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The use of plastics in packaging of food and beverage
continues to show good growth potential. The major drivers for the
market are:
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Replacement of traditional materials |
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Growth of prepacked food market |
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Improved polymer properties |
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Improved processing equipments |
A recent study conducted by Frost and Sullivan has estimated that
the use of plastics in beverages and food packaging, even in a developed
economy like that of Europe, is expected to grow at 5.5% in the
next 5-7 years. PP thermoformed products and thin wall injection
mouldings is expected to show an almost 10% growth, PET bottles
that account for almost 30% of plastics in this segment is expected
to continue to show good growth, almost matching that of PP thermoformed
products.
On the other hand PVC and expandable Polystyrene are expected to
be laggards. The inter polymer substitution will continue. It is
therefore not very surprising that PP &
LLDPE are expected to increase their market share while PVC, LDPE
& Polystyrene are expected to lose their market share. There
is a possibility that even HDPE may lose some market share.
Consumers are becoming more demanding regarding food packaging.
They want
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Retained freshness for a longer period |
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Retention of correct flavour and odour |
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Greater convenience |
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Increasing environmental friendliness |
The packaging industry hence needs to respond to consumer requirements
with innovative packaging solutions.
Multilayer film trays and stand-up pouches are some of the products
that will emerge stronger. Newer technologies could improve polymer
properties such as toughness, strength, heat resistance, clarity,
etc., along with processing speed. Superior performance, with better
cost effectiveness, would be demanded to meet the packaging requirements.
| (Source: Chemical Online) |
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