Market Trends of Converted Flexible Packaging Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Converted Flexible Packaging Market according to our research experts:
Food & Beverage to Drive Growth in the Converted Flexible Packaging Market
- The converted flexible packaging market is anticipated to rise exponentially during the forecast period owing to factors such as increased consumption of meat products. Factors such as global population growth, income growth, and urbanization are strongly and positively associated with meat product consumption. The World Health Organization (WHO) evaluates that meat consumption could rise to 376 million tonnes by 2030.
- Seafood will continue to be one of the leading food markets driving growth in the converted flexible packaging sector. Seafood will continue to lead the market against meat and poultry over the coming years. It will be supported by ongoing consumer demand for individually wrapped portions and case-ready and pre-seasoned proteins.
- Companies are focused on innovating, sustainable products for the food and beverage industry. For instance, in March 2022, Graphic Packaging International, a textile-based consumer packaging solutions manufacturer, expanded its range of sustainable multi-pack packaging for the beverage industry. In line with its commitment to continuous product innovation to support a more circular economy, the company has launched its EnviroClip. It is a soft material paperboard alternative to the standard plastic ring and shrinks film for beverage cans. Such innovations drive the market for converted flexible packaging.
- Similarly, in April 2022, Amazon unveiled new packaging that uses recycled paper. Whether customers order refrigerated or frozen groceries from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market, they are delivered segregated in packages that are easy and convenient for customers to recycle at home. Transitioning to fully recyclable insulation packaging reduces material waste, replacing approximately 735,000 pounds of plastic film, 3.15 million pounds of natural cotton fiber, and 15 million pounds of non-recyclable mixed plastics yearly.
- Moreover, the rising consumption of baked goods continues to drive the adoption of flexible plastic packaging solutions to extend shelf life. With around 80% of bakery products sold in converted flexible packaging and bakeries now producing a wider variety of bread and more items, market participants are developing advanced solutions to meet market demand.
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Asia-Pacific Holds a Dominant Position in the Market
- The Asia Pacific is one of the important and fastest growing regional markets. Given the great potential in developing markets such as China and India, the transformed converted flexible packaging industry has recently seen several strategic partnerships, asset exchanges, capacity expansions, mergers, and acquisitions.
- For instance, in August 2022, ePac Flexible Packaging announced that it would accelerate its growth over the next 18 months and transition into a global company. Eleven new sales and manufacturing locations will be established in Asia Pacific, Europe, and other regions, expanding ePac's global footprint to 36 locations.
- Seafood is one of the main drivers of growth in the converted flexible packaging market. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), an additional 40 million tonnes of seafood will be needed by 2030 to meet rising demand or a nearly 30% increase. As China's processing, distribution, and cold chain systems improve, frozen and processed seafood consumption is expected to grow steadily. Additionally, the growing popularity of high-end supermarkets and consumer desire for a more varied and nutritious diet, including seafood, is seen as an increase in frozen and processed fish sales.
- In recent years, India has seen sustained growth in packaging owing to rising consumption of packaged food, awareness, and demand for quality products. Consumer awareness of packaged food, especially packaged food delivery, is increasing. In 2021, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced new packaging regulations to replace the 2011 regulations. The new rules include migration limits of 60 mg/kg or 10 mg/dm2 and migration limits for certain contaminants in plastic packaging materials.
- In addition, growth in the region is expected to be supported by opportunities for printed packaging and increasingly specialized film packaging for meat products. Polyethylene is expected to continue to be the most widely used film in Asia-Pacific due to its cost-effectiveness, versatility, downgrade capability, and excellent barrier properties.
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