Global Packaging Trends Report 2015

Growing consumer awareness of health and wellness, stronger influence of recycling and environmental issues, and increasing disposable income and purchasing power are major influencers on consumer packaging choices, according to a new industry report.

The Global Packaging Trends Report for 2015 is a market research study highlighting future packaging demand, product categories and opportunities for growth in packaging among fast-growing and maturing world economies.

Developed by the PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, in collaboration with several international associations, and sponsored by Australian Packaging & Processing Machinery Association (APPMA), the report notes that globally, flexible plastic remains the dominant pack type, accounting for 29% of the market, while PET bottles (12%) will be among the fastest growing, with 4.7% CAGR.

"Recyclability and re-usability of packaging are dominant trends and the report is predicting that this will continue as PET and glass bottle usage increases," said Mark Dingley, chairman, APPMA.

Other regional trends identified include: urbanisation, convenience, smaller pack sizes, branding strategies, internet retailing and premiumisation.

Packaging markets in the Middle East and Africa are anticipating 5.3% CAGR growth in volume, but forecasts for Western Europe and North America land at the other end of the spectrum, with 0.4 and 0.5%, respectively.

The expansion in the Middle East and Africa is the result of increasing exposure to modern lifestyles and is manifesting in growth opportunities available for packaging of carbonates, biscuits, and yoghurt and sour milk products.

In Asia Pacific, with a forecast 4.3% CAGR increase in volume, the increasing demand for PET bottles, particularly in the bottled water category, is driven by health and wellness concerns.

North America, on the other hand, is a mature market, but consumers are developing growing interest in several categories. These include healthy categories, such as bottled water, and areas of innovation, such as confectionery.

Globally, bottled water is expected to add 135 billion units through 2019, accounting for 54% of the absolute volume growth in PET bottle use. While beverage packaging drives growth in PET and glass, categories such as confectionery and biscuits prop up flexible packaging use.

To access a copy of the executive summary, email the APPMA on appma@appma.com.au.