‘Paradigm Shift’ Required for Food Manufacturers to Meet Sustainable Packaging Boom

Food manufacturers will need a ‘paradigm shift’ in thinking around packaging machinery if they are to meet anticipated boom in demand for sustainable packaging demonstrated in a recent industry report, says a sector expert.

According to the Business Research Company, the compound annual growth rate of the global eco-friendly food packaging market size is expected to grow from $196.26 billion in 2021 to $211.56 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%. This marked growth emphasises the need for packaging machinery capable of handling sustainable materials, says Ed Williams, Sales Director at ULMA Packaging UK.

“It’s wonderful that we’re seeing the continued growth of eco-friendly packaging, as sustainability continues to establish itself as a necessity, not a consideration, in all areas,” says Ed. “However, we have to acknowledge the challenge of ensuring food manufacturers’ packaging machinery is capable of handling these new materials, which will grow in popularity as this boom continues. As such, a paradigm shift is required across industry and suppliers must look to develop solutions and innovations to aid in this ongoing transition toward a greener future.”

One such issue is the machinability of mono-material films such as mono-PP or mono-PE laminates, that while easier to recycle, have a narrower optimal sealing range than conventional, multilayer materials. To address this issue, ULMA developed the BETTER-SEAL™ system to ensure stable and accurate temperatures within a machine’s sealing elements. By doing so, food manufacturers are better able to make use of mono-material films, which unlike their multilayer counterparts can provide a protective barrier without needing to be separated during the recycling process.

“The need for eco-friendly packaging is rapidly growing, resulting in a variety in technological developments and advancing in sustainable methods,” Ed concludes. “Packaging machinery suppliers must therefore ensure that they are capable of supporting manufacturers as they meet consumer demand for more sustainable products and packs.

“BETTER-SEAL™ is an excellent example of this approach in action and represents just one of many steps ULMA is taking as part of our #ULMAweCare sustainability initiative. It is only by constantly looking forward and innovating that we can meet the levels of demand highlighted in this latest industry report.”

For more information, go to https://www.ulmapackaging.com/en.