Pouches

US demand to reach $8.8 billion in 2016
Demand for pouches in the US is projected to reach $8.8 billion in 2016, driven by above average gains for standup pouches stemming from sustainability, functional, and marketing advantages over alternative packaging media. Burgeoning consumer acceptance of pouches over rigid containers will buoy demand, as will such advantages as superior aesthetic appeal, portability, light weight, reduced material use, and significantly lower shipping costs than rigid containers. In addition, heightened use of reclosing and dispensing components will increase the competitiveness of pouches against rigid containers.

Solid prospects forecast for stand-up pouches
Solid prospects for stand-up pouches will be based on heightened interest among packaged goods companies due to savings achieved in shipping costs as a result of the lighter weight and lower material use of stand-up pouches compared to rigid containers. Also supporting gains will be the ability of stand-up pouches to differentiate products on store shelves due to their use of high-quality graphics, and the perception of pouches as a more contemporary packaging than cans, bottles and cartons.

In flat pouches, above average growth for four-side-seal pouches will be driven by rising demand in medical and pharmaceutical markets and in food applications such as meat, poultry, and seafood; and cheese. Flat pouch advances will also be supported by improved barrier structures and the incorporation of such convenience features as resealable closures, spouts, and tear notches. Additionally, opportunities for flat pouches will benefit from a rapidly expanding market for stick packs with single-portion packages of products such as drink mixes, sugar, sweeteners, coffee, protein powders, and pharmaceuticals. Moreover, the differentiation attributes of stick packs will promote opportunities in product line extensions and in refreshing or repositioning mature products.

Spouted pouches to be fastest growing by feature
Spouted pouches are expected to log double-digit growth, driven by expanding use of pouches in general, along with the functionality and convenient dispensing afforded by spouts. Processed foods applications will experience robust advances based on the growing popularity of baby food and children’s fruit snacks in spouted pouches and conversions from rigid containers in sauces and condiments. Good opportunities are also expected in the beverage market as spouted pouches further penetrate alcoholic beverages, premixed cocktails, sports drinks, and energy drinks.

Stand-up pouches to pace food & beverage markets
Food and beverage markets accounted for 79 percent of pouch demand in 2011 and will expand in line with the overall industry average. Faster growth is expected for stand-up pouches, reflecting cost, performance, and aesthetic advantages. Additionally, advances will be fueled by heightened demand for largersized pouches, spouted pouches, and pouches that use self-venting films to enable steam cooking of contents in the package. The excellent aesthetics of stand-up pouches are important in product marketing as the surfaces of stand-up pouches offer large billboard space suitable for eye-catching printing and graphics, particularly in grocery stores and similar venues where customers make rapid purchasing decisions.

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