BPA fears may hit metal packaging sector
Consumer fears about Bisphenol A (BPA) may compound the negative impacts on metal packaging in the next 10 years according to the latest study from market analyst Visiongain.
“BPA related issues may reduce profitability of the metal packaging sector if consumers begin to shy away from metal packaging products or if more governments ban BPA-containing products,” the report, ‘Global Metal Packaging Market 2013-2023’, states.
Other constraints on the market are likely to include the still lingering effects of the global financial crisis and the doubts created by the current euro-zone crisis, according to the research.
“Fluctuating raw material and energy prices are further factors potentially constraining the metal packaging market growth, making metal packaging more expensive and less competitive,” states the study.
‘Steady growth’
However, it maintains that “food packaging contains many essential items and is likely to exhibit steady growth in any circumstances”.
In addition, it continues: “While in the developed world metal packaging markets are expected to show either low and steady or stagnating growth rates, the metal packaging markets in emerging economies are forecasted to show above average growth rates as income and consumption levels in these countries increase rapidly.”
Increasing income in developing countries, busier lifestyles and consumer preference for packaged food products instead of bulk products are driving packaging product growth, the analysis claims.
Developing countries
The tamper-proof nature and ambient storage opportunities for metal packaging further enhance its market potential in developing countries, it states.
A further trend having a positive effect on the market was increased consumer awareness of health and nutrition, with shoppers recognising the nutrient-preserving qualities of cans.
And growing environmental concerns made the sector attractive to consumers and companies looking to diminish their environmental footprint as a result of the 100% recyclability of metal packaging, according to the report.
Visiongain estimates the value of the global metal packaging market will reach $102.1bn in 2013.
