Stronger, bio-based packaging

MEGATRENDS that focus on convenience, health/well-being and sustainability, are expected to create long-term influence on consumer packaging in many regions and market segments. Even as these trends have been very much visible in the past, they are expected to become more focused and defined in 2014 in the design and production of consumer packaging.

According to the forecast by consumer packaging group, Rexam PLC, the global market for consumer packaging is projected to grow at an average of 3% annually with the market reaching $456 billion in 2015, although some segments will display higher growth rates. Food packaging accounts for the biggest segment, with about half of the total market valued at around $200 billion. Food and beverage packaging is expected to post 3% annually until 2015. Asia, along with the Middle East, Africa and Oceania are showing increased packaging market value share of over 30%.

In terms of material, plastic (rigid plastic and flexible) shows strong performance and will likely account for more than one-third of the global packaging share to become the biggest and fastest growing packaging material from 2014-2015. The rigid plastics market is projected to rise by as much as 4% annually during the period, with growth being driven by consumer preference for lightness, safety, transparency, convenience and microwaveability, according to Rexam. Replacement of some traditional materials, like glass and metal is seen to boost demand further for plastic packaging especially in the food and beverage sectors.

Lightweight and high performance solutions

New materials and processing technologies are creating a big difference in the way food and beverage are packed and stored. Materials solutions, in particular, are being developed to meet increasing demand for high performance, sustainability and lower processing costs. Flexibility and durability, especially for plastic films, are becoming primary concerns in food packaging. This will launch the trend for 2014, as food processors opt for lightweight, high-performance materials that also possess aesthetic appeal.

Seeing the market preference in this industry, large-scale chemicals company, Total responded by launching super tough films. The Supertough 32ST05 and Supertough 22ST05 are the first two members of a new and innovative family within the company’s metallocene portfolio. The Total Lumicene grade slate covers the full range of low (mLLDPE), medium (mMDPE) to high (mHDPE) densities. The mHDPE, designed for specific customer end-applications and highly appreciated by the flexible packaging market for its ease of processing, has excellent film mechanical properties and a unique stiffness/optics balance. This Lumicene range extended with the Supertough family creates a unique offering for the film sector.

Lumicene Supertough 32ST05 is a downgauging breakthrough for multilayer structures that embraces the industry need for easy-to-process, high-performance, lightweight solutions for the food, as well as industrial packaging, and personal care/hygiene sectors. With this grade, Total has presented a unique opportunity for flexible packaging converters to achieve films that are up to 25% thinner and stronger than existing solutions for film on the market. The step-change mPE innovation offers a distinctive combination of outstanding strength and toughness, even at low temperatures. These technical characteristics overcome the traditional limits and drawbacks of thinner films, allowing convNike Air max Dominate