Growth of liquid cartons cannot be contained

Changing dynamics within the food and beverage industry, coupled with the growth of the retail sector and increasing awareness around sustainability, has driven new growth and innovation in the packaging industry.

According to Quinton Swart, managing director for paper and Eastern Africa, Nampak, raising awareness about safe and secure liquid-packaging cartons solutions in developing countries is a factor expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the global liquid-packaging cartons market.

The growth of liquid cartons in emerging markets is set to influence global business, impacting the bottom line and larger landscape in South Africa, so much so that the market has the potential to present many opportunities for South Africa, from boosting GDP growth to opportunities for employment.

The economic value and employment opportunities of the market could be realised through recycling, increased manufacturing capacity, increased exports, as well as a rise in consumer spending. Indirect benefits such as job creation and cost savings from redirecting recyclable waste away from landfills could add further value.

Demand is high

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, liquid cartons are fast becoming a favourite among consumers and manufacturers alike due to the recyclable nature, manoeuvrability, aesthetic appeal, convenience and eco-friendly attributes.

Emerging markets such as China and India are expected to show the greatest increase in demand for environmental liquid carton packaging. So, there is real potential for countries such as South Africa to cater to this growing demand for liquid cartons and reap the benefits in turn.

Growth

The liquid carton packaging market accounted for revenue of $14 310-million (about R23-billion) in 2017 and is anticipated to reach $20 747-m by 2025, according to the ‘Liquid Packaging Carton Market Outlook – 2025’.

The market shows no signs of slowing down, as an increase in the consumption of soft drinks, demand for sustainably packaged water, as well as a demand for smaller, ready-to-drink packs is expected to boost the growth of the liquid cartons packaging market.

Sustainability boosts benefits

Retailers and brand owners’ primary sustainability strategy has been to reduce packaging materials, making use of more lightweight options in order to minimise waste and their carbon footprint, as well as reduce transport costs.

Reducing the weight and thickness of packaging is often the best way to minimise the impact on the environment while keeping costs down, according to the ‘Comparison of Carton and Plastic Packaging Sustainability’ report.

Using less packaging provides an economic benefit, not only in material costs but also in transportation and disposal, helping companies reduce carbon dioxide emissions and operate more efficiently.

The market is poised for take-off.

However, innovation is the key to its growth, something companies such as Nampak Liquid Cartons continuously work on, providing new packaging options that are geared towards sustainability for clients.

Public perception is powerful

Living in today’s digital era, with empowered consumers making use of online platforms to raise their concerns, brands are more vulnerable than ever to negative publicity.

This is helping to shape customer preferences, including that for sustainable packaging alternatives, according to Plastic Planet.

Packaging that is not recycled has far-reaching waste-related environmental impacts, which pose an increasing risk to brands through tightening of waste legislation in addition to negative public perception.

Liquid cartons, on the other hand, are easy to recycle and reuse, making them a positive packaging choice for the circular economy.

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Growing urbanisation and industrialisation are prompting further advancements and innovative solutions being seen in the packaging processes.

With the rising demand for liquid cartons, Nampak Liquid Cartons opened a new technical hub in 2019 to better maintain and service the growing pool of liquid carton machines for the food and beverage industry.

The liquid carton packaging market shows no signs of slowing down as the world becomes more and more environmentally aware, with businesses heeding the call while enjoying the benefits this form of sustainable packaging brings, from extended shelf life to a revitilised look and feel of their products.