Increase in Chilled Foods Increases Use of Thin-walled Packaging

The use of thin-walled packaging for food products is growing in Europe, particularly with demand in the chilled sector.

The use of thin-walled packaging for food products is growing in Europe, particularly with demand in the chilled sector. During a survey of the segment, Applied Market Information (AMI) states that thin-walled packaging has become an increasingly well delineated sub-segment of the rigid plastics market.

In total, the segment accounts for about two million tonnes of thermoplastics, in Europe. Thin walled packaging is used mainly to display goods for sale, but the format may also incorporate features for extending shelf-life and other functions.

In the AMI report, thin walled packaging is defined to include yoghurt pots, butter and margarine containers, meat and fruit trays, blister packaging and similar containers. The largest single application of thin-walled packaging is dairy products, which account for 22% of the market. The fastest growing application is in the chilled ready meals segment, in which demand is growing at about six per cent, AMI reported.