Improved design and weight reduction as leading trends

The packaging industry is a reliable indicator of a nation's prosperity as it implies consumer spending on durable and household goods. The packaging industry of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is no different as it has been recording modest growth for the past several years. However, in this particular case, the growth is attributed largely due to the country's domestic consumption, as well as its diversified exports market. The capital – Abu Dhabi – which registered one of the highest GDP per capita in the world also contributes to the strong spending power. According to reports, the UAE's packaging industry registered robust growth in the period from 2007 to 2011 becoming the fourth fast-growing packaging industry in the MENA region. This industry was valued at $1.84 billion in 2011 and is projected to reach $2.3 billion in 2016. Paper and board were the largest packaging categories,with food and beverages being key end-user markets accounting for 55% of the market value in 2011. The UAE also holds a large consumer base keen towards ready-made meals, which are supplied to consumers in various packaging forms, that in turn stimulates the packaging potential of the region. Besides local consumption, re-exports of products are also proving to be vital factor for UAE, where imported products from neighbouring regions are re-exported to developed markets like the United States and Europe.

Being a lucrative sector, packaging tends to offer greater sales volume stability than other industries with growth performance at or slightly over GDP levels. As countries and regions develop economically and a greater percentage of their populations record disposable income, the demand for plastic packaging usually rises. "Trends for plastic packaging in the Middle East track closely those in other parts of the world. Brand owners in the Middle East want attractive packaging with shelf appeal, whilst also requiring light overall weight to help them meet their sustainability and financial goals. We work with global brand owners as well as local producers, but the trends are comparable across the industry," said Ludovic Tonnerre, Operational Excellence Director International, at PolyOne Corporation. PolyOne – as a globally active firm –offers colour and additive polymer solutions, engineered materials, liquid colourants and more to the packaging market.

Challenges in the industry
Advantages for plastics in the packaging industry are enormous as it's their innate ability to reduce weight versus comparative glass or metal packaging. Also, the ability of manufacturers to form a variety of shapes and designs in plastic packaging versus other materials is an added advantage. However one of the biggest challenges remain the drive for sustainability – the UAE's government has taken a tough environmental stance on the use of plastic bags and the drive for oxo-biodegradable solutions is more alive than ever. The government has already banned the use of plastic bags in some areas of the country and a more comprehensive ban will be enforced by end of 2013. Manufacturers and users of packaging materials need to consider various other sustainable factors such as lighter transportation weight, better resistance towards micro-organisms for a longer shelflife and good recyclability.

"With our polymer solutions to include ones based on renewable resources, PolyOne stands ready to help brand owners meet their goals for sustainability for both packaging and what the packaging contains," Mr.Tonnerre said. He added that the need for sustainable packaging is not limited to plastic packaging. “PolyOne works closely with our customers to help them meet their goals for sustainability. Local regulations often dictate the standard that packaging must meet, and of course the demands placNike Phantom Vision DF SG