Consumer demand for convenience food products has contributed significantly to the overall growth in the U.S. market for barrier packaging films, according to a new study by Kline & Co., High-performance Barrier Packaging Films USA 2005: Business Analysis and Opportunities.
"Convenience food is one of the fastest-growing segments of consumer packaged goods," says Sharon Derbyshire, senior associate. "The demand for products that cut down on meal preparation, such as value-added meat, heat-and-eat entrees, and products packaged in microwavable pouches, is expected to intensify, and this presents some significant opportunities to film supplier and converters."
According to the study, the market in barrier films for perishable foods is growing at 5.3% annually; perishable foods represents 80% of the value in barrier films in food applications. Kline defines barrier films as "all-film (nonfoil) structures that confer high-barrier levels to oxygen, water vapor, aromas and flavors, or UV light." Examples include polyvinylidene chloride and substrates metallized for barrier improvement, not for graphic enhancements.
The study, which was based on 130 interviews with end users, converters, resin producers and film suppliers, was unveiled with a Webinar on December 6. The data provides forecasts for the years 2005-2010. Some of the highlights:
* PVDC is the leading barrier packaging material used for perishable food applications.
* In dried food applications, PVDC-coated polypropylene is the leading material used.
* Overall growth is forecast for 4.8% in 2005.
* The prepared food segment will exhibit strongest growth for barrier films—a hefty 6.6% annual growth.
* The trend to fresh case-ready meat will show an annual barrier films growth of 5.6%.
* Demand for clear packaging structures in dry foods will lead to barrier films growth of 4.2%; snack bar and confections growth for these materials will be 5.2%.
* Barrier materials in the adult-oriented bar sector is growing at annual rates of more than 20%.
* The growth for barrier films in retort pouches will grow 20-30% annually.
As U.S. consumers focus more on portion control, they are also depending on food packagers to help them determine true single-serving sizes.
"Single-serving packages have become one of the hottest trends, especially in the snack segment," says Derbyshire."Nabisco has led the way with single-serve packages of consumer vaforites like Qwheat Thins, Ships Ahoy!, Cheese Nips, and Oreo brands. Smaller packages have a higher surface area to product volume ratio, requiring added barrier properties."
The study includes Kline's FutureView Scenario Forecasting Model, an interactive tool of that will permit subscribers to update and revise the figures and forecasts.
The study is available in two pricing options:
$18귔 includes a hard copy, PDFs, and online model access
$15귔 includes all of the above without online model access.
Both include a day of consultation with Kline experts.
-Rick Lingle, Technical and RFID Editor
