Following a brief lull during the onset of worldwide recession, demand for plastic packaging rebounded due to the rising demand from the food and beverage and consumer retail products sector. Plastic materials are fast becoming the preferred choice of manufacturers for packaging new products. With the development of stronger and cost-effective materials with improved barrier protection, and aesthetic qualities, plastic is expected to further encroach into the territories dominated by metal, glass and paper packaging materials. For the several years, European R&D institutions have at the forefront in developing new technologies for plastic film materials and manufacturing.
Within the rigid plastic segment, PET and HDPE polymers are predominant. Of late, PET has almost completely taken over the mineral water and household cleaning products markets, and is a strong contender within the soft drinks market that is dominated by glass bottles and metal cans. Moreover, researchers are vying to formulate newer varieties of plastics that emulate the aesthetic qualities of glass, in order to tap the alcoholic beverages segment. Innovations such as squeezable bottles and one-stop closures are aiding the foray of rigid plastic packaging into newer sectors such as sauces, condiments and dressings.
Plastic is second only to paper in the flexible packaging materials industry, exhibiting strong growth unlike glass and metal segments. Industrial packaging is expected to remain the major hub of demand for flexible plastic packaging with LDPE dominating the market. Lightweight flexible plastic packaging is also making waves in the consumer retail sector due to cost-efficiencies offered in production and transportation, as well as reduction of carbon footprint. Moreover, self-standing pouches offering better display of the product and labeling are also helping to optimize space in the retail shelf. Both rigid and flexible materials are finding increasing application in the healthcare and surgical packaging sectors, particularly from China, in the form of medicine bottles, sterile pouches, and IV bags. In recent times the IT hardware industry emerged as a major consumer of flexible plastic packaging.
The demand for eco-friendly packaging made from bio-plastics is growing with products such as water soluble and edible plastics packs already finding their way into the fertilizers and confectioneries sectors respectively, in several developed economies. In addition, plastic manufacturers in several countries, including China and India, were hit by recent government regulations restraining the use of plastic carry bags and packages.
Traditionally, US and European markets are the centers of demand for plastic packaging products due to the better lifestyle and consumer demand for convenience. However, in the upcoming years, emerging countries in Asia Pacific and Latin America are expected to fuel growth in the world Plastic Packaging Industry due to the high GDP in these regions. GCC countries are also emerging as a leading hub for plastic packaging materials manufacturing. Going forwards, innovations in polymer materials, manufacturing technology and applications are expected to drive the expansion of the industry. However, the volatile feedstock prices are restraining production capacity in the industry.
The research report titled “Plastic Packaging Industry: A Global Outlook” announced by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., provides a collection of statistical anecdotes, market briefs, and concise summaries of research findings. The report offers a rudimentary overview of the industry, highlights latest trends and demand drivers, in addition to providing statistical insights. Regional markets briefly abstracted and covered include United States, Canada, Europe, France, Germany, Italy, UK, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. The report offers a compilation of recent mergers, acquisitions, and strategic corporate developments. Also included is an indexed, easy-to-refer, fact-finder directory listing the addresses, and contact details of companies worldwide.
For more details about this comprehensive industry report, please visit –
http://www.strategyr.com/Plastic_Packaging_Industry_Market_Report.asp
About Global Industry Analysts, Inc.
Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (GIA) is a leading publisher of off-the-shelf market research. Founded in 1987, the company currently employs over 800 people worldwide. Annually, GIA publishes more than 1300 full-scale research reports and analyzes 40,000+ market and technology trends while monitoring more than 126,000 Companies worldwide. Serving over 9500 clients in 27 countries, GIA is recognized today, as one of the world’s largest and reputed market research firms.
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