Pack Expo: SPI gives preview of its exclusive packaging report

SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association (Washington, DC) held a press conference on the first day of Pack Expo Las Vegas to discuss details of its upcoming report “Plastics Market Watch: Plastics in Packaging.”  Patty Long, Senior Vice President of Industry Affairs, and Kyra Mumbauer, Senior Director of Global Regulatory Affairs, were the featured speakers.

The report, which is to be released early November this year, is SPI’s first market assessment report on packaging that covers the history and scope of the industry, the utility of plastics packaging compared with other materials, advances in technology, demographic and lifestyle trends that will impact future markets, the environmental concerns that are driving greater attention on recycling and other related issues. The preview is the third in a series of publications analyzing plastics’ role in various end markets.

According to Long, the economic factors overall for packaging were net positive with an increase in demand and consumption in the forecast, along with backing support from the "Made in America" initiative that has been gaining steam. Some other positive trends featured in the report showed an increased desire in home convenience and portability, preservation of embodied energy and resources, and product safety. On the downside, as the demand for green packaging increases, so does the cost.

From a demographic standpoint, there is a growing urban population that is looking for smaller sized packaging that’s easier to carry and is lightweight. For consumers with less storage, smaller sizes are a necessity. Also, there is a demand for more detailed nutrition information which plays a role in more labeling.

Negative factors include farm-to-table lifestyles where consumers are going to farmer’s markets to get items and packaging is rare, if not, non-existent. Another challenge is the disruptive forces in the grocery/food industry where GMOs are constantly being questioned.

Some of the technology trends mentioned in the preview showed the increase for postconsumer content recycling options. Long also noted that there is a growth in multi-layer films, which add properties related to freshness, labeling, etc. However, with that said, multi-layer packaging adds challenges when it comes to the end-of-life cycle.

In terms of sustainability, "it’s a little bit of a wash here,” says Long. Life Cycle Assessment for non-plastics packaging has a greater environmental impact. Also, there have been greatly expanded industry efforts related to zero waste strategies. Yet, the “Walmart Effect”—where pressure by retailers is continuing to impact material choices—has not been conducive to growth in this area. There is also a tremendous pressure from non-governmental organizations regarding packaging closely associated with marine debris.

Overall, though, the big picture shows that plastics continue to be the material of choice.