PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, and the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment (AMERIPEN) have released a new study, which identified key trends in packaging design and materials, and what these trends mean for legislation and the recovery systems for consumer-packaged goods (CPG) companies.
Titled 2023 Packaging Compass: Evaluating Trends in US Packaging Design Over the Next Decade and Implications for the Future of a Circular Packaging System, it is based on extensive research and analysis conducted by AMERIPEN and PMMI.
It highlights the growing importance of sustainability in the packaging industry, as consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of packaging materials and manufacturers strive to reduce waste and emissions. PMMI says this research strives to close the gap between design needs and recovery needs by beginning a conversation on trends, presenting forecasts for the coming decade, and recognising the role of multiple stakeholders in advancing a circular packaging system.
The reports highlights that metal beverage cans, PET bottles, and flexible plastic wrap lead the overall compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in packaging materials, which has shown some fluctuation since 2021, but is projected to decrease to 1.3 per cent CAGR by 2025. Based on the report findings, they say this slight slowdown reflects the movement within omnichannel commerce to design primary packaging for shipping, eliminating the need for secondary and, in some cases tertiary packaging, along with the return to retail as consumers head back to stores after COVID.
Looking at overall material usage, the surveys showed that 7 per cent of CPG companies continue to use plastic, more than those who use paper, and significantly more than those who use metal or glass. When asked about the next decade’s trends in packaging materials, CPGs are increasingly looking to sustainable materials such as compostable, certified SBS paperboard, certified Kraft paperboard, bio-based bioplastics, and post-consumer-recycled content (PCR), according to the report.
Based on materials changes proposed by the CPG community, the report forecasts growth in lightweight materials like flexible film pouches and food wrappers that are not yet widely recoverable. Compostables are currently viewed by CPGs on the rise, although like flexible films, they currently lack a significant recovery system to ensure they are composted after use. Lastly, recycled content in packaging is expected to grow with many CPG firms saying they have plans to increase PCR content in existing packaging.
“By releasing this deep dive into the trends driving the circular packaging system, we hope to facilitate an industry dialogue that will help close the gap between design needs and recovery needs,” said Jorge Izquierdo, vice president, market development, PMMI. “To further this effort, the new Sustainability Central feature at PACK EXPO Las Vegas will shine a light on this issue and bring all segments of the industry together, continue the conversation around the importance of increasing the culture of sustainability in our industry, and help us better target investments as well as legislation to ensure success.”
The new Sustainability Central and accompanying Sustainability Stage at PACK EXPO Las Vegas (11-13 Sep 2023; Las Vegas Convention Center) will serve as an interactive destination taking an expansive look into what sustainability means and will provide actionable sustainable solutions in manufacturing, materials, and design.
Sustainability Central will highlight the current state of six key areas of packaging sustainability and will ask “what if” questions encouraging attendees to think about how these areas influence their own work. The exhibit will focus on meeting attendees where they are, stating the facts, and ultimately being a resource for those who are looking to learn more about making their brands more sustainable. The six key areas are: Design, materials, manufacturing, recovery, logistics and data.
You can download the full report here and if you wish to attend PACK EXPO in Las Vegas, find out more here.
