In 2013, the world consumed more than
1,200 billion liters of packaged liquid food, which was about 3.5% more
than the consumption in 2012. The main segments of liquid food were
water, soft drinks, dairy products and fruit juices among others. The
consumer preference for ready–to-carry liquid food has led to a
tremendous growth in the liquid packaging cartons market in the last
decade, and this trend is only expected to increase in the forthcoming
years. The liquid packaging cartons can be of various sizes, shapes and
application types, and are easy to design and model according to the
packager’s need.
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One of the primary drivers of the liquid
packaging market is the growing inclination of the general population
towards packaged food and drinks. Fast lifestyle and convenience of
carton packaged drinks over other packaging means such as glass bottles
has acted as drivers to this market. Although plastic packaging is still
one of the major competitors for carton packaging for drinks, carton
packaging manages to score more on the environmental grounds and
recyclability. Consumers seeking environmentally friendly means of
packaging are expected to be a driving factor for the liquid packaging
cartons market.
Moreover the recyclability of the carton
packages reduces municipal wastage, and brings down cost of production
in the long run. Introduction of aseptic cartons in the market has also
boosted the growth of this liquid packaging technique. Aseptic cartons
are primarily made of paperboard, with thin layers of plastic and
aluminum. These cartons help to preserve food over a substantial period
of time without adding preservatives. Tetra Pak is one of the market
leaders in the aseptic carton packaging technology.
The main stumbling block for liquid
packaging cartons market is the plastic containers, which account for a
sizable share of the liquid food packaging market. Polyethylene
terepthalate (PET) and High density polyethylene (HDPE) are the main
market competitors of carton packaging for liquid food. The popularity
of different packaging methods varies with region. PET containers are
preferred to carton packaging for milk in North America, while some
parts of Europe are carton package society.
Several opportunities lie for the liquid
packaging carton market to grow. Innovation in packaging techniques is
the key to future growth of the market. As the market caters to FMCG
products, packaging attractiveness and differentiation are the key
attributes which decide the popularity of a brand and drive a consumer
towards one product. The expectations of brand owners as well as the
consumers needs to be satisfied in the lines of packaging
differentiation and functionality, food safety, and cost effectiveness
of packaging performance and reliability. Some of the functional
expectations from the brand owners are logistical benefits, easy pouring
and drinking experience for customers and differentiated opening
techniques for aged consumers. Apart from these financial opportunities
lie in recycling of cartons, use of renewable materials, and equipments
which consume less energy and produce lesser wastes.