A study by DS Smith, a fibre-based packaging manufacturer, has disclosed that consumers in the US prefer sustainable and intelligent packaging solutions.
The survey, named ‘Unboxing Consumer Preferences on Sustainable Packaging’, indicates sustainability as the top attribute for shipping packages.
The survey, which involved 1,048 adults in the US, highlighted the growing consumer demand for retail brands to transparently communicate their sustainability achievements.
It also emphasised the importance consumers place on how retailers are reducing waste, both in physical stores and within the e-commerce sector.
The packaging company noted that as leading brands and retailers work to reduce their carbon footprints and improve customer experience, packaging is being reassessed.
Consumers are expressing preferences across multiple areas such as optimising packaging space, reducing in-store waste, minimising stuffing materials, and integrating smart packaging features.
A key consumer interest is connected packaging, which incorporates a QR code within the package.
The code unlocks content, including personalised discounts, special experiences, and sustainability insights.
DS Smith said that its Circular Design Principles are instrumental in aiding customers to adopt circular economy practices, thereby assisting them in reaching broader sustainability objectives.
The company is committed to designing packaging that is either 100% recyclable or reusable, and it assists its customers in eliminating difficult-to-recycle plastics.
DS Smith North America marketing director Cheryl Holliday said: “It is clear from the Unboxing Consumer Preferences survey that US consumers are not only concerned about the sustainability of their packages, but they are also willing to do their part and pay more for a better solution.
“DS Smith is encouraged by the importance retailers and consumers are putting on sustainable packaging and believe the solutions exist to help manufacturers and retailers meet these expectations.”
