A new study fromThe Freedonia Group, Inc.
(www.freedoniagroup.com)
demonstrates this trend. Food and beverages are the largest market for rigid
packaging; the two combined represented 64% of the total rigid packaging demand
for 2011. Gains are anticipated for plastic bottles and containers due to the
cost and performance benefits, along with continued development of food-grade
materials. Demand for rigid packaging for the pharmaceutical segment is also
expected to see growth, as a result of rapid expansion of pharmaceutical
manufacturing capabilities, particularly in Asia.
In terms of materials, plastic will continue to account for the largest
share of demand and will also see the fastest increases, as plastic containers
gain market share at the expense of metal, paperboard, and glass packaging in
many applications. Still, metal cans will remain an important segment of the
rigid packaging mix due to their durability, long shelf life, tamper
resistance, ease of storage, recyclability and the economic advantages of
canned items in controlling food expenditures. Opportunities for paperboard
rigid packaging will reflect a competitive price structure, suitability for
high quality graphics, and a favorable environmental profile.
The most rapid increases in demand for rigid packaging will be seen in the
world's developing regions. In particular, the Asia/Pacific region will post
the fastest growth and remain the largest market due to its large food and
beverage industries. In contrast, market maturity in developed countries (as
well as market saturation in bedrock applications such as bottled and canned
beers and carbonated soft drinks) will serve to prevent faster gains in rigid
packaging demand. Overall, some of the highest growth rates are expected in
India, China and Indonesia, with Brazil, Turkey, Russia and Mexico also
expected to see healthy gains. China alone will account for 46% of global value
gains in rigid packaging demand between 2011 and 2016.
