When Datamonitor* asked European and US consumers how influential various packaging functions were in dictating their food purchases, the five most important functions identified were either health or environment related:
1) Nutritional information 84,9%
2) Preserving freshness 84,2%
3) Protecting the product 77,7%
4) Keeping products safe 68,1%
5) Whether it is environmental friendly e.g. recyclable 63,2%.

It shows that consumers are actively looking to improve their health and reliable packaging has an important role to play here. Consumers also value packaging that enhances the quality or pleasure experienced on consumption, according to Datamonitor. Health and sensory benefits attributed to packaging are especially important in the food and drinks industry. Choosing the packaging for your food is becoming as important for consumer as what goes in them.

Consumer research shows that glass answers best to the many of the packaging functions important for consumers. Glass is healthy, safe, protects product and preserves food and drinks fresh. Glass is also environmental friendly. Moreover, according to many of the consumers glass is also beautiful and smart packaging.

O-I is dedicated to glass packaging and is proud of its products, as glass is a reliable packaging for generations past and generations to come.

* Source: Datamonitor 2007 Consumer attitudes towards packaging