Description

Flexible plastics have been a part of the packaging industry since the invention of cellophane more than 100 years ago. Light weight, low manufacturing cost, easy storage, and intrinsic properties such as chemical and moisture resistance are among the valuable features.

Sustainability has become an important consideration in the packaging industry. Flexible plastics have a smaller carbon footprint than rigid plastics (using 88% less fossil fuel) and reduce solid waste by 66%. While consumers in the United States and Canada traditionally preferred rigid containers, cultural influences from Mexico and busier lifestyles also are contributing to the shift in demand.

According to PlasticsEurope, Germany, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and Spain collectively accounted for about 67% of the continent’s plastic demand in 2017. Packaging is a significant part of that. The European Union has set a goal for all plastic packaging waste to be recyclable by 2030, which has exerted pressure on manufacturers to introduce packaging that meets the standard.

In the Asia-Pacific region, a larger working-age population coupled with dual-income households suggests a higher demand for ready-to-eat meals and packages with longer shelf life. By 2030, China and India are expected to be home to about two-thirds of the world’s middle-class population. Their need for food, water, medicines, and other essential items will benefit the flexible plastics industry.

Gulf Cooperation Council nations also have shown a significant increase plastic consumption in the last few years. Urbanization and more disposable income are factors.

The Frost Radar™ reveals the market positioning of companies in an industry using their Growth and Innovation scores as highlighted in the Frost Radar™ methodology. The document presents competitive profiles on each of the companies in the Frost Radar™ based on their strengths, opportunities, and a small discussion on their positioning. Frost & Sullivan analyzes hundreds of companies in the industry and benchmarks them across 10 criteria on the Frost Radar™, where the leading companies in the industry are then positioned. Industry leaders on both the Growth and Innovation indices are recognized as best practice recipients.