Post-consumer recycled cartons find favor within baked goods

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.

With winter upon us, soups and seasonings offer much needed warmth and comfort. As is the case in most food and beverage categories, companies are working towards using 100 percent recycled materials when it comes to plastic packaging or are making the switch to alternative packaging materials, such as tins, cardboard tubs or glass bottles. In terms of convenience, the options to reclose and reseal remain prevalent within the category.

Despite the impact of e-commerce on traditional retail stores, the festive trading quarter is still one of the most important periods for companies in terms of sales. It allows brands to achieve greater shelf standout and capitalize on consumers’ spirit of generosity during the festive period. While Christmas-themed offerings are found across various categories, through limited edition flavors or seasonal packaging design, more than half of the launches are from the confectionery category.

The landscape for plastic packaging has changed drastically in the past year, with manufacturers reverting back to glass bottles and jars. Alternatively, they have also switched to easily recyclable plastic substrates, such as Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Polypropylene (PP) for both the container and closure. Plastic packaging options still hold the edge when it comes to convenience they provide through either design features, which make the packaging easy to grip or on-the-go options such as pouches.

RTD beverages are predominantly packaged in bottles, cans, aseptic cartons or pouches, with plastic bottles being the main packaging type. Plastics have been facing a lot of flak due to the lack of proper management of plastic waste and has subsequently become a major cause for environmental pollution and disruption to wildlife. This has led to a rise in the use of post-consumer/recycled plastic materials for making bottles. Besides sustainability, convenience remains a key theme within beverage packaging, with innovations focused on recloseable can closures and closures that allow for personalized dosing. Likewise, industry is developing powder release closures that ensure a longer shelf life for water sensitive ingredients that may lose potency or flavor along time.

As summer gives way to fall, there is a rise in the demand for chocolates and candy in light of the upcoming Halloween season. Confectionery manufacturers often look at seasonal offerings as a potential for sales-boosting initiatives by connecting with consumers over a shared holiday spirit. While Halloween themed offerings are found across various categories, from limited edition flavors to seasonal packaging design, more than half of the launches are from the confectionery category.