2016 predictions for the packaging market

Published on Monday, Jan 04 2016 2015 has been a great year for the packaging market and looking at the technological advancements made, current UK economy and several other factors, it looks as though 2016 will be a great year as well. While the start of the year will always see a slight decline in packaging demand due to the Christmas season coming to an end, we should see a steadily increasing demand from February onwards. Packaging Technology The current technology available for packaging production allows for a cost effective process with a fast turnaround. Our creasing and slotting machines, press machines, band knife cutting machines and the rest of our technology enable us to meet the high demands of customers on a regular basis and the technology we use is only ever going to improve. With machines such as the i-Sub Digital Mimaki Kit being released in 2016, it’s clear to see that some real technological advancements are underway in the packaging industry. With the Packaging Innovations 2016 exhibition in Birmingham approaching in February 2016, we are sure that there will be plenty of fascinating new machinery to really bring the industry forward. Economic influences on packaging industry The UK economy has a massive effect on the packaging industry as it dictates pricing and profit going forward. Fortunately, the UK economy is looking quite healthy going into 2016: · GDP is forecast for a 2.5% growth by the end of 2015 and a 2.3% growth in 2016. · CPI inflation decreased by 0.1% in the year to September 2015 and for most of 2015 has been circa 0%. · Wage inflation was 2.8% (excluding bonuses) in the quarter ending August 2015 and 3% including bonuses. · Retail sales were up by 6.5% in September 2015 compared to the previous year, which is the 29th consecutive month of growth. · Between March and May 2015, 31.12 million people were in work which is an increase of 359,000 compared to the previous year. The stability and growth of the economy will have a positive effect on the packaging industry during 2016 as businesses invest in packaging and consumers continue to buy. Consumer behaviour Another big factor which will determine the future of the packaging industry in 2016 will be consumer behaviour. There are a number of social and market trends which impact the industry, including a rise in smaller households demanding smaller packaging sizes, the growing need for convenience and the ever changing interests of the consumer, for example the increase of male interest in beauty products. With the number of employed people on the rise, this leaves more consumers with disposable income which will greatly benefit the packaging industry. If you feel you would like to discuss a new packaging campaign, development of your existing packaging or you would just like more information, please feel free to contact us. We feel 2016 is going to be an exciting year for business and we look forward to working with many new clients as well as developing our existing clients packaging requirements. References http://www.packagingnews.co.uk/features/comment/raj-bhardwaj-make-hay-the-economic-suns-shining-16-12-2015 http://www.smitherspira.com/news/2013/december/global-packaging-industry-market-growth-to-2018