Flexible packaging consumption grows across Europe

26 Apr 2018 --- Flexible packaging consumption in Europe increased by 2 percent to around €14 billion in 2017, with approximately equal growth rates in both Western and Eastern Europe, according to research by PCI Wood Mackenzie. Total annual production exceeded €15 billion, of which 75 percent was accounted for from Western Europe and the remaining 25 percent from Eastern Europe.

Europe remains the most significant exporter with approximately 10 percent of its production consumed outside the continent. Forecasts expect growth to continue, with sales achieving nearly €16 billion in Europe and global consumption reaching US$107 billion by 2022.

Healthy growth for most of the end user markets, such as coffee, pet food and fresh foods has driven production higher, according to Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE). Smaller households need more single serve options and there is continuing demand for more product varieties from consumers. This supports the general trend from rigid to flexible packaging, which offers greater convenience and fits better into today’s lifestyle needs.

However, this research indicates a stagnation of consumption in confectionery while growth continues in the categories of savory snacks, cheese, coffee, dry products and pet food.

FPE Chairman, Gérard Blatrix, commenting on the research said, “These figures reveal a strength in depth for European flexible packaging demand and a resilience in core markets. The trend for more convenience and a greater variety of formats is clearly being met by innovative flexible packaging styles. FPE and its members are committed to ensuring flexible packaging continues to be at the forefront of modern packaging solutions with a strong environmental message. The main rationale for flexible packaging is to minimize raw material use, generally making it the most resource efficient packaging solution available.”

FPE is very active in sustainability projects within the framework of the EU’s Circular Economy strategy. The flexible packaging industry supports the separate collection of all packaging to ensure that these materials are efficiently treated for recovery. FPE is a founding and leading member of the CEFLEX initiative which is committed to all types of flexible packaging in a circular economy. This supports the development of improved sorting and recycling solutions across Europe.