EPS packaging was previously the subject of environmental criticism

Consumer attitudes to expanded polystyrene packaging in Germany have rebounded strongly, according to a recent study, with positive responses now higher than before an environmental backlash started a few years ago. The survey of 1,000 people, conducted by RiQuesta, showed that 60% of the sample were positive overall and 33% unreservedly so.

The foam packaging section of the Bad Homburg-based IK plastics packaging trade association noted that in 2002 only 8% were in favour of the packaging material while earlier studies had given favourable ratios in the mid teens. In 1990, 53% had been in favour, the IK observes, but that was at a time before consumers had been influenced negatively by a debate about packaging.

President of IK’s foam packaging group, Georg Greiss, said: “We have made a great step towards our aims concerning the estimation and acceptance of EPS packaging. Our products are no longer the subject of one-sided criticism by consumers.” Greiss still believes however that the full potential of consumer acceptance has not yet been fully exploited. “We know from the opinion survey that alleged problems are still associated with expanded polystyrene packaging.”