Packaging markets contain varying sub-markets; recent reports suggest that the near future is leading to a point of expansion for nearly all of them.
Paper packaging markets ripe for expansionPackaging World reports that one of the leading packaging markets to see growth throughout the next five years will be that of the recycled paper packaging market. Growth for this industry is pegged at about 5 percent annually through 2018, with demand continuing to grow worldwide. Notably, the manufacturing economy of China and other emerging countries will drive much of this growth in demand. Some experts are even concerned that this demand will outstrip supply, even as the recovery of paper and paperboard has increased by more than 80 percent in the United States and Canada in the last 25 years. European countries have also achieved a higher recycling rate of an average of about 75 percent.
Containerboard packaging, which refers to the unconverted materials used to make linerboard and corrugated medium, is expected to be the largest market for recycled paper packaging. Approximately 30 percent of the paper recovered in the United States is directed for its use. The final result of this containerboard is the production of corrugated packaging, of which large amounts are exported to China.
By 2018, the demand for recycled paper packaging products may exceed supply by as much as 1.5 million tons, leading to new installments of paper packaging plants in many regions. The vision is for the paper packaging market to begin to dwindle and replace the use of polystyrene. Additional advancements are enabling the recycling of coated paper packaging as well.
"By 2018, the demand for recycled paper packaging products may exceed supply by as much as 1.5 million tons."
Cosmetic packaging market growth intensifies
In an industry fueled by consumer demand, the cosmetic industry is paving - and repaving the way for their customers. The industry once known primarily for their white tubes of toothpaste is taking the consumer market by storm, creating visually enticing product lines - both branding and re-branding their products through the use of vibrant color coding and varying bottle designs for woman, children - and more recently - men alike. The cosmetics industry is predicted to grow an astounding $28.2 billion market by 2018, particularly in China and India. Regardless if the original product came packaged in bottles, cans, pouches or bags, and whether those packages are made of plastic, glass, aluminum, paperboard or other metals, they are expected to see new growth. The overall market increase is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of about 4.8 percent through 2018.
Blister packaging market encases advancement into 2018
Blister packaging, which uses pre-formed plastic packs for small consumer goods and pharmaceuticals, will see a leap in market use. Blister packaging is made of a base layer of either plastic or aluminum with cavities or "blisters" on one side. They're often used to package products like small medical devices, food, personal care products and consumer durable products. A recent Research and Markets report found that this type of packaging is expected to grow at a CAGR of up to 5.92 percent from present day through 2018. What's more, the report only covers the United States in its following of the technology's uses, which means the market will likely expand further in a global context.
