"Voice of Consumer" initiative - Kolkata - 09.07.2011

The quietness of the 'Cozy Corner' at the Calcutta Club was slightly disturbed on Saturday afternoon when four young women who take decisions not just at their homes but also at work, came together for a freewheeling chat on Packaging & environment with the vastly experienced Mr P K Dutt as the moderator aided by the business development group. It was the first intervention as a part of the "Voice of Consumer" initiative.
 

The original plan was to get a panel of 6-7 women panelist but later it was felt to bring it down to 4-5 for the first time. The panelist who were told to give viewpoints without any bias and inhibitions, brought out some good perspectives. A snapshot of their views are given below.

"For us good packaging is something that preserves the goodness of the product"

"I stick to my brand whichever packaging it may come and whatever be the price"

"Yes, we are aware of that plastics are not eco-friendly but today we do not have any other choice"

"We are not aware that tinplate packaging is so eco-friendly. We hear & read some much about bio-degradable plastics but we do not see any such thing about tinplate"

"Rusting & stain on the surface caused from use of tin containers are a concern. We would not like stains in our kitchen"

"Children have a strong influence. My son does not drink Pepsi from a plastic bottle and insists on a can knowing that plastics are not eco-friendly"

All the panelist were at the requested to fill up a feedback form with their contact details. All of them enjoyed the discussions and we got some good feedback.

"A mass communication through TV (like tetrapak) should be done to make people aware of the eco-friendliness of tinplate"

"Awareness campaign among school children".

"Men should also be involved in such discussions".

Considering that this was the first such interaction with consumers (especially women), it went off well. The plan is to have 20 odd such intervention over a period of time and come out with an common perception & related action plan.