Consumer behaviour plays a vital role in shaping the packaging industry. In simple words, changes in consumer behaviour mean that consumer wants products to packaging according to their needs. It does not strictly imply changes in consumer nature, but it is more about changes in the consumer lifestyle and surroundings.

For instance, a busy full time employed couple would have not much time to cook so they need ready meals which they can eat on the go. Urbanisation is also heavily impacting the way the products are sold and consumed.

Below are some key consumer trends which are impacting the packaging industry.

• In developed countries, families no longer sit down together to eat a home-cooked meal. This has triggered more demand for ready meals and fast food. However, in developing countries, there is still a joint family system which helped bring families together. Home-cooked food is still quite common in these countries which keep demand for ready meals low in developing countries.
• The rising number of more single-person households together with changes in eating habits is supporting demand for smaller pack sizes food such as ‘meals for one’ and ‘food on the go’ etc.
• Due to increasing busy lifestyle, demand for snacking and eating ‘on the run’ is on the rise.
• Some consumers have a negative attitude towards packaging and prefer not to buy pre-packed foods. However, this should not have any significant impact on the packaging sector.
• The ageing population in key developed countries is further supporting the demand for easy to open and reclose types of packaging.
• The growing number of women in employment has been influencing the food industry in emerging markets. This has been supporting demand for ready meals, convenience food and fast food from takeaways.