Printing Innovation Asia Issue 9 2021
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Used in the food, healthcare and cosmetics markets, flexible packaging is a major part of a global packaging market valued somewhere between $120bn to $160bn depending on the research source. Size estimates vary, but all agree that steady growth is expected. In 2018 the Flexible Packaging Association reported that flexible packaging was the second largest packaging segment in the U.S. garnering about 19% share of all packaging with sales of $31 bn. In 2020, market share remained consistent, but sales grew by about 12% reaching $34.8 bn for the year. Growth continues despite environmental concerns and regulation. Flex pack containers are made using a variety of substrates consisting of paper, plastic, aluminum foil, coated paper, film, or a combination of these materials. Environmental sustainability concerns are often raised due to plastic use in flexible packaging. The EU introduced initiatives to reduce the use of plastics and other countries and organizations are becoming wary as well. Compound materials can reduce the amount of plastic, but still might need some as barrier material. This environmental pressure will give rise to new substrates that avoid plastic altogether or minimize the use. However, environmental concerns should be viewed in the context that
flexible packaging uses notably less plastic than a rigid plastic container alternative. The trend toward shorter runs and more just-in-time or on-demand production is also driving growth. The desire to order on short notice and often to deliver direct to the consumer during the Corona virus pandemic has dramatically shifted packaging volumes and workflow. Manufacturers find their markets less predictable and need to react quicker.
Afinia FP-230, a desktop press for flexible packaging with a maximum media width of 230mm, using Memjet’s VersaPass® DN ink technology
With shifting consumer buying habits, commercial buyers want to keep less stock. Accelerated improvements in the package design and ordering workflow have facilitated a more agile market. Web2Print shops make ordering packaging more efficient for short runs and enable even small companies to have their own packaging professionally printed. What drives the choice of print process used in flexible packaging? Most flexible packaging is produced
