In Europe, caps and closures in high demand...

Both plastic and metal caps and closures will see even greater use in Western Europe where closure-intensive plastic packaging is on the rise, according to Frost & Sullivan.

Europeans are seeking out packages with caps and closures for convenience, easy-access, reclosability, leak-proofness, freshness and protection. And manufacturers are realizing profits when their products feature packaging with "premium" features. All kinds of packages are using caps and closures: single-serve milk cartons, hot-fill containers for sauces, pickles and soups, as well as gable-topped products, aseptic drink cartons, and plastic pouches.

But the cost of energy and raw materials is taking its toll on profits. The increased demand for these closures, coupled with the cost of production, is pushing manufacturers to find creative cost-cutting programs. Manufacturers are also finding innovative uses for the caps and closures, allowing them to add value to the products they manufacture, and passing the production cost on to the consumer, who will pay for high-end, value-added products and packages.

Author's note: Every month on Packworld.com, caps and closures is the number one product search term—40,000 unique users. It's no wonder the Europeans are hot on the trail of innovative use of these packaging gems.

Source: Frost & Sullivan

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