UNWRAPPED | What consumers say about safe and sustainable food packaging

A recurrent theme emerging from our survey is that consumers do not feel sufficiently informed when buying or
using food containers and packaging. There are further signs that consumers often do not receive information they in fact are entitled to. This situation can mislead consumers and may in turn increase their exposure to food-related risks. While trust in public authorities to prevent such risks is fairly high, there are however also notable concerns about the negative impact food packaging could have on health and the environment.

Taken together, these findings show that EU food packaging policy falls short of consumer expectations – and needs. A rethink of EU food packaging laws is required to enable informed consumer choices, and to better protect the health of people and our planet. 

This report details whether consumers in 11 European countries recognise symbols on food containers, understand them, and whether they for instance reuse a scratched frying pan or cracked ceramic container.