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Packaging Trends

Modernization of merchandise management

© Hans Georg Böcher

In view of the strong demand for packaged goods and with a growing labour shortage, the fundamental challenge is to supply enough packaging materials while maintaining consistent quality. In order to guarantee this, more emphasis is placed on automation. The complexity in packaging sizes and filling weights is a problem for logistics and an irritation for the consumer. Standardization is pushed forward at national and international level in order to deal with this.

More colour on the shelf

Whatever packaging an item is in, when it arrives on the shelf, that packaging is to ensure that it looks attractive there. Manufacturers of folded boxes offer packaging that cannot be so easily damaged during transportation and that can be picked up more frequently in the self-service shops without it detracting from their appearance. New high-gloss qualities of paper and cardboard come onto the market.

Plastic is on the way

Transparent plastic sheeting is in fashion, because it seals the packaged goods hygienically, but at the same time allows one to see the contents. One of the most used types of film is cellophane. In the development of compound sheeting made of PVC, PET, polyethylene and polystyrene, the aim is to offer plastics with good tearing and stretching characteristics, which can be welded or sealed tightly shut. Varieties in demand include saran (DOW), lupolene (BASF), mylar (DuPont) and hostaphane (Kalle).