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WPO: Packaging During a Pandemic

WPO's Pienaar shares his views on the role of packaging in a pandemic

World Packaging Organisation president Pierre Pienaar to share his views on the role of packaging in a pandemic.
World Packaging Organisation president Pierre Pienaar to share his views on the role of packaging in a pandemic.

This article is shared with permission from PKN (Australia) Managing Editor & Publisher Lindy Hughson. Lindy

As the global coronavirus pandemic continues to run rampant, across the world packaged goods are in high demand. PKN (Australia) Managing Editor & Publisher Lindy Hughson asked World Packaging Organization president Pierre Pienaar to share his views on the role of packaging in a pandemic.

What changes are we seeing in the consumption of packaged foods during the pandemic?From the information available, it would seem that the Covid-19 crisis will be directly affecting us all across the world in some or other way for at least the next six months. Apart from high demand for packaged dry foods like pasta and other foods with extended shelf life, what we will see is a focus on packaged fresh food in supermarkets. Consumers will be skeptical about any food not wrapped, especially foods where the skin is eaten, for example, tomatoes.

We are also seeing that in many countries around the world, and probably more in developed countries, an uptake in meal-kit subscription and home delivery services. Some countries tell me this market sector is busier more than ever. Here too, packaging plays a vital role in ensuring food is properly protected in the journey from supplier to consumer.

Is it possible that packaging will become more valued by consumers in the post-Covid-19 world?I have no doubt that packaging will become even more important in the months and years ahead. Along with the importance and significance of packaging, will be more of an awareness by consumers in their appreciation for what we have. Our selfish attitudes will change, and our environment will no longer be taken for granted, simply because we have awoken to realize how fragile life is.

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