Going Single: A Growing Packaging Preference

TECHNOLOGY advancements have redefined the functionality of packaging from beyond the traditional need for mere product protection. Upgrades and modernisation have offered huge potential for the growth of flexible packaging (including both converted and unconverted materials) at the expense of conventional semi-rigid and rigid packaging.
Developing economies are expected to register strong growth in the near future driven by rising income levels and changing consumer lifestyle that is in turn fostering demand for packaged drinks and convenience foods.

Consumers increasingly seem willing to spend more per volume in order to get multi-packs of single-serve sizes, even when comparable products are available at a lower price per unit volume. Packaging developers and manufacturers recognise this strong trend, and have developed solutions that answer consumer requirements for single serve and offer far more.

Dynamic Beverages Scene

The global market for beverage packaging, meanwhile, is projected to reach $118.8 billion by the year 2017*, with beverage consumption trends and environmental issues influencing the demand scenario. In addition, the advent of innovative and convenient packaging formats using minimal resources is likely to foster consumption of various beverage packaging material and formats.

Plastics continue to maintain the lead in beverage packaging market owing to the consumer preference for single-serve portions, enhanced visual appeal, and portability. These factors have led beverage marketers to focus on utilising pouches and plastic bottles benefiting from plastics' lightweight and recycle characteristics, as well as the efficient manufacturing technologies associated with the formats. Several beverage marketers are opting for plastic packaging to achieve product differentiation, and cost and environmental benefits. For example, the average weight of a single-serve PET mineral water bottle reduced by around one-third during the period 2003-2008 and this trend is expected to continue.

Metal containers are widely used in the packaging of soft drinks. In spite of the inroads that plastic packaging has made, the demand for aluminium bottles and metal cans is also projected to rise in the coming years owing to incorporation of novel, upscale features in the design, enabling the product to be differentiated in the market. For instance, functional food producer ActivLab is marketing its ‘Fit Drink' weight maintenance drink in beverage cans. Whereas, the product was previously only sold in powder form for mixing with still mineral water, the 250ml aluminium slim can from Ball Packaging Europe makes Fit Drink the perfect refreshment to carry along for the calorie-conscious consumer. Thanks to its slim profile and low weight, the slim can easily finds space in any sports bag; and because cans are unbreakable, they are the ideal packaging choice for people with an active lifestyle.
 
On the other hand, the demand for glass packaging is anticipated led by the sustained demand for bottles from the premium packaging market. Growth opportunities are also anticipated from the ready-to-drink teas and other non-alcoholic beverages categories. The positioning of glass as a premium packaging is expected to prove beneficial for the marketing of such products.

Recyclable strength

Lids for dairy products in single-portion food packaging applications have many tasks to fulfil. They must protect the conNike Air Jordan 1 Mens