Defying the trend, food retail revenues increased in many countries during the pandemic, as restaurants were closed and consumers had plenty of time to cook for themselves. Now, people are increasingly cutting back on food to offset the burden of higher energy costs. However, demand for food packaging continues to grow, albeit at a slower pace and not in all areas. For the second time, Ceresana has analyzed the European market for food packaging in all categories except beverages. The new study takes into account not only films, pouches, cans, tubes, jars and other primary packaging, but also secondary and transport packaging. Ceresana analysts expect total demand for food packaging in Europe to reach a volume of around 41.7 million tonnes by 2031.
More Bioplastics, Less Glass
The various packaging materials and types of packaging are developing at different paces: while canned goods were hoarded during the lockdown, demand for metal packaging is now declining again. One exception, however, is tubes, the consumption of which is growing in many places. Packaging that is considered environmentally friendly, such as Bioplastics, but also paper bags and packaging made from recycled plastics, is particularly benefiting from the sustainability trend and the upswing in organic food. In the case of packaging films and short-lived disposable food packaging, bioplastics score points with their biodegradability. Glass packaging, on the other hand, may have a green image, but the demand for container glass is nevertheless continuing to decline. Convenience is important to producers and consumers alike: online retailing and shipping packaging are increasing demand for corrugated cardboard and the trend towards shelf-ready packaging favors food packaging made of paper and cardboard.
Innovative Packaging, New Technologies
Sales of fresh baked goods, fresh meat and fish are barely increasing. The strongest growth in the food market is currently being seen in breakfast cereals, ready meals, chilled and frozen foods. Convenience products are a particular challenge for packaging manufacturers, because transport and storage times are becoming longer and longer, and with them the desired shelf-life periods – but at the same time, packaging should be attractive, practical and recyclable, whilst also being lighter and more cost-effective if possible. The packaging industry is responding to the complex requirements with innovative materials and technologies: in order to further reduce packaging weight and the use of resources, stand-up pouches are being used in more and more areas. The shelf life of food can be increased by changing the gas composition within the packaging. High-barrier films are required for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). In the case of plastic films for primary packaging, Ceresana’s market researchers are registering particularly strong growth in BOPET films.
Current Market Data on Food Packaging
Chapter 1 of the new study analyzes the European demand for food packaging, including Russia and Turkey. Chapter 2 provides substantiated data for 22 individual countries. The various materials, packaging types and areas of application are examined in detail. A distinction is made between plastics, paper, cardboard and corrugated cardboard, metal and glass. In addition, demand is analyzed according to 16 different packaging types, for example for films, bags and sacks, rigid plastic containers, cans, and tubes, but also for closures, packaging papers and labels. For the 8 largest markets in Europe, plastic packaging is subdivided into polyethylene, PET, polypropylene and other plastic types. Packaging demand is examined for up to 12 applications depending on the material of manufacture, for example, baked goods, ready-made meals, canned goods, dairy products, chilled food, and other categories of food products. Chapter 3 provides useful company profiles of the most important producers of food packaging. They are clearly arranged according to contact details, sales, profit, product range, production sites, brief profile as well as product types and application areas. Detailed profiles are provided by 90 manufacturers, such as Amcor Ltd., Auxiliar Conservera S.A., Berry Plastics Corporation, Coveris Holding S.A., DS SMITH plc, Karatzis SA, Sealed Air Corporation, Smurfit Kappa Group PLC, Sonoco Products Co., Ltd., and Tetra Pak International S.A.
Further information about the new market study “Food-Packaging – Europe” (2nd edition): https://www.ceresana.com/en/market-studies/packaging/food-packaging-europe/
About Ceresana
As one of the world’s leading market research institutes, Ceresana specializes in the chemicals, plastics, packaging and industrial goods sectors, with a focus on bioeconomy and automotive / mobility. Since 2002, companies have benefited from high-quality industry analyses and forecasts. Over 200 market studies provide more than 10,000 clients around the world with the knowledge base for sustainable success.
More about Ceresana at www.ceresana.com
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