Food packaging is a dynamic and growing end-use segment that continues to be influenced by new technologies, sustainability and regulations. Packaging has always been about having a direct impact on consumers on arguably the most crowded shelves. In addition, shelves are no longer just dedicated shelves for large brands. New technologies, from flexible packaging to digital printing, allow more and more small and cutting-edge brands to flood into the market share.
Many so-called "challenger brands" generally have large batches, but the number of orders per batch will be relatively small. SKUs also continue to proliferate as large consumer packaged goods companies test products, packaging and marketing campaigns on the shelves. The public's desire to live a better, healthier life drives many trends in this area. Consumers also want to be reminded and protected that food packaging will continue to play a leading role related to hygiene in the distribution, display, distribution, storage and preservation of food.
As consumers become more discerning, they also like to learn more about products. Transparent packaging refers to food packaging made of transparent materials, and as consumers become concerned about the ingredients used in food and the process of making them, their desire for brand transparency is on the rise.
Of course, regulations play an important role in food packaging, especially as consumers are more informed than ever about food safety. Regulations and laws ensure that food is handled properly in all aspects, resulting in good health.
①The transformation of flexible packaging
Because of the characteristics and advantages of flexible packaging, more and more food brands, large and small,are beginning to accept flexible packaging. Flexible packaging is appearing more and more on store shelves to facilitate mobile lifestyles.
Brand owners want their products to stand out on the shelf and grab the consumer’s eye in 3-5 seconds, flexible packaging not only brings 360-degree space to print, but can be ‘shaped’ to attract attention and provide functionality . Ease of use and high shelf appeal are key for brand owners.
The durable materials and construction of flexible packaging, combined with its numerous design opportunities, make it an ideal packaging solution for many food products. Not only does it protect the product well, but it also gives the brand a promotional advantage. For example, you can provide samples or travel-sized versions of your product, attach samples to promotional materials, or distribute them at events. All of this can showcase your brand and products to new customers, as flexible packaging comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
Additionally, flexible packaging is ideal for e-commerce, as many consumers place their orders digitally via a computer or smartphone. Among other benefits, flexible packaging has shipping advantages.
Brands are achieving material efficiency as flexible packaging is lighter than rigid containers and consumes less waste during production. This also helps to improve transport efficiency. Compared to rigid containers, flexible packaging is lighter in weight and easier to transport. Perhaps the most significant benefit for food producers is that flexible packaging can extend the shelf life of food, especially fresh produce and meat.
In recent years, flexible packaging has become an expanding area for label converters, providing the packaging industry with opportunities to expand their business. This is especially true in the field of food packaging.
②The impact of the new crown virus
In the early days of the pandemic, consumers flocked to stores to get food on the shelves as quickly as possible.The consequences of this behavior, and the ongoing impact of the pandemic on everyday life, have affected the food industry in a number of ways.The food packaging market has not been negatively affected by the outbreak. As it is an essential industry, it has not been shut down like many other businesses, and food packaging has experienced strong growth in 2020 as consumer demand for packaged products is high. This is due to a shift in eating habits; more people are eating at home rather than eating out. People also spend more on necessities than on luxuries. While the supply side of food packaging, materials and logistics has struggled to keep pace, demand will remain high in 2022.
Several aspects of the pandemic have affected this market, namely capacity, lead time and supply chain. Over the past two years, the demand for packaging has accelerated, which is very important for processing to meet various end-use areas, especially food, beverage and pharmaceuticals. The current printing capacity of the merchant is causing a lot of pressure. Achieving 20% annual sales growth has become a common growth scenario for many of our clients.
Anticipation of shorter lead times coincides with an influx of orders, putting further pressure on processors and opening the door to growth in digital flexible packaging. We've seen this trend develop over the past few years, but the pandemic has accelerated the change. Post-pandemic, digital flexible packaging processors were able to fill orders quickly and get packages to customers in record time. Fulfilling orders in 10 days instead of 60 days is a huge dynamic shift for brands, enabling narrow web and digital flexible packaging products to address surging demand when customers need it most. Smaller run sizes facilitate digital production, further proof that the digital flexible packaging revolution has not only grown substantially, but will continue to grow
③Sustainable promotion
There is a greater emphasis on avoiding landfills throughout the supply chain, and food packaging has the capacity to generate large amounts of waste. As a result, brands and processors are promoting the use of more sustainable materials. The concept of "reduce, reuse, recycle" has never been more obvious.
The main trend we’re seeing in the food space is an increasing focus on sustainable packaging. In their packaging, brand owners are more focused than ever on making sustainable choices, This includes examples of material size reduction to reduce carbon footprint, emphasis on enabling recycling, and the use of recycled materials.
While much of the discussion surrounding the sustainability of food packaging is directed at material consumption, the food itself is another consideration. Avery Dennison’s Collins said: “Food waste isn’t at the top of the sustainable packaging conversation, but it should be. Food waste accounts for 30-40% of the U.S. food supply. Once it goes to landfill, this food waste is It produces methane and other gases that affect our environment. Flexible packaging brings a longer shelf life to many food sectors, reducing waste. Food waste accounts for the highest percentage of waste in our landfills, while flexible packaging accounts for 3% -4%. Therefore, the total carbon footprint of production and packaging in flexible packaging is good for the environment, as it further keeps our food longer with less waste.
Compostable packaging is also gaining a lot of traction in the market, and as a supplier we strive to keep recycling and composting in mind when developing packaging innovations, Recyclable Packaging, a range of certified recycled flexible packaging solutions.
Post time: Jul-07-2022