Pouch packaging: a growing, evolving trend

According to a report by Smithers-Pira, the global pouch packaging market will reach $19 billion by 2021 up from a projected $15 billion in 2016 – a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%. In India, the flexible packaging segment is estimated to be growing at over 35% annually, mainly driven by the food and the pharmaceutical sectors.

Pouch filling machine manufacturer

The large and growing Indian middle class, along with the growth in organized retailing in the country are fuelling growth in the flexible packaging industry. Another factor, which has provided substantial stimulus to the packaging industry, is the rapid growth of exports, which requires superior packaging standards for the international market.

Pouch packaging vs. Rigid packaging

Flexible pouch packaging scores over traditional rigid packaging in different ways:

Barrier properties

Flexible packaging offers companies the ability to customise the appropriate barrier for their product and end-use. For example, products such as juice and milk require an oxygen barrier. Other products may not. A flexible pouch can have specific barrier properties built into it.

For years, aluminium foil was used as the ultimate barrier material but when used in the increasingly popular stand-up pouch, the foil can crack leading to pinholes that let contaminants in. New materials have been developed to replace foil.

Ease of branding

In pouch packaging, pouch formation generally includes full printing features as well as lamination if required. The pouch also offers larger printing area for companies to print their brand and product details, and to incorporate high-end graphics to make their label as attractive as possible.

This is of prime importance as manufacturers jostle for space and attention on crowded retail shelves.

Sustainability

In a world where environmental sustainability is an ever-growing concern, flexible packaging proves to be far more energy-efficient and economical than rigid packaging such as expensive plastic jars, glass bottles, heavy duty boxes and metal tins. Throughout the three stages of its life-cycle i.e. manufacturing, transportation and disposal, flexible packaging proves to be the cheaper, more responsible option. Packaging engineers everywhere continue to search for thinner and lighter laminate structures without compromising upon the overall strength, barrier & functional properties of the packaging.

Flexibility in design and dispensing

Flexible plastic films can be moulded into practically any shape, with the inclusion of different handles, opening features & fitments. It is also possible to produce packaging of larger sizes. All these aspects enhance convenience and storage for the end-user, and improve brand preference.

Today's pouches have easy-tear notches, screw-top caps, ziplock, and etc. and new innovations crop up every day. Pop-up straws, one-way dispensers and valves that connect directly to appliances are some of the fitments for liquid packaging that are making their way into the market to enhance functionality.

Conclusion

Pouch packaging continues to grow in popularity. The main reason for this growing popularity is that flexible packages are found aesthetically attractive, cost-effective and sturdy. Consumer preference for the use of convenient packaging and packaged products in affordable quantities in laminates is also one of the main reasons that have contributed to the growth of flexible packaging in India.

What is more, the world of flexible pouch packaging keeps evolving, with new design innovations, materials and applications emerging every day. Various pouch formats and new fixture technologies are increasing market share in an array of applications in food, beverages and other end-use segments.

In India, Nichrome is a leader in the design, manufacture and integration of pouch packaging machines. For a diverse range of applications across Food, Pharma and other sectors, Nichrome innovates and customizes packaging solutions that create value for its customers. If you are contemplating pouch packaging for your product or seek to improve efficiency of your packaging line, Nichrome’s integrated packaging solutions can ensure desired outcomes.

www.nichrome.com