PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies has revealed the latest trends in global packaging in its 2017 Global Packaging Trends report, produced by Euromonitor.
Consumer focus on wellness, environmental impact and macroeconomic factors such as the growth of the middle class creating more disposable income are shaping the global packaging market, said Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO, PMMI.  Yuska cited global consumer demand for healthier foods as the impetus towards fresher food, clean labeling and organic products becoming center stage.
In particular, clean labels are becoming critical, according to PMMI’s recently released Trends in Food Processing Operations report.
“Thirty seven percent of U.S. consumers find it important to understand ingredients on food labels while 91 percent believe that products with recognizable ingredients are healthier,” Yuska said. “And, the rise in demand for organic food has fueled a more than 10 percent growth in this sector.”
In order to meet evolving customer wants, many food manufacturers are looking to new technology, such as High Pressure Processing (HPP) to extend shelf life while delivering fresher, safer food to the consumer. To help advance this technology, the Cold Pressure Council, convened by PMMI, is focused on the progression of HPP as a critical technology in the food and beverage industry.