“Pouches,” a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., believes that multiple benefits will continue to push U.S. pouch package demand through 2018.
Demand for flat pouches is forecast to increase 4.0% annually, driven by faster advances for four-side-seal pouches in medical and pharmaceutical markets. In general, however, flat pouch demand will lag increases for stand-up pouches due to already-high usage in many markets and competition from stand-up pouches.
According to analyst Esther Palevsky, “Growth will be fueled by continued solid opportunities for stand-up pouches.” Advantages of superior aesthetic appeal, portability, light weight, reduced material use, and significantly lower shipping costs relative to rigid containers will foster strong acceptance in a broad range of consumer packaged goods uses.
The study says that stand-up pouches will remain a major growth segment in the overall packaging industry, with demand forecast to expand 6.5% annually. Advances will reflect rising interest among packaged goods companies based on cost savings due to lighter weight and lower material use compared to rigid containers. The ability of stand-up pouches to differentiate and draw attention to products on store shelves due to their large front-panel billboard space and the perception of pouches as a more contemporary packaging format will also increase their use.
“Pouches,” published 04/2014, with 342 pages, is available for $5,200 from The Freedonia Group, Inc. For further details contact Corinne Gangloff by phone 440.684.9600 or e-mail [email protected].