13 March 2019 — Widespread bans on single-use plastics, the implementation of China’s “National Sword” policy and increasing media attention around the environmental consequences of plastic pollution on wildlife and seafood supply, resulted in 2018 being a tipping point for the plastic packaging industry.
In order to achieve the ambitious circular economy and sustainability goals set forth by governing bodies and businesses alike, an alliance between food manufacturers, packaging suppliers and waste management agencies is paramount to packaging design in the food and beverage industry in 2019, according to Innova Market Insights.
Innova Market Insights reports strong average annual growth in food and beverage launches with an ethical packaging claim, by region (2014-2018). Latin America (33 percent), North America (19 percent) and Europe (10 percent) lead for the use of these claims.
Paper-based and hybrid plastic alternatives are on the rise amid this dynamic too, with 40 percent growth reported in new food launches with paper-based packaging (2018 vs. 2014).
However, convenience remains key. The number of food and beverage launches with a recloseable or resealable closure has risen exponentially, with an average annual growth rate of 92 percent in the past three years (2016-2018), according to new product data from the researcher.
“Recyclable by Design” leads Innova Market Insights’ Top Ten Packaging Trends for 2019, with developments reflecting rising concerns over low recycling rates, particularly for plastics.
Innova Market Insights top five trends packaging trends are:
1. Recyclable by Design: In order to boost recycling rates and achieve some of the ambitious circular economy goals set forth by various governments, collaboration between businesses and the recycling agencies is vital. Clearer labeling, standardized packaging and increasing the recycled content of products could all help in encouraging higher levels of recycling.
2. E-Commerce Ready: With more and more consumers shopping online, the landscape for online retail is rapidly changing. Developing packages that provide product protection and tamper evidence along the supply chain, while reducing the environmental impact of shipping materials in the e-commerce supply chain will prove vital.
3. Nature’s Appeal: Anti-plastic sentiment and the rising demand for designed-in recyclability has fueled a resurgence in paper and paperboard packaging. Paper is not only naturally renewable, recyclable and compostable, but can also add value via its “naturalness” in an increasingly eco-conscious society.
4. More Convenient Convenience: Consumer convenience continues to be one of the most important attributes to consider while designing the optimal packaging for a product. Innovations within this area focus on facilitating on-the-go consumption and ease-of-use.
5. Pack to the Future: With increasing consumer demand for transparency along the supply chain, IoT technologies such as QR codes and blockchain have come to the forefront. There has been a rise in the use of near field communication and augmented reality as tools for increasing brand loyalty through consumer engagement.
The other top trends identified by Innova Market Insights are:
6. Less is More
7. Bio-Plastic Booms
8. Packaging for Me
9. Inclusive by Design
10. Reusable Innovation
For further information, please contact:
Su Ha: su@innovami.com
Tel: +31 26 319 2000
