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UAE residents are increasingly paying attention to product packaging and making purchasing decisions based on how environmentally friendly a product is.
That’s according to a recent survey by global consultancy AlixPartners, which explored the impact of sustainable packaging on consumer purchasing decisions, to encourage more manufacturers to embrace the shift.
The survey found that recyclability of packaging (56%) and the use of recycled materials (47%) are the top priorities for UAE consumers when considering the sustainability credentials of product packaging. However, the survey results also revealed that 30% of respondents recognized the importance of new formats, such as refillable and reusable packaging, as a key factor in assessing the sustainability of product packaging. This underscores that consumers are increasingly valuing practicality and receptive to innovative solutions that promote sustainability.
sustainability features
The survey demonstrates how the impact of sustainability features on purchasing decisions varies across product categories. Foodstuffs are the most likely to be influenced by packaging sustainability features (74%). Beverage products follow closely (54%), and health care products are also an important category (52%). In contrast, technology products are the least likely to be affected by environmentally friendly packaging (28%).
“These findings demonstrate that consumers are willing to make environmentally conscious choices and are seeking sustainable packaging solutions,” said Alessandro Missaglia, Managing Director, AlixPartners.
“Manufacturers are key supply chain enablers for this shift. They increasingly recognize sustainability as a key business advantage that can create new opportunities. By adopting sustainable practices, manufacturers can maximize Reduce waste and develop products that support our customers’ sustainability goals.”
Plastic Packaging
In 2022, packaging production in MENA countries will rely heavily on plastic packaging, both flexible and rigid. The use of plastic packaging has increased significantly over the past decade, from an average of 40-45% of total packaging output value in 2013 to 60-65% in 2022. However, due to the emergence of global and regional regulations aimed at promoting sustainability.
Despite the growing importance of sustainable packaging, the AlixPartners survey also revealed that there are still barriers preventing consumers from purchasing more products with environmentally friendly packaging.
The top reasons cited by respondents were the perceived higher cost of products with sustainable packaging (55%) and the lack of availability of products with sustainable packaging (44%). Additionally, nearly half of consumers (52%) feel that the lack of clearly labeled sustainable packaging makes it difficult for them to identify eco-friendly products on the shelf.
transition process
“Transitioning to sustainable packaging design may not provide immediate cost savings for manufacturers, but leading companies disrupting this space understand that the additional costs incurred are an investment and an important part of the transition process. Companies should redesign their packaging Assessing their cost structure to determine how much they can invest in sustainable design without becoming prohibitively costly. This is especially important as sustainable features in packaging are likely to have wider application across different product categories,” said AlixPartners Director Said Massaad added.
The survey, conducted in conjunction with YouGov, polled more than 1,000 UAE residents aged 18-50. — trade arab news agency
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