On the go: Ceresana analyzes the European market for plastic caps and closures

KONSTANZ, Germany - Feb. 19, 2020 - PRLog -- "The uninterrupted trend towards on-the-go products, for example, is boosting the demand for resealable packaging, especially in the food sector," explains Oliver Kutsch, CEO of the market research institute Ceresana. "On the other hand, more and more countries try to reduce waste and promote reusable bottles or recycling." For the third time, Ceresana has analyzed the European market for plastic caps and closures, from beverages and food items, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals (OTC) to household chemicals and other applications. Various subcategories and closure types are examined in detail. With regard to the number of units sold, Ceresana expects an increase in European sales of lids, overcaps, flip-top closures, dispensers, and other closures of around 2.4 % per year until 2026.

Closures for flexible packaging

Plastic caps and closures are becoming increasingly popular on the market for flexible packaging. Stand-up pouches are light, handy, save raw materials, and offer versatile design and print options. In the beginning, they were lacking practical spout openings and could not be resealed. By now, however, there is a wide array of suitable stand-up pouches with integrated and resealable spouts for liquids, viscous materials, creams, and other applications. Due to the small size of these closures alone, manufacturers have to meet different requirements than those for traditional screw caps.

Unquenched thirst for mineral water

Each application area requires specific closure properties. This also has an effect on the design, raw material, and choice of cap. In addition to the change in packaging types such as the trend towards stand-up pouches, other factors also influence the demand for plastic caps and closures. Consumer health concerns and state taxes on sugary beverages inhibit the demand for carbonated soft drinks or fruit juices in many countries. By contrast, demand for packaged water will likely continue to show high growth rates in the coming years. In the food sector, ready meals and other convenience foods in particular constitute expanding markets.

Strong growth for lids and overcaps in the food sector

This market study examines the demand for the following types of plastic closures in 22 countries (e.g. Russia, Switzerland, and Turkey): "screw caps", "flip-top and disc-top closures", "dispensers and sprays", as well as "lids and overcaps". Plastic lids and overcaps are recording high growth rates, especially in the food sector. A wide range of ready meals, which are often made for consumption on the go, are equipped with these types of closures. The trend towards convenience products currently leads to a significant increase in demand.

Further information: https://www.ceresana.com/en/market-studies/packaging/plas...