At this year’s interpack, Constantia Flexibles is demonstrating how current megatrends are affecting the development of packaging solutions.
“Urbanization, sustainability, changing demographics, brand protection, responsibility and globalization – those are the six megatrends that Constantia Flexibles is focusing on at interpack this year,” explains Alexander Baumgartner, CEO of Constantia Flexibles. “Guided by our ‘people, passion, packaging’ philosophy, our employees develop and produce flexible packaging solutions designed to meet the changing demands placed on products and the evolving needs of our customers and end users. In other words, we’re actively adapting to the current trends.
”Constantia Flexibles’ solutions for the world of tomorrow
By 2050, it is estimated that around 70% of the world’s population will live in cities. City dwellers are more likely to buy convenience products from supermarkets and don’t have a lot of space to store their purchases. As a result, packaging solutions that don’t take up much space and can be easily transported are becoming more and more important. For example, there is increasing demand for on-the-go formats such as spout pouches for drinking yoghurts, which are convenient for single usage and provide excellent protection against moisture, oxygen and light.
In today’s globalized world, it’s possible for companies to sell their products just about anywhere. This has led to ever-greater competition between multinational brands. Packaging plays a key role in the consumer’s decision to purchase one brand over another. Consequently, packaging solutions must not only have a high quality and be convenient, but also effectively communicate the brand message and differentiate the product from the competition. Coca-Cola’s ‘Christmas Bow’ label is a good example of a successful packaging solution. Consumers could transform the special edition label into a festive bow, giving the Coca-Cola brand a unique selling point.
Demographic change will continue to be a megatrend over the coming decades. Aging populations are becoming more prevalent, particularly in industrialized Western countries, with an increasing number of people over the age of 50. Meeting the needs of older generations is therefore another key aspect that Constantia Flexibles takes into consideration when developing its packaging solutions. One such solution is Spear Seal®, a recloseable self-sticking labeling system. This convenient, user-friendly packaging is easy to open and can be resealed, making it ideal for packaging products such as cheese slices. Demographic change is also having a significant effect on the pharma industry. Aging populations have prompted an increase in the number of easy-to-open strip packs available on the market.
At the same time, birth rates are decreasing, fewer people are starting families, and the number of single-person households is on the rise. These trends have led to demand for smaller food portions and packaging that ensures a long shelf life. Constantia Flexibles manufactures several products that meet these requirements, such as the Alufoil container systems, which offer maximum shelf life and are ideal for packaging ready-made meals and desserts.
Sustainability and responsibility are essential to the corporate philosophy.
The fourth megatrend influencing product development at Constantia Flexibles is sustainability. The Group has committed itself to reducing its CO2 emissions (per square meter output) by 40% by 2023. Various measures will be used to achieve this goal, including the reduction of packaging materials, the development of new specifications and the use of recyclable materials.
In addition, Constantia Flexibles focuses notably on the marketing of recyclable flexible packaging, as well as labels. The SpearRC Recycling Compatible labels for PET bottles and mono-polymer laminates for various applications are just two examples of these sustainable packaging solutions.
As a global company, Constantia Flexibles is aware of its responsibilities towards society at large and individual consumers. The company not only pursues economic objectives, but also makes sure its progress is aligned with the needs of society. Packaging that ensures the necessary shelf life of products and medications guarantees the safety of individual consumers. By providing innovative medication packaging, such as child-proof blister lidding foil, Constantia Flexibles successfully strikes a balance between child safety and accessibility for the older people in our communities.
Safety is also an important aspect of the brand protection megatrend. In some parts of the world, up to 30% of the available pharmaceutical products are fake. As a result, anti-counterfeiting solutions are becoming more and more important to protect the health of end customers as well as brand integrity. Constantia Flexibles offers a wide variety of packaging solutions in this area, from security graphics and holograms to tamper evident opening systems. The Group is the only food packaging manufacturer certified by the IHMA – the International Hologram Manufacturing Association – and is therefore also capable of producing holograms for bank notes, which require the utmost protection against forgery.
Constantia Flexibles at interpack 2017
• Hall 7a / stand B03
• Experts from the Research & Development, Sustainability & Corporate Development and Innovation departments will make specialist presentations about the various megatrends.
• Selected machine manufacturers will demonstrate live how the innovative materials from Constantia Flexibles are processed by their machines. A map detailing the locations of these producers at the trade fair is available from the Constantia Flexibles website.
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