Food and drinks packaging is in a period of rapid change; growth economies such as China and India are generating considerable opportunities for packaging manufacturers. In more mature economies, greater expendable income levels coupled with demographic shifts and a demise in cooking skills, have led to increased demand for more conveniently packaged food and drinks A major force in packaging innovation is green packaging, driven by legislation, combined with consumer and retailer pressure. As per a report by Business Insights that offers a comprehensive overview of the major trends within the packaging industry today:
•   Innovation in packaging materials continues apace with particular development in green technologies such as packaging made from natural polymers and oxydegradable additives. In addition, nanotechnology is now a key part of new material development- as it can improve barrier qualities and make packaging lighter, stronger and more resistant to heat.
•   Non-malicious food contamination is an international health concern. The World Health Organization estimates 3.2 mln children under the age of five die from food poisoning related illnesses each year. Innovative solutions to reduce the risk of non-malicious contamination are being developed by packaging manufacturers in the form of 'Smart' and 'Active' packaging.
•   An ageing population in China, Japan, USA and Europe is driving demand for products suited to the older consumer, including easy grip and easy open packaging as well as smaller portion sizes for consumers with smaller appetites.
•   Major retailers in Europe and USA have developed their own Corporate Responsibility Strategies and have set targets for the reduction in packaging waste. Wal-Mart has committed to a 5% reduction in packaging worldwide by 2013. UK retailer Marks & Spencers, has committed to a 25% reduction in waste by 2012.

Some major concerns and issues examined by this report are:
•   Environmental packaging regulations are heavily influencing packaging development in Europe and Japan. In Europe, Packaging Directive 2004/12/EC sets out recycling and recovery targets to be met by 2008. In Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has enacted legislation based on the 3R's ethos (Reduce, Re-use, Recycle). As a result there are high levels of innovation in green packaging including lightweight and bio-based packaging materials.
•   Emerging markets are increasing demand for packaging. As economies such as Eastern Europe, India, South America and China experience growth and average incomes increase, the demand for Western style packaged goods is increasing.
•   Socio-demographic shifts are creating demand for more convenient packaging solutions. Ageing populations in USA, Europe and Japan are placing new demands on packaging design. Easy open, easy grip and smaller portion sizes are all being developed with ageing populations in mind. More fragmented family lives, the growth in the number of women working, growth in single person households and a loss of cooking skills are all contributing to increased demand for more conveniently packaged food products.

Additionally, www.reportbuyer.com finds that using less packaging will become a key focus over the next five years and that this is especially important for convenience products that rely heavily on packaging benefits such as multi-packs, compartment packaging and portioning. Authors of the report say that the convenience food and drinks market is worth US$158 bln in the Asia-Pacific region and that it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% to 2011. Also, expenditure on convenience products peaks in Sweden at over US$650 per capita, it is over US$400 in USA. The study also finds that health is an increasingly important driver of convenience food products. This has turned marketing multi-faceted, with more value placed on advanced health benefits such as weight control and other specific health concerns. Convenience continues to be a key trend in food and drinks, with consumers increasingly looking for products that suit their lifestyle requirements. The extent of the development of convenient products is signalled by the notion that consumers are coming to view various convenience benefits as the norm. There are three global consumer megatrends that impact the food and beverage industry today: convenience, health and indulgence.
Additionally, www.reportbuyer.com finds that using less packaging will become a key focus over the next five years and that this is especially important for convenience products that rely heavily on packaging benefits such as multi-packs, compartment packaging and portioning. Authors of the report say that the convenience food and drinks market is worth US$158 bln in the Asia-Pacific region and that it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% to 2011. Also, expenditure on convenience products peaks in Sweden at over US$700 per capita, it is over US$400 in USA. The study also finds that health is an increasingly important driver of convenience food products. This has turned marketing multi-faceted, with more value placed on advanced health benefits such as weight control and other specific health concerns. Convenience continues to be a key trend in food and drinks, with consumers increasingly looking for products that suit their lifestyle requirements. The extent of the development of convenient products is signalled by the notion that consumers are coming to view various convenience benefits as the norm. There are three global consumer megatrends that impact the food and beverage industry today: convenience, health and indulgence.
Convenience : Over the past two decades we have seen the global emergence of a convenience oriented society. Changes in family structure, a greater number of women in the workforce, longer working hours and an increase in commuting time drive this. In today�s society, a greater proportion of adult consumers are now living on their own, sharing with friends, or living with a partner and without children. These factors create a more individualised culture, where consumers are less likely to prepare food for others and where there is an increased demand for convenient products. Another significant trend is an ageing global population. Worldwide, the proportion of people aged 60 years and over is growing faster than any other age group. Between 1970 and 2025, the number of older persons is expected to increase by 694 mln or 223%. In 2025, there will be a total of about 1.2 bln people over the age of 60. This consumer demand for convenience translates into opportunities to provide packaging that is easy to open for both children and adults, resealable and available in individual portions. The �on the go� nature of today�s consumers also provides packaging opportunities for easy, hand-held consumption such as �in car� or �at desk�, and which enables the consumer to multi-task. Amcor�s innovations within the �convenience� category include re-sealable flexible pouches, single serve tear sticks, microwaveable meal solutions, breakfast bar wrappers, easy-opening sports drink closures and ergonomic grip PET beverage bottles.
Health and Nutrition : There is an increasing focus on issues relating to health and nutrition, particularly obesity, low carbohydrate products and organic foods. There has also been an increase in products, such as breads, margarines and beverages that contain active ingredients to achieve lifestyle or medical objectives. Consumers today are better educated on health issues and have a greater understanding of their own dietary requirements. The consumer focus on health and nutrition is driving changes in packaging that provide more detailed product information, hygiene standards, tamper-proof seals, longer life for fresh produce, smaller-sized portions, and the use of colours and materials that emphasise �natural and healthy�.
Indulgence : Ironically, the consumer focus on health and nutrition has not diminished the demand for indulgent and premium products, as well as ethnic and exotic meals. Indulgence remains a key role for food and drink, whether for relaxation and reward, or as part of a celebration. This presents a number of opportunities to provide packaging that increases visibility of premium foods, uses or provides the look and feel of extravagant materials, and colours that reflect the premium nature of the product. Examples of innovations to meet the �indulgence� trend include packaging for upmarket confectionery, exclusive biscuits and hair colourants. Higher quality printing and coating, embossing and hot foil stamping, and proprietary shapes and sizes, are used to create product uniqueness, enhanced product visibility and on-shelf differentiation.