Amcor (NYSE: AMCR, ASX: AMC), a prominent player in sustainable packaging solutions, has introduced a fresh global study examining consumer preferences in nut purchases. This research engaged 2,041 nut buyers from Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK, shedding light on their choices and the motivations behind their buying habits.
The findings indicate that taste and flavor rank as the foremost determinants of nut selection, influencing 23% of shoppers. Price follows closely as a deciding factor for 20% of participants, while health and nutritional value contribute to 17% of purchasing decisions.
Importantly, a significant 62% of respondents expressed that recyclable packaging would enhance their likelihood of purchasing a nut product. The inclination towards sustainable packaging is particularly notable in the UK at 70% and in Spain at 67%, with younger consumers (ages 18-35) showing even stronger preferences.
The study further revealed several key insights:
- A notable 60% of participants indicated that packaging made from recycled materials would increase their likelihood of purchasing nuts, with the highest affirmation again coming from the UK at 69%.
- Additionally, 20% of consumers identified “Recyclable packaging” as the most impactful sustainability claim influencing their buying behavior. Many nut consumers even demonstrated a willingness to pay a premium for products presented in recyclable packaging.
- Specifically, 62% would consider paying at least 3% more for the convenience and sustainability of recyclable packaging.
As consumer demand for sustainable options grows, regulatory pressures are also shaping this industry landscape. The UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees, set to adjust by 2026, along with the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR), will mandate that most types of packaging, including those for food, must be designed with recyclability in mind by 2030.
“Beyond core factors such as price and taste, sustainability can directly shape preference and behavior at the checkout. The majority of consumers (62%) said recyclable packaging would make them more likely to buy the product. In a world where consumers have more choices than ever, sustainability factors are significant influencers on nut selections,” stated Sarah Neerkorn, Market Insights Manager, Amcor.
“That’s why Amcor developed the AmPrima® mono-material solutions for nuts to stay ahead of this change and the fast-approaching Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). AmPrima® provides flexible and high-performance packaging solutions that are ready for recycling in most European countries.”
The report titled Cracking the Nut: Consumers’ Buying Preferences is accessible for download at this link.