In just a matter of years, a new generation will be leading the global economy in a different direction. Call them what you may – “Millennials,” “Generation Y,” “Generation WE,” “The Boomerang Generation,” “The Peter Pan Generation” – this generation were born between 1980 and 2000 and is bigger than previous generations. They have grown up in the digital age are characterized by their ability to multi-task, need to feel connected with their peers, and tech-savvy abilities. In order to target this generation, consumer products offer instant gratification or else they will not stand a chance.
The Boston Consulting Group identified of the most familiar attributes of U.S. Millennials is, “I want it fast, and I want it now.” This group puts emphasis on speed, ease, efficiency, and convenience in all their transactions. For example, Millennials shop for groceries at convenience stores twice as much as non-Milliennials. Marketers can take advantage of this by offering products in smaller quantities with on-the-go capabilities such as resealable options. Robert Hogan, director of global business development for ITW Zip-Pak, explains that retailers can implement zippers in flexible packaging in as little as six weeks, with little destruction to the manufacturing process and little-to-no capital investment.
Millennials have been taught at a young age that collective action can make a difference and preserving our planet is a necessity. Millennials expect companies to show compassion toward social issues and are more likely to engage in brands that partner with the right causes. DDB Worldwide, a globally-renowned marketing connections network, discovered that Millennials are more willing to “pay more for an environmentally-safe version of a product” (46 percent) that Baby Boomers (41 percent).
Using more aluminum based packaging for consumer products provide an eco-friendly, sustainable, and convenient option to consumers. For manufacturers, aluminums light weight, durable, and oxygen-tight characteristics are a way to cut transportation costs and improve shelf life of products. Shanghai Metal Corporation offers a wide variety of aluminum options for flexible packaging and sustainable manufacturing. Visit our website here for more details.
Sources: FoodProductionDaily,com, The Boston Consulting Group, DDB Worldwide
Follow us on twitter: @AluminumSMC
Shanghai Metal Corporation 