Spanish food manufacturer, AMC Natural Drinks, is taking steps to embrace environmental responsibility by launching its first ever plastic-free bottle made with citrus peels.

This novel technology can help to avoid food waste, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions and capitalizes on growing consumer demand for more socially responsible products, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

As sustainability and environmental responsibility continue to be important themes for consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic, it said manufacturers are finding solutions for long-term problems, and appealing to this growing group of consumers.

According to GlobalData’s latest COVID-19 recovery survey, 37 per cent of European consumers say that how environmentally friendly the product or service is, always or often has the greatest influence in their product choice in the current situation.

And AMC Natural Drinks’ solution is heading in that direction with its plastic-free bottle.

GlobalData innovation team leader Elisabet Gonzalez said, “These results suggest a demand for environmentally friendly packaging and a potential for manufacturers to tap into this opportunity in order to increase consumer appeal for their brand.

“Brands should follow AMC Natural Drinks’ lead to capitalize on global consumer desire for more socially responsible products by investing in new technologies to develop novel packaging designs that can be more sustainable and environmentally friendly.”

GlobalData added that there has been growing demand for more environmentally friendly products as the pandemic has made consumers more health and sustainability conscious.

In addition, it said consumers are seeking to do their part for the environment and purchasing these products. Moreover, these feel-good choices can help consumers to gain a sense of control over their life during difficult times.

Gonzalez said, “Growing demand for environmentally responsible products offers an opportunity for brands to develop more sustainable strategies in order to increase sales, as well as build a positive brand image.

“With several governments likely to put a ban on non-recyclable packaging in coming years, companies need to start preparing for it by developing sustainable long-term strategies to stay ahead of the competition.”