The current trends in the packaging market indicate rising demand for decorative, lightweight, convenient-to-use and recyclable packaging materials. In recent years, eco-friendly materials are gaining prominence in the Indian packaging industry. As a result, the consumption of environment friendly packaging materials such as paperboard, jute, and corrugated boxes are on the rise.

Simultaneously, the users of rigid packaging that include metal cans, glass and plastic containers, are migrating to flexible packaging in a big way due to the multifarious advantages offered by the latter.

On the whole, the packaging Industry is continually evolving. Constant product innovation, need for product differentiation, changing life styles, increasing purchasing power, health awareness, and convenience are the factors driving the growth of this market all across the world. In India, the packaging industry contributes nearly 2 percent to the country’s overall GDP.

The growing demand for packaging has stimulated the demand for various types of packaging substrates such as paperboard, plastic, glass, aluminium, and tin. With changing consumer preferences, the composition of the substrate used in packaging industry is also changing. The consumption pattern of various packaging materials can be seen from the exhibit at the end.

Paperboard

Easy printability, re-cyclability and convenience are factors that weigh in favour of the paperboard. Due to these advantages, paperboard packages have found wider acceptance in a number of sectors; the most prominent being food and pharmaceuticals industry. In the food industry, it is largely used for confectionary, bakery, frozen food and ready meals. Over the years, the paperboard industry has transformed and adopted itself to changing consumer trends. Liquor carton is one such example. This carton has been designed, keeping in mind the increasing consumer demand for user-friendly packages while providing greater protection to the products.

Paperboard cartons are reclyclable and can be given different shapes. Light in weight they require only very less storage space and the transporting costs are also pretty low. It also allows for better graphic representation and can be packed in aseptic paperboard cartons having greater shelf life, compared to other packages.

Special paperboard cartons have been developed for frozen food items. They have high temperature resistance and can be used in microwave and conventional ovens. Such packages can be used to prepare semi finished food dishes. In addition, paperboard packages offer significant protection against tampering by enabling the uses of latest technologies like RFID. Paperboard also allows the uses of holograms and holographic seals that are important for combating counterfeiting.

Plastics

Plastics comprise a host of synthetically-made mouldable materials. In the food sector, the most common types of plastics are; polyethylene(PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terepthalate (PET) and expanded polystyrene (EPS). The superior properties that plastics have over other counterparts have enabled it to make a significant dent in most of the packaging end-user sectors.

Plastics can be moulded in to special shapes and colours. The design can be completely leak proof. The sophistication in printing technology has given a great representation in plastics.

In recent years, plastic packaging has made inroads in various sectors. While rigid plastic packaging is preferably used for food product segment like yogurts, spreads, ready meals, and other food packed in thin-wall plastic container, flexible plastic packaging is largely used for confectionary, bakery, savoury, snacks, and ice cream products.

The prominent forms of plastic packaging are bottles, caps, tubes, containers, pouches, and films. Being light-weight and unbreakable, plastics and PET bottles are heavily preferred over glass bottles.

HDPE bottles and containers are used mostly in non-food segment. In the cosmetic and toiletries sector, hair care and skin care products are the main consumer segment of these bottles. In the pharmaceuticals industry, OTC healthcare segment is also among the major end user of HDPE bottle and containers. Plastic pouches are largely used for sauces and other food items.

Glass

Glass packaging is highly regarded for its aesthetic values and classic appearance. Products in glass containers are generally associated with premium range of products and are considered having high quality, by the consumer. Because of this, glass finds wider usage in sectors like alcoholic beverages and cosmetics, particularly fragrances. In fact spirit as a whole, is the largest consumer of glass bottles in India.

In food segment, glass bottles are preferred like tomato ketchup, herbs and spices. In addition, glass containers also provide airtight packaging, which helps in maintaining the freshness of the product. Glass is considered ideal for preserving flavours owing to its high chemical durability.

However, glass is fast losing out to other packaging substrates. The cost and inconveniences in handling are the main reasons for this decline.

METALS

Aluminium

Aluminium has made a major impact in packaging sector. Its natural abundance, lustrous metallic appearance, and almost negligible permeability are the primary reasons for this metal to be used in the packaging sector. The presence of aluminium in packaging is mainly limited in canning and foils. In canning, aluminium is used extensively for protection, storage and preparation of food and beverages. Good conductivity makes it very energy-efficient for preparing and serving of both hot and cold food. Aluminium cans are durable, lightweight, impermeable and recyclable.

Aerosol metal cans, primarily made up of aluminium, are also widely used for storing insecticides. On the other hand, aluminium foils find extensive use in containers and packages for foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals products. Their unique barrier and insulation qualities help preserve and protect food from ultra-violet light, odours and bacteria.

Tin

Tin coated steel can provide long shelf life of more than two years. They are more robust than aluminium cans, and are therefore able to withstand rigorous handling and transportation much more efficiently.

Tinplate cans provide excellent barrier properties against gases, water vapours, odours and light, including UV rays. Because of this the food packed inside the cans retains its aroma and flavour for a long time. These cans can be operated in online plant and can be procured cost effectively. They can be heat-treated and sterilized. Better printability provides a premium look to the package when kept on the shelf. Tin coated steel cans are eco friendly, degradable and recyclable.

In spite of these advantages, with the introduction of new and innovative packaging, the attractiveness of this metal is on the decline. The escalating prices and availability of cheaper substitutes are the major reasons. Globally tin is still facing major competition from aluminium, plastics and glass substrates.