F&B packagers focus on sustainable solutions: Frost & Sullivan

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Food and beverage packages are focusing on developing more sustainable, durable, light-weight packaging and lower production costs, according to a Frost & Sullivan analysis.

Global Food and Beverage (F&B) Packaging Market, Forecast to 2030, shows packagers are using innovative materials, deploying technology improvements and additives and expanding eCommerce distribution to expand markets.

Modest revenue growth is forecast at 1.2% from 2018 to 2030.

“With rising concerns around plastic pollution and stringent government regulations, manufacturers are seeking alternatives to plastic packaging. This is resulting in an uptick in use of paper and aluminum-based packaging or other non-plastic materials such as biodegradable foods or resin,” said Christopher Shanahan, global director, chemicals, materials and nutrition, with research firm Frost & Sullivan. “Paper and aluminum are both recycled at high rates and are seen as viable alternatives to plastic with biodegradable plastic films becoming more common as new degradable resin is adopted.”

Companies are focusing on specific products such as flexible materials, rigid plastics, and coatings for sachets and pouches. Minimizing packaging costs is a priority so there is strong competition among manufacturers to provide the most cost-effective solutions to customers, including eco-friendly, lightweight products, reports Frost & Sullivan, which has offices in Toronto.

“Although manufacturers have already reduced the thickness of bottles and other packaging, they are now looking toward further downgauging and design improvements to make packaging more cost-effective,” said Shanahan. “For instance, designs such as droplet-shaped bottles have been shown to increase volumes without expanding the package weight.”

The analysis notes vendors can make the most of key opportunities in the market by:

• Exploring environment-friendly sources of plastics, such a plastic derived from corn, or natural products such as banana leaves.

• Creating novel packaging solutions with advanced materials.

• Utilizing the same type of packaging material across several applications to reduce production and processing costs.

• Exploring emerging markets such as APAC, the Middle East, and Africa.

• Reducing material and transportation costs by decreasing the thickness of packaging materials.