Sustainability is driving beverage secondary packaging innovation

Sustainable development is driving innovation in beverage secondary packaging

International Packaging Information Network

For beverage manufacturers, the conversation around single-use plastics is prompting them to find new ways to reduce the amount of secondary packaging they use.

Packaging formats have changed significantly in recent years as consumers lean toward more sustainable solutions. Sustainability favors fiber packaging solutions over plastic rings and shrink film. Regarding secondary packaging, experts point out that fiber packaging solutions can achieve sustainability while providing a premium look and feel.

Among companies focused on secondary packaging, some are looking for the lowest-fiber, lowest-cost solutions, while others want to use this opportunity to shift to fiber packaging. Driving the provision of sustainable fiber packaging products suitable for consumer use is a global trend.

The beverage industry has already seen some major brands announce their commitment to reducing the secondary use of single-use plastics, including AB InBev's Corona brand.

month, Corona launched a sustainable

bottled beer multi-pack made from surplus barley straw. Through a unique pulping process, combined with

% recycled wood fiber, this paperboard material for packaging can be produced. It is as strong and durable as ordinary packaging, but saves

% of water compared with the traditional virgin wood production process, while also reducing energy consumption and chemicals. According to reports,

month, the first batch of

ten thousand six-packs using this material will be piloted in Colombia, and later this year will also be launched in Argentina. After successfully completing the pilot, AB InBev will consider the possibility of extending the technology to other brands.

Given beverage manufacturers' efforts to address the reduction of single-use plastics, experts expect this to continue permeating the entire secondary packaging market.

"I expect this focus will certainly continue. It is necessary for companies to further look for new alternatives to align with consumer visions."

Although sustainability is a driving force affecting the secondary packaging market, experts point out that other factors are influencing future innovation in this field. These include the rise of e-commerce for consumer goods. But the rise of e-commerce may conflict with the various sustainability measures brands wish to implement.

Besides the impact of e-commerce, experts also note that consumer demand for customization and premium products has also affected the secondary packaging market. Premiumization and customization will continue to be driving factors, and there will be growing attention to personalization, uniqueness and experience.

The pandemic has also had an impact on this, so cleanliness

and protection are also important factors. A study titled "The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Consumer Attitudes toward Packaging" found that safety is influential in secondary packaging.

In summary, factors such as sustainability, e-commerce and premiumization are further driving innovation.

——This article is reprinted from China Packaging Network (pack.cn). Original link: http://news.pack.cn/show-379057.html