Within the first a part of this text on WhatPackaging? journal, we famous that Indian shoppers know the significance of defending the setting however nonetheless have to stroll the discuss. The worth-action hole on the subject of appearing in an environmentally pleasant method is because of a number of components, together with a scarcity of comfort, affordability, accessibility, and belief.
Whereas selling eco-friendly packaging, it’s important for manufacturers to stress cost-effectiveness and comfort, and lead with options that customers worth. What’s constant is that customers search non-plastic packaging as an alternative of single-use plastic. Foods and drinks buyers are very interested by packaging that retains freshness and resealability options.
Indian shoppers display a willingness to pay a premium for eco-friendly packaging, with 50% contemplating a 1-10% enhance cheap, and 17% prepared to pay a further 11-20% premium in response to Mintel analysis. This client sentiment underscores the necessity for manufacturers to extend their dedication to accountable packaging.
In India, the elimination and discount of plastic in packaging resonate extra strongly than recyclability. The highest three environmentally pleasant packaging varieties most popular by shoppers are non-plastic packaging, packaging made with minimal pure assets, and reusable packaging.
Accountable packaging permits entrepreneurs to handle buyer considerations by decreasing packaging waste and enhancing environmental friendliness.
Nonetheless, Indian shoppers are usually not engaged with manufacturers’ advertising efforts in reference to recycling due to the dearth of recycling infrastructure and clear directions.
New-age meals/drink manufacturers give attention to “plastic neutrality” in on-pack messaging. Plastic impartial means the quantity of plastic produced/utilized by manufacturers is collected and recycled from the setting. Another choice could be to remove plastic fully and go for different packaging like recyclable aluminium. Paper packaging can also be an excellent various to plastic.
Plastic packaging choices ought to by no means be missed simply because they’re plastic. Although shoppers count on manufacturers to remove or cut back plastic, when it’s used, a proof of why it’s the extra applicable materials/format for this event, this area, or this cut-off date is paramount.
Packaging that may be returned to shops or reused is taken into account environmentally pleasant by shoppers. Over a 3rd (34%) of Indian shoppers view packaging made with minimal pure assets as essentially the most eco-friendly possibility.
Refill choices, as an illustration, can cut back the usage of plastic. Manufacturers also needs to want to teach shoppers that the discount of packaging materials, basically, can cut back environmental influence.
Whereas Indian shoppers prioritise freshness retention, comfort, and digital connectivity in packaging, additionally they count on front-of-pack dietary info, clear packaging or home windows, and ingredient pictures on the again.
Indian shoppers additionally need most worth from their packaging, with 38% saying they need packaging that dispenses 100% of the product.
Packaging that retains meals brisker for longer may be positioned as a manner to assist buyers profit from their meals budgets.
Manufacturers can overtly talk the advantages of resealable packaging, particularly for bigger worth packs that customers take longer to devour. This method improves the general consumption expertise and gives good worth for cash to draw and retain shoppers.
Compliments’ cereal pack is a novel and handy resealable half-zip bag format that helps preserve freshness and eliminates the outside field (Canada). Supply: Mintel GNPD
As a part of a post-pandemic curiosity in well being means, Indian shoppers at the moment are extra discerning about what they eat. In line with Mintel analysis on Wholesome Snacking, snacking healthily is an city phenomenon distinguished in metros and tier-1 cities in India. In these areas, a minimum of 4 in 10 shoppers specific a want for front-on-pack dietary info, notably on mainstream classes like biscuit packaging (49% and 42%, respectively).
Dietary labels can due to this fact be an efficient instrument for manufacturers to distinguish their merchandise nutritionally. Manufacturers can even present dietary info by way of digital connectors corresponding to QR codes.
Maggi Masala Veg Atta Noodles with Spinach highlights dietary info on the entrance of the pack (India). Supply: Mintel GNPD

For Valentine’s Day, Middle Recent launched a limited-edition mono pack with a tiny QR code, which customers may scan to create a personalised playlist and share with family members (India). Supply: Instagram
Transparency will play a vital function within the buying of purposeful foods and drinks. Mintel 2023 World Meals and Drink Pattern Minimalist Messaging highlights that clear packaging designs that state important promoting factors, however stand out from the competitors, will enchantment to buyers who really feel an excessive amount of info makes it exhausting to decide on. Mintel World Client analysis additionally reveals that 45% of Indian shoppers aged 18-44 strongly agree that warning labels on merchandise are helpful in figuring out if a meals or drink product is wholesome.
Shifting forward, shoppers will more and more count on packaging to ship on freshness, comfort and eco-responsibility, whereas the product itself should supply high quality, affordability, and worth.
That is half 2 of a collection that initially appeared in WhatPackaging? journal. On this instalment, Mintel’s Rushikesh Aravkar delves into the evolving traits in meals packaging and examines how Indian shoppers understand eco-friendly packaging and what sustainable options they like.