Packaging industry to focus on compostable packs over the next year, poll suggests
A poll conducted by Packaging News and organisers of the PPMA Show has found that compostable packaging will have a big impact on the sector in the next 12 months
The poll asked respondents which new technology would have the most impact on the packaging and processing machinery sector over the next 12 months.
It gave respondents a choice out of ethylene-absorbent packaging, compostable packaging, illuminated packaging, self-heating packaging and edible packaging.
A total of 53% of readers said that compostable packaging would have the most impact on the packaging sector over the next year.
The poll also revealed that respondents felt the need for cheaper packaging and that this will be the biggest motivating factor behind packaging innovation in the near future (39%). Only 6% said ageing consumers featured as a concern.
A total of 51 people responded to the poll.
‘Quality and consistency’
PPMA chief executive Chris Buxton said: “The research provides a key insight into the trends that are set to influence the industry in the coming months. For example, manufacturers are acknowledging that consumers are cutting back on what they spend with the same expectation for quality and consistency.
“This means that suppliers are in turn seeking to reduce their costs as the market will not tolerate increased price to the customer. Suppliers must now turn to innovation to achieve this, a fact that ultimately presents an opportunity for forward thinking companies.
“Given the increased awareness of all things environmental, it’s also not surprising to see that many people feel compostable packaging will be one of the innovations that stands to make a significant impact in the coming year.
“It will be especially interesting to see how far customer’s ‘green principles’ stretch in this regard, as historically times of economic uncertainty have seen a decline in more expensive green products.
“The findings, which reveal a desire for less expensive yet more environmentally friendly packaging, would appear to be in opposition. However, such contradictions often combine to catalyse innovative ways of satisfying demand through a unique combination of innovation and compromise. The PPMA Group and our members look forward to discovering what those innovations will be.”
