Consumer mind-sets

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Consumer mind-sets are continuously changing. Westpak’s CEO Seth Hicks poses some interesting questions about how consumer mind-sets will alter when ‘normality returns, and offers some equally revealing answers.

Much has been discussed about the inevitable changes in consumer behaviour during the Coronavirus pandemic and how this has affected the food packaging industry. But with the vaccine roll-out well underway and with dates provisionally marked in for the removal of lockdown measures, how will food packaging need to adapt to a ‘return to normality’? This could largely depend on whether consumer habits shaped by lockdown will continue after restrictions are lifted, or if consumers will be desperate to return to a more ‘open’ shopping experience.

Will consumer anxiety persist?

For instance, while many are eagerly awaiting the chance to abandon their masks during their weekly food shop, others may feel quite anxious at the prospect of an unrestricted shopping environment. For those keen to return to a pre-Covid consumer mind-set, the grocery retail experience could see a number of initiatives rekindled. Unpackaged produce displays, reminiscent of open-air markets were arguably becoming increasingly mainstream in their application, as was the utilisation of less restrictive and often more environmentallyfriendly packaging. But what if the consumer mind-set has been more permanently adjusted to viewing supermarkets as potentially harmful environments. To reassure such consumers, grocery chains may need to utilise packaging that reinforces a sense of sterilisation and cleanliness above all else.

Are we dependent upon home delivery?

Another key consideration will be on the ongoing role of home delivery of grocery goods and the extent to which this forms our shopping experience. Is it possible that Brits have developed a preference or dependence on home delivery services? In this case, rigidity and ease of transport would become top priorities for packaging design. But could the design of food packaging be altered further still? If products become less relevant to the physical shopping experience and sell themselves increasingly via online channels, will their design considerations be adjusted accordingly? More interestingly still, would this enable packaging designers to place a greater emphasis on more sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging credentials?

Satisfying consumer demand

Adjustments may also be needed in-line with surges in demand for certain items that grew in popularity during lockdown. For example, Tesco recently reported a noticeable increase in popularity for vegetables which it largely attributed to Brits spending more time creating home-cooked meals under lockdown restrictions. These trends will, again, depend on how much of a legacy effect is created, which may of course fade over time. Will our boosted demand for greens continue to build momentum or will consumers revert to convenient alternatives such as ready meals and take-away’s?

For further information visit www.westpakgroup.co.uk

Brexit - Changes and Challenges

On-going Legal challenges will make a significant impact on the packaging industry alongside trade and recycling in the years to come. Brexit could have a rebounding negative impact on the UK packaging industry. Especially with regards to trading. The EU made the flow of goods simpler between our neighbours and ourselves. However, now we have left the EU, what are the latest changes and challenges ahead likely to be?

There is still an awful lot of uncertainty surrounding this subject, but best predictions suggest this will be the case. With the majority of customers based abroad, PanEuropean trade is likely to be hurt. The EU has altered the UK’s perspective on recycling and environmental advances. Other EU countries recycle more than we do in the UK. However, we know that the packaging industry in the UK accounts for much of the impact on the UK environment. On the other hand, packaging industry leaders, including Neil Farmer, had their say. Neil said that the “economy would profoundly suffer if there is a no-deal scenario”. Which judging by where we are, despite the Covid pandemic, appears to be the case. Nobody can tell for sure how Brexit will affect the manufacturing industry in the long term, let alone packaging in particular. We have some promising data on the results of a successful exit. Packaging industries, however, must be prepared to continue to endure significant change. Today Brexit remains a minefield, however, it will be interesting to see what the dynamics are at play, once the Covid 19 pandemic in Europe and the UK is finally put behind us.

“ Nobody can tell for sure how Brexit will affect the manufacturing industry ”