Food packaging during the COVID-19 pandemic: Consumer perceptions

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Consumer Behavior
• Public Policy

Background:

• Single-use plastics are vital for food safety and affordability but pose environmental challenges.
• Legislative action against single-use plastics was anticipated in 2019, supported by public opinion.
• The COVID-19 pandemic impacted consumer attitudes and environmental policy momentum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess shifts in Canadian consumers' attitudes towards single-use plastic food packaging between Summer 2019 and Summer 2020.
• To investigate the influence of pandemic-related food safety concerns and economic recession on these attitudes.
• To understand changes in public support for policies regulating single-use plastics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized two representative Canadian population surveys conducted in May 2019 (n=1,094) and June 2020 (n=977).
• Measured changes in consumer perceptions regarding food safety, price consciousness, and motivation to reduce plastic use.
• Assessed shifts in attitudes towards regulations, bans, and willingness to pay for alternatives.

Main Results:

• 55% of respondents reported increased food safety concerns post-COVID-19; 50% became more price-conscious.
• A slight decrease in motivation to reduce plastic use was observed, with a more pronounced reduction among males.
• Support for stricter regulations or bans on single-use plastics declined, while willingness to pay for biodegradable alternatives increased.

Conclusions:

• Pandemic-related factors have altered consumer priorities, potentially complicating legislative efforts against single-use plastics.
• Market-based strategies and innovation in biodegradable food packaging present potential opportunities for the food sector.
• Future policy interventions may need to adapt to evolving consumer sentiment and economic conditions.