As we approach the midpoint of the decade, certain cultural shifts have begun to stand out. Some trends disappeared with COVID-19—while others stuck—cementing themselves as cultural hallmarks of the 2020s. A few of these emerging “twenties” tendencies can explain the increasing demand for glass food packaging, let’s explore them.
Staying in is… in.
One major change is the cultural shift toward “staying in.” The global pandemic that rocked this decade’s early years forced people to stay home—but now, it’s safe to say they like it that way. In fact, 64% of people feel a “greater desire to be home now than prior to the pandemic,” revealed a survey from the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence. This phenomenon, dubbed “cocooning” involves all the cozy vibes of being at home, just with less social distancing. But hosts still want to provide their friends and family with an upgraded experience, which is where glass comes in.
Glass’s transparency can be used to boost the appeal of food items. In a study conducted by O-I, 61% of consumers consider glass’s ability to “convey better taste” as a top reason for purchasing items packaged in the material. The same study also found that shoppers apply that premium to the food inside the packaging: when brands use glass packaging, consumers perceive that the product is made with higher-quality ingredients.
Even when staying in, consumers want a heightened experience similar to dining out, minus the hassle of reservations, tipping, etc. that comes with it. Food packaged in glass appeals to shoppers thanks to its upgraded feel.
Eating out is out of reach
The hassle of eating out might be annoying, but rising restaurant costs are keeping consumers at home too. Although carry-out was the only dining option for nearly two years, consumers are still ditching dining out. As the decade continues, prices climb—and eating-out just isn’t an appealing option for many Americans. Consumer Price Index data reveals that restaurant prices have spiked 5% since last year. Yet, according to the same data, consumers are spending the most on at-home food, or groceries, than they have since 1979. This data reveals that Americans are still looking for premium dining experiences, just not at restaurants.
Instead, American shoppers are looking to spend more on high-quality ingredients at the grocery store and enjoying them in the comfort of their own home. This trend creates an opportunity for food products to capitalize on glass packaging’s high-quality connotation and appeal to these shoppers.
Wellness concerns reach packaging
After a global pandemic, it’s only natural that people are taking their health more seriously. COVID-19 was a wake-up call for many to start paying attention to their personal health, and it remains a priority. According to a post-pandemic study conducted by the Pew Research Center, 26% of Americans ranked protecting their health & taking precautions as their top value since the initial outbreak. The second most prominent value? Large gatherings and socializing in person, with 21% of respondents ranking it as their top priority. It’s clear that consumers are looking for high-quality food products to enjoy with their friends but are steering clear of products that may negatively impact their health.
Health-conscious consumers are opting for non-plastic alternatives. It’s becoming clearer that packaging doesn’t just hold food, it comes into direct contact with it — which can have lasting repercussions. Glass is the best packaging material because it doesn’t have any interaction with the content inside. With glass, you don’t have to be worried about microplastics at all
Consumers trust the safety of glass, too—it’s natural and non-porous, containing just four ingredients: sand, soda ash, limestone, and recycled glass. Plastic, on the other hand, is a different story. A recent American Chemical Society analysis of a single piece of cling film, often used to wrap food products, contained about 9,000 different chemicals. Glass is pure, making it the clear packaging choice to reach these health-conscious consumers.
Listen to the data, pick glass
During unprecedented times, it’s hard to look ahead. But with the first half of the decade behind us, we’re able to understand how these times shaped our culture’s wants and needs. Reach consumers where they’re at—in their homes with friends—with what they want: safe, presentable, and high-quality foods. Package your food in glass and meet a growing demand.
Explore the O-I Glass Catalog.
