Packaging innovation remains a priority for all majors groups within the food, beverage and cosmetic industries. But methods have significantly changed over the past few years. After the all design and gizmo features trends, innovation refocuses on enhancing customer experience.
Sealing is a critical control point in food security that is sometimes difficult to master, so full inspection via vision systems tends to be required on production lines
A study conducted by the European Community in 2010* showed that 39% of foodstuffs were unnecessarily lost each year in production plants. This initial estimate, which will need confirmation by additional studies, poses not only the question of the role that manufacturers can and want to play in reducing food waste, but also that of increased competitiveness which could be generated by minimising their losses.
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In terms of safety two product categories are the subject of particular attention from consumers and public authorities: food products and pharmaceuticals. And while having already significantly contributed to reduce risk factors in the past, when it comes to implementing new regulations for these product categories, packaging is once again at the forefront. Read more
With the evolution of consumer goods markets, manufacturers have to adapt to irregular business cycles and shorter production series without increasing their manufacturing costs or delivery times. Fully aware that excellence is more than ever expected on packaging lines, machinery manufacturers are developing news solutions that combine productivity and flexibility. Read more
Food wastage is less than ever acceptable, as we all become more aware of the impact that growing products destinated to the waste container has on the environment, of the unequal distribution of food resources across the world, as well as of the costs engaged for waste disposal. Food wastage reduction thus becomes a priority for the authorities of developed countries, who also see here a chance to give some purchasing power back to their constituents. The European Union’s stated objective is to halve the wastes of edible materials by 2025, and thus preserve nearly 45 million tons of food every year.
Wong Tsz Hin
Editor
Asia Pacific Food Industry
Summarizing the Asian packaging market trends in one column is not an easy task. Asia is characterised by a wide spectrum of markets. On one end, there are the developed countries like Singapore, Japan and South Korea, where packaging markets are mature and behave very much like that of North America. On the other end of the spectrum are the developing economies like Laos and Myanmar, where purchasing power is low and packaging is only required to fulfil its basic functions. In between, there are fast growing markets like China, Indonesia and Thailand. Read more
Pat Reynolds
VP / Editor
Packaging World
Each geographical zone, whether it be Asia, Europe or North America, dictates its priorities based upon consumer habits, the weight of state in the economy and how much the companies invest in innovation. The packaging industry is no exception; each zone pushes the industry to progress in specific directions. Often a zone is a trend setter, encouraging its neighbors to follow in its wake. Read more
Jean-Camille Uring
President of SYMOP (French Association for Manufacturing Machine and Technologies), a member of FIM (French Federation of Mechanical Industries)
Integrating technology in manufacturing is one of the pillars of industrial competitiveness. It enables the industry to respond to the fundamental market requirements : quality, flexibility and sustainability. A company that neglects its production tools weakens its competitiveness. On the opposite, placing it at the top of its priorities is a competitive advantage. Read more
Eric Fresnel
CEO
Sleever international
Sleeving technology (the film and machine combination) is a mature technology with a proven track record. It must now follow a new direction and switch from a standard to a specialty technology. A technological shift is underway with the aim of meeting the future requirements of brands. This relates both to entry-level products, requiring high speed and performance, and value-added products requiring flexibility and quick format changeover; like the dairy industry in the first case, and the make-up industry in the second case. Although these industries are completely different, common keys for the future must be found. Read more
Philippe Thuvien
Packaging & Development Director
L’Oréal
Packaging and design are now key vectors of innovation in the world of cosmetics, especially in the current global economic environment which calls for faster innovation processes, in line with the macro-economic trends. Cosmetic companies must innovate more and faster in order to remain competitive. Read more
