A new in-depth study entitled, ‘Packaging Drivers – from now until 2025′ has been launched by the Stationers’ Company, supported by the Paper and Board Association. Analysing the market to identify the key trends and issues that will play a major role in the future of the packaging industry, the report was produced by Pöyry Management Consulting sponsored by stora enso and Kolbus.
The report was officially introduced this week at Stationers’ Hall at an event that included a panel discussion hosted by broadcaster and BBC business correspondent, Peter Day. The panel consisted of Andy Barnetson, director of packaging affairs at the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI), Bob Latham, director of Delphi Projects Ltd, Caroline Nilsson, SVP strategy and business intelligence of the Stora Enso consumer board, Debbie Waldron-Hoines, director of EFIA, and Dick Searle, CEO of the Packaging Federation.
The list of key demand drivers identified in the report includes sustainability, costs, substitution between packaging types, smart packaging and pressures from legislation and consumers. When Mr Day asked the panel for their thoughts, it was costs and sustainability that had stood out the most for them in the findings. They also mentioned the growth and new developments in flexible packaging, demands for added value, luxury packaging and digital print technology.
The panel discussion was followed by a question and answer session. The consensus was that the findings resonated with the industry and that they provide food for thought. Mr Barnetson said, ‘The growth in plastics that this report identifies rings alarm bells for the paper industry and we need to rise to the challenge.’ David Powlson, from Pöyry, commented, ‘We are very pleased with the feedback we have received on our finding. I personally found that sustainability turned out to be a much more important driver than I had anticipated.’
Master of The Stationers’ Company Helen Esmonde commented, ‘We have commissioned this excellent packaging report to strengthen our relationship with this important sector which has significant growth potential.’ The report will be of benefit to brand owners, packaging converters and printers, machinery, equipment and raw material suppliers as well as retailers, FMCG companies and financial institutions. It is structured to offer insights through in-depth information and analysis, and designed to help underpin and strengthen key business decisions.
