In this exclusive article for PKN Packaging News, John Nelson, editor at Smithers, reviews the immediate potential of substituting plastic to paper packaging in fresh produce and meats.

Major FMCG players are making virgin plastic reduction a key target, as 75 per cent of consumers indicate a preference for environmentally-friendly packaging, according to GlobalData.

The European flexible tube market was stable in the first half of 2023, with growth of almost 2 per cent to a total volume of around 6.2 billion units. But second half forecasts are fraught with uncertainty.

Artificial intelligence in the packaging market is projected to rise from US$2080.8 million to US$6015.6 million over the next ten years, according to a report from Future Market Insights.

The global intelligent packaging market size is estimated at US$23.08bn, and is anticipated to grow to US$56.02bn at a CAGR of 9.03% in 2030, according to a new report by Adroit Market Research.

Smithers projects the total value of the functional barrier coatings for paper and board will reach $8.56bn in 2023, with almost 3.37 million tonnes of coating material to be consumed globally.

Asia is set to lead the global PET industry capacity additions with a share of 61.8% by 2027, by gaining capacities from new-build and expansion projects between 2023 and 2027, according to GlobalData.

Sustainability demands will push further growth in sales of cartonboard, microflute and miniflute packaging, according to the latest data from Smithers.

The overall demand for paper bubble wrap is projected to grow 5% between 2022 and 2032, topping a value of US$1.1 billion by 2032, according to the latest report from Future Market Insights.

New research by Aquapak, a material technologies business, shows that European packaging businesses are committed to the circular economy, but few are acting ahead of legislation.

A recent report by Rabobank shows that the plastic packaging sector in the US and Europe continues to have a strong focus on sustainability. However, a lack of investment has left producers questioning the viability.

PMMI has released a whitepaper on the challenges and opportunities that OEMs, suppliers and all industry stakeholders face in the rapidly evolving landscape of global and local standards.

A study led by CSIRO has found plastics and their additives are present at a range of concentrations in many foods including meat, chicken, rice, water, take-away food and drink, and fresh produce.

The global coffee pouch market is anticipated to surge in size by more than 50 per cent over the next decade, to a valuation of US$1.45 billion, according to a report by Future Market Insights.

A new Smithers report finds that global flexible mono-material plastic packaging film will grow at a steady 4.1 per cent CAGR over the next five years.

PMMI and AMERIPEN have launched a new study which identifies trends in packaging, and what this means for legislation and companies.