Lunchbox-friendly packaging

Plastic continues to dominate the ready meals segment, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all launches globally within the category, according to Innova Market Insights. In 2019, almost half of all ready meals were packaged in packets, while trays account for a quarter of all launches. Innovation has turned toward the increased use of post-consumer recycled materials and the replacement of non-recyclable materials with easily recyclable or compostable materials.

Glass continues to dominate the sauces and spreads packaging landscape, accounting for approximately half of all launches within the category, according to Innova Market Insights. Spreads and sauces packaged in jars and bottles made up nearly 75 percent of all launches in 2019. Meanwhile, non-recyclable plastics are giving way to recyclable alternatives such as PET, which has witnessed a + 4.1ppt increase in share (2019 vs. 2015 Global) within the sauces and spreads segment.

Plastics continue to be the most popular packaging material in the Ready-to-drink (RTD) category with PET recording an increase in launch activity. Non-recyclable plastics are giving way to recyclable alternatives such as HDPE, PP and PET. Aluminum cans are also achieving increased adoption, owing to their high recyclability and single-serve convenience. The use of “Infinitely Recyclable” claims is more prevalent within aluminum cans. However, there is no major shift to glass packaging in the RTD category, despite the material’s use in carbonates, juices and nectars and iced tea.

Packets and carton boxes have long been the go-to-choice for packaging cereals and cereal bars. Today’s consumers lead increasingly busy lifestyles, reflected in the growth of pouch packaging solutions that enable resealability and on-the-go consumption. Environmental sustainability is mainly achieved through the use of 100% recycled and post-consumer recycled packaging, specifically in carton boxes. Recently, there have been product launches which feature recyclable bio-based plastics or biodegradable materials. Although still a niche, there is a potential for greater adoption of compostable solutions. 

Packets and carton boxes have long been the go-to-choice for packaging baked goods such as sweet biscuits, cookies, crackers and baking ingredients. To bolster the environmental sustainability credentials of their packaging, several companies have adopted the use of 100 percent post-consumer recycled in carton boxes. Some companies are also communicating the use of renewable energy in the production of their packaging. Although still a niche within the bakery segment, there is also potential for greater adoption of compostable and biodegradable solutions.

Glass has historically been the packaging material of choice for baby foods, but the current packaging landscape for baby foods is dominated by plastics. When looking at the overall category, nearly one in five launches in the baby foods category are packaged in plastic packets, while one in six launches are packaged in stand-up DOY pouches. Baby formula continues to be packed predominantly in tins, while glass jars continue to dominate baby meals. Most of the packaging sustainability credentials within the category are illustrated through from the use of recyclable plastic materials and the use of post-consumer recycled content in carton boxes.