Pouches expected to lead converted flexible packaging market (February 06, 2006)

Stand-up pouches, and pouches in general, are poised to experience the most growth in the converted flexible packaging market in the next three years, according to report on the U.S. converted flexible packaging market from the Freedonia Group, based in Cleveland, Ohio.
Pouches’ popularity will result from the format’s excellent visual appeal, convenience, portability and reclosability. Plus, pouches can be easily differentiated to suit the needs of customers.
Freedonia’s study forecasts that primary applications in the U.S. flexible packaging industry will grow 4.1 per cent every year, reaching US$14.4 billion in 2009. Primary applications are defined as materials that come into direct contact with food or other products and that provide the function of containing, protecting or storing products for future consumption. Secondary packaging applications were excluded from the report.
Lower cost, higher performance and source reduction advantages over most rigid packaging formats are the factors driving the growth, the study said.
The highest demand is expected to come from the food industry as consumers demand more convenience-oriented and processed food items, many of which require improved barriers for longer shelf life.
“A steady stream of new product introductions of foods in single-portion sizes for portability, or to limit serving sizes, will also favourably impact demand,” the study said.