Demand for active and intelligent packaging in the USA is forecast to reach $3.5 billion by 2017, according to a report published by AIPIA, the Active & Intelligent Packaging Industry Association.
Citing data from business research company Freedonia Group, the industry association reports that, at 8%, the predicted annual rate of growth rate for active and intelligent packaging in the US will be “well above total packaging demand growth for the same period”.
Intelligent packaging demand will record double-digit annual gains across the same period, reaching $1.3 billion, Freedonia says: “In addition to growing product protection and food safety requirements, the increase will be driven by rapid advances for new technologies such as QR and other mobile friendly marketing codes and printed electronics on packaging.”
Freedonia also predicts: “Strong gains for time-temperature indicator labels, based on growing cost competitiveness together with the increased presence of temperature-sensitive drugs and the heightened focus of food safety in supply chain distribution.”
Active packaging demand is expected to increase 5.7% annually to $2.2 billion by 2017, according to Freedonia.
“Gas scavenger demand will climb at a faster rate due to expanded applications for oxygen scavengers in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical packaging,” the AIPIA report states.
“Additionally, growth will be stimulated by solid prospects for susceptor packaging in uses other than microwave popcorn and by solid increases for self-venting packaging.
“Rapid growth from a low base is anticipated for antimicrobial packaging, encouraged by technological developments.”
However, Freedonia says cost and performance factors “will tend to inhibit broad usage”.
Food and beverages were said to have been the two largest markets for active and intelligent packaging in 2012, with pharmaceuticals set to be the fastest growing market through to 2017.
Freedonia predicts: “Opportunities driven by the health care needs of the aging US population, an increased prevalence of chronic diseases and the expanding presence of high value, temperature-sensitive biotechnology drugs.”
