The beverage packaging industry is showing strong growth around the globe and is estimated to reach $131.1 billion by 2019, a five year CAGR of 4.4%¹. For example, brick liquid cartons and PET bottles — driven by beverage growth — will register the two highest global growth rates out of the top ten packaging types through 2019, with a five year CAGR of 5.3% and 4.7% respectively. Some common global trends drive this growth while several are more regionally specific. The 2015 Global Packaging Trends Report from PMMI identifies these trends, pinpointing drivers as well as their impact across both packaging and product types.

Three trends affecting the beverage packaging market are shared across each region of the world: a greater consumer awareness of health and wellness, the stronger influence of recycling and environmental issues, and an increase in disposable income and purchasing power. Each trend impacts the beverage market in a unique way and manifests differently in each region.

Health and wellness

Over the last decade, a growing health consciousness among consumers has led to a decline in demand for product categories viewed as unhealthy, such as carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) and beverages containing high fructose corn syrup. Conversely, consumption of bottled water is on the rise, exemplified by growth in PET bottles — where bottled water accounts for 54.7% of the absolute volume growth for the packaging type. Further illustrating the trend, bottled water and juices account for two of the three categories that project growth greater than 5% among all product types.

Sustainability

Recyclability and reusability of packaging are also major trends globally. Conservation efforts made by product manufacturers have even become a key marketing component on physical packaging. Recyclable and reusable beverage packaging within packaging types such as PET and glass bottles will continue to grow, as the trend becomes an increasingly more important purchasing factor for global consumers. Returnable packaging is especially popular in Latin America and will continue to take major strides forward.

Purchasing power

A rising middle class around the world is leading to larger disposable incomes and an increased exposure to modern lifestyles throughout developing regions. This trend has provided a significant opportunity for the growth of packaged goods, particularly for traditionally popular beverage categories in those developing regions — such as beer and bottled water.

Resources for the beverage industry

Beverage manufacturers and industry professionals looking for more information on the latest trends and challenges in the United States and across the globe can turn to resources provided by PMMI. Professionals can find a host of reports covering the latest on the industry, including the 2015 Global Packaging Trends Report, at pmmi.org/research. PMMI also hosts PACK EXPO International 2016 (Nov. 6-9; McCormick Place, Chicago). The show is the largest resource for packaging and processing innovation in North America and will serve as a space where beverage manufacturers can network with experts, peers and suppliers.

1. Beverage Packaging Market worth $131.1 Billion by 2019.” Beverage Packaging Market worth $131.1 Billion by 2019. Web. 10 Nov. 2015.

PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, represents the voice of more than 700 North American manufacturers of equipment, components and materials for processing and packaging. We work to advance a variety of industries by connecting consumer goods companies with manufacturing solutions through the world class PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, leading trade media and a wide range of resources to empower our members. The PACK EXPO trade shows unite the world of processing and packaging to advance the industries they serve: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, Pharma EXPO, PACK EXPO East, EXPO PACK México, EXPO PACK Guadalajara and ProFood Tech, launching in April 2017. PMMI Media Group connects manufacturers to the latest solutions, trends and innovations in processing and packaging year-round through brands including Packaging World, Automation World, Healthcare Packaging, Contract Packaging and Packaging + Processing OEM. PMMI Business Drivers assist members in pursuing operational excellence through workforce development initiatives, deliver actionable business intelligence on economic, market and industry trends to support members’ growth strategies, and actively connect the supply chain throughout the year.

Learn more at PACKEXPO.com, PMMIMediaGroup.com and PMMI.org.