Antibacterial packaging that is designed to delay the development of germs and bacteria in canned products is set to become a hit with consumers, a new survey from Canadean reveals.
The survey of 2,000 consumers conducted in October 2014 finds that more than half of respondents in the UK are worried about bacteria on the outside of a can more than the presence of dirt and dust, or if it is dented or discolored.
UK consumers are concerned about the transportation and storage of grocery products.
Moreover, there is also a growing concern about the presence of bacteria and germs on everyday items and the impact that it can have on health.
The company says 55% of respondents either say they are “concerned” or “very concerned” about germs on the outside of cans. There is a clear correlation between age and levels of concern, with those aged 18-24 years old the least likely to view bacteria as an issue (49%) and those aged 55 and older the most (63%).
Males are more likely to be worried about bacteria (57%) compared to females (53%).
UK consumers are more worried about the presence of bacteria on canned products than signs of dirt on packaging (42%), or dust on a can (32%).
When it comes to the presentation of cans, consumers are still more worried about bacteria, but less about the deformation of a can (46%) or if a label is discolored (48%).
It is only if canned food looks like it has been previously opened that makes consumers worry the most (82%).
“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,” says lead analyst Michael Hughes.
“As such, there is a clear demand for products that have antibacterial packaging to help reassure consumers.”
“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,” he says.
