Soup and sauces packaging centers on eco-convenience

A major component in ready meal packaging trends is convenience. Products in this category should be easy to prepare and consume. However, innovation must strike a balance between convenience and ever-intensifying environmental sustainability demands.

Packaging innovation in the bakery category is dependent on the organoleptic characteristics of baked goods. However, considering many bakery items are dry products, opportunities in paperboard and carton are being explored, as well as ensuring recyclable, PCR, biodegradable and reclosable plastic.

Innovation in personal care packaging is largely focused around the incorporation of recycled material in line with the developing circular economy. However, some brands are also exploring biodegradable packaging, and plastic-reduced or even plastic-free alternatives.

Snack pack innovation is increasingly focused on mono-materials like PP and paper, post-consumer plastics and bioplastics as more stringent plastic waste regulations come into play. Convenience remains vital with pouch resealability fast becoming the norm.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged some fruit and veg producers to revert to plastic packaging to quell consumer hygiene concerns, others continue exploring alternatives to non-recyclable single-use plastics. This demand has led to innovation in paper-based and biodegradable packaging solutions, as well as recycle-ready fossil-based plastic designs.

The festive period is an essential time for companies to capitalize on consumers’ spirit of generosity and boost sales through limited-edition flavors and seasonal packaging launches. While Christmas-themed offerings are found across various categories, more than half of the launches are in the confectionery category (Global, July – Nov 2020).