Active & Intelligent Packaging: US demand to reach $1.9 billion in 2013

According to a new study from The Freedonia Group, U.S. demand for active and intelligent packaging is projected to reach $1.9 billion in 2013, fuelled by the development of new generations of products and more cost competitive prices, which will spur greater market acceptance for many product types.
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Robust growth expected for TTI, other smart packaging

Robust growth is anticipated for intelligent packaging, propelled by rapid advances for time-temperature indicators (TTIs) and the emergence of other smart packaging systems offering product differentiation (e.g., color changing labels) at less costly prices. Additionally, prospects for intelligent packaging will reflect heightened concerns regarding food safety, and the need to reduce losses in perishables and other temperature sensitive products during movement in the supply chain.

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Gas scavengers to benefit from more single-serving bottles, less food additives

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Solid gains for gas scavengers will be based on increased demand for barrier PET bottles in single-serving sizes, especially those using less costly monolayer oxygen scavenging systems. Also driving opportunities will be rising, albeit decelerating, demand for packaged organic foods and the removal of trans fats from many types of processed and other foods, necessitating the need for oxygen absorbers as an alternative to direct food additives in extending shelf life. Moisture control and corrosion control packaging demand will post slower growth based on the presence of more mature product types and applications. Corrosion control packaging will also be impacted by competition from offshore production and alternative materials (e.g., plastics) in the primary metal products market.

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Shelf life, safety requirements to drive dominant food, beverage market

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Food and beverages are the two largest markets for active and intelligent packaging, together accounting for over 50 percent of demand in 2008. Advances in food uses will be based on heightened requirements for longer shelf life for processed foods and packaged fresh foods. Gains will also be propelled by the growing importance of food safety among consumers and retailer interest in reducing losses from unsaleable products caused by oxidation and temperature abuse in the supply chain.

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Drug market to get boost from higher stability, compliance needs

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The pharmaceutical market is expected to log robust gains, aided by the commercialization of sophisticated biotechnology- based drugs, which tend to be costly and have high stability requirements. In addition, the need to raise compliance and adherence levels will bode well for compliance monitoring devices and active reminder products, though relatively high costs and health care industry cost control issues will prevent faster advances. Moisture control packaging demand will benefit from pharmaceutical shipment growth and the increased prevalence of drugs with high moisture sensitivity.

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