Friends of Glass 2018 Consumer Survey Results

A survey conducted for Friends of Glass found that 9 out of 10 millennial Europeans have become more conscious of the environmental impact of their consumer habits in the last year.

Out of the 2,030 18 to 34 year-olds who took part in the online survey, three in four also rated glass as the best packaging material for beauty, fragrance and medical products over other packaging alternatives.

The survey, which covered France, Germany, the UK, Italy and Spain, gave an insight into the perceptions of millennials on glass packaging, and showed that this group prefers glass for a number of reasons.

This included glass’ environmental friendliness, the health benefits that come from it not leaching harmful chemicals into its contents and its inertness preserving the quality and scent of products.

As well as this, consumers also rated glass as the safest and most premium packaging.

When it comes to recycling glass cosmetic, perfume and pharmaceutical bottles, 7 in 10 people knew that they are 100% recyclable and could be recycled with other glass, such as bottles and jars.

However, only 63% said they recycle these products as much as possible and 30% would like to recycle them but aren’t sure how to dispose of the products properly.

Following the results of the survey, FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation and Friends of Glass partner, will be attending the world’s only dedicated event for the aerosol, dispensing, perfume & cosmetic packaging community at the end of this month in Paris.

The event is held at Europe’s largest convention centre, the Porte de Versailles, and FEVE’s attendance at the ADF & PCD event (Aerosol and Dispensing Forum and Packaging, Perfume Cosmetics and Design) will build on the Friends of Glass public education campaign to raise awareness of the full recyclability of glass perfume packaging.

Commenting on the results of the survey ahead of the event, Michael Delle Selve, Senior Communications Manager at FEVE, said: “These results show that there is a genuine appetite among sustainability-conscious consumers for more beauty products packaged in glass.

“With younger consumers drawn to glass for both its premium feel and its sustainability credentials, glass packaging could be the key to connecting with millennials. It’s time for brands to take notice and react by increasing their offerings in glass packaging.”

These results are consistent with an earlier ‘Consumer Barometer’ conducted by Friends of Glass in April 2018, which found that 73% of Europeans rate glass as the most ocean-friendly packaging, while 78% rank it amongst their top packaging choices when buying food and beverage products.

Find a full breakdown of the survey results here.

Notes

About the InSites Survey

The online survey was conducted in October 2018 via independent consumer research company InSites Consulting, targeting consumers aged 18-34 in five countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Participants were recruited via an online research panel, with a gender split of 75% female and 25% male respondents. Overall, 2,030 responses were collected. The survey tested consumer awareness of the recyclability of glass flacons (vials used to contain perfumes, cosmetics and medicinal products), environmental consciousness and perceptions and preferences for beauty, cosmetics and pharmaceutical packaging. The purpose was to explore consumer attitudes toward packaging materials, and to generate recent consumer data for the container glass industry.

About FEVE

FEVE is the Federation of European manufacturers of glass packaging for food and beverages as well as flacons for perfumery, cosmetics and pharmacy. The association has some 60 corporate members belonging to over 20 independent corporate groups. Its members produce 80 billion glass containers per year, and include major companies working for the world’s biggest consumer brands. With its 160 manufacturing plants located across 23 European States, the industry is a key economic partner in Europe, and maintains 125.000 jobs along the total supply chain. See more on www.feve.org – Join us on Twitter @FeveEU.

About Friends of Glass

Since 2008, Friends of Glass has brought together a community of 220,000 people, in Europe and beyond, all of whom are passionate about their own environmental impact and who pledge to choose glass for a better planet and a healthier lifestyle. Our members know that small daily life choices add up to a big impact, and we engage with consumers and retailers to raise awareness that glass is the ideal packaging material for families and for the environment. With glass unrivalled in its sustainability credentials, the Friends of Glass community believes that glass is the most ocean-friendly packaging to avoid harmful marine littering. Join the growing community of glass advocates on Facebook and Twitter and add your voice to the Friends of Glass community today at www.friendsofglass.com.