conscious generation yet. A whole generation is about to enter the pool of consumers, and they’re more willing than ever to make effortless sustainable choices in their everyday lives—like choosing glass.”