Food

Packaged food production is driven by a growing and richer population. Lifestyle changes such as urbanization, people on-the-go, single person households, growing demand for health products, new retail formats, e-commerce and new social behaviors are shaping packaging trends.

There are many more products available today - more flavors, colors, low-fat, low-salt, gluten-free, allergen-free, vegetarian, VOC-free and many other categories or varieties of the main product. Growing number of references, shorter life times, smaller pack sizes, customization and overall convenience - microwaveable and easy opening - is changing the packaging production.

The big Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) growth is slowing down in favor to local brands (little CPG) developing faster as more agile and perceived as socially responsible. At the same time, international retail chains are expanding their presence in developing markets growing packaging demand and bringing more consumers into Western shopping patterns.

Meal kits are new and growing forms of food. They appeal mostly to Millennials and Generation X, especially among single people and men. The convenience allows busy consumers to cook and eat healthy meals with perfect portion sizes leading to less food waste for single people, who might find many produce options available at the grocery store too large for their needs.

We see increasing legislations on food product information meaning a relevant, accurate and easy-to-understand information shown in a legible way for consumers in their languages. We witness as well growing pressure on brand owners and retailers to reduce the environmental impact of packaging, we see package lightweighting, focusing on the 3Rs: reduce, re-use and recycling.

In 2018, consumers have researched before they buy more than ever, and that includes food. With a quick search on their smartphones, consumers can make informed and speedy decisions about the products they consume. Which foods provide the protein and energy boost needed for a workout? Which drinks promote healthier skin? Where does the food come from? What are the core values and history of the company manufacturing the product? Successful food businesses will use digital and social platforms to connect with consumers, providing robust product research avenues, tips, stories, forums and more for the information hungry consumer. Harnessing the internet of things and big data are important parts of that overall strategy as well. Packaging will have a totally new role to play.

The combination of all trends requires more packaging designs, a decline of the average run length of a given packaging run and a faster time-to market. All putting even more pressure on the packaging converters.