Contract Packaging, General, Innovation, Preformed Pouches, Sustainable Packaging / November 5, 2018
Flexible packaging is convenient and beneficial in many formats, and across various industries, as shown in the new pouch packaging study released by the Freedonia Group. But one of the fastest growing segments is small pouch packaging—particularly in candy and healthy snack foods. Nuts, dried fruits, and other snackable items drive significant demand for pillow pouches. They’re also beginning to overtake cellophane and foil wrappers previously used for candy and confections. In fact, the candy and snack pouch market, according to Freedonia’s report, makes up a third of the entire pouch market!
Overall, the pouch market is booming and on pace to grow 3.9% annually over the next 4-5 years. Growth and consumer demand are driven by the many of the valuable features of flexible pouch packaging.
Small pouches are becoming a favorite with consumers because they’re easy to pack and take on the go—to the office, to school, to the gym, on a road trip, camping, etc. They’re helpful for portion control and supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Pouches of varying sizes offer a number of feature possibilities that traditional packaging can’t compete with. Resealable zippers are a feature consumers have come to expect, and they help keep food items at their peak much longer. Flexible packaging can also be manufactured with pouches and handles for fluids and heavy or awkward loads, offering tremendous added value and usability.
Eco-consciousness isn’t optional anymore, and consumers demand responsible company practices and sustainable products and packaging. Flexible packaging produces drastically less waste, and can even be make with recyclable or compostable materials.
Flexible packaging can be less costly to produce than other packaging types (especially rigid plastic), though this is questionable in the small pouch market. In fact, the Freedonia report expects prices to increase with rising material costs, yet competition will help to stabilize. However, shipping and warehousing contribute to the overall cost benefits of flexible packaging, and the space-saving features of the pouch format. The value isn’t lost on consumers, either, who enjoy better use of pantry space, whether buying in bulk or stowing large quantities of single-serve pouch packs.
Small pouches are booming in the flexible packaging industry, to the delight of manufacturers and consumers alike. The trend will certainly continue, and new manufacturers are constantly coming on board to adopt the format. Are you ready to be one of them? To get started, give us a call or contact us!