Demand for antibacterial packaging grows

What do UK consumers want most in their cans? Antibacterial packaging. More than half of all British consumers are more concerned about bacteria on the outside of a can than the presence of dirt and dust. Bacteria concerns even trump worries about dented or discoloured cans, new research from Canadean shows.

In total, 55% of British consumers surveyed said they were “concerned” or “very concerned” about germs on the outside of cans. Younger consumers are less concerned about bacteria, with just 49% saying it’s an issue, while those aged 55+ are most concerned about it (63%).

Unexpectedly, male consumers were slightly more concerned about bacteria than female consumers (57% vs 53% respectively).

“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. As such, there is a clear demand for products that have antibacterial packaging to help reassure consumers,” said Michael Hughes, lead analyst at Canadean.

“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.

“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.”