According to a recent report, ‘Global Packaging Trends’ released at this year’s Pack Expo Las Vegas and Pharma Expo 2015, the packaging of foods is constantly changing due to the increased awareness of consumers in terms of health/wellness, environmental issues, recyclability, and other factors used in making purchasing decisions today, including an increase in disposable income.

Jorge Izquierdo, VP of market development at PMMI claims that in recent years, consumers have become more educated about health and wellness, and environmental issues. This has led to a reduction in the amount of material being used in packaging of food products, mostly due to environmental concerns. Essentially, consumers are looking for packaging that’s easily recycled, and that includes claims that are honest in regards to health or the environment – and these claims should be highlighted outside of the ingredients list.

Because packaging is the first thing consumers see on the shelf, it should address environment, recyclability, and health concerns while keeping the packaging itself to a minimum. Some of the most popular types of packaging according to the report are PET bottles, glass, and flexible packaging. Plastic is far and above the most popular, comprising about 29% of the packaging market.

It all boils down to the fact that consumers want honest information on the foods they buy, and less waste in packaging along with materials that are safer for the environment. For brands, packaging is a key element of effective promotion.

At REA JET, we provide a wide range of coding and marking solutions for not only the food and beverage industries, but pharmaceuticals, plastics, bulk chemicals, wood, steel/metal, rubber, cable & wire, and more. Count on REA JET, a global leader in the industrial coding and marking systems industry.