Flexible Packaging: New technology trends in the food industry
Sustainable materials and emerging technologies are among the key trends driving growth in the flexible packaging segment of the market.
INTRODUCTION
- Flexible packaging typically includes films, pouches, bags, wraps, laminates, flexible films (mono‑ or multi‑layer), foil laminates, which are utilized across the food industry (fresh produce, frozen, ready meals, convenience foods, etc.), but also multiple industries such as pharmaceuticals, personal care, and non‑food.
- The functional requirement of flexible packaging is to provide barriers (to the likes of oxygen, moisture, light), durability & protection, sealing, printability, and more recently the trend in the production of flexible materials has moved to sustainability (recyclability, compostability, reduce waste, etc.).
- Production of flexible materials include plastics, aluminum foils, paper, along with newer biobased / compostable materials (such as fibre-based compost materials).
INDUSTRY VALUE CHAIN
GLOBAL DRIVERS OF INNOVATION
Several key drivers are pushing innovation across the flexible packaging segment.
- Regulatory Pressures: Reducing carbon footprint / “circular economy” goals.
- Growing Consumer Demands: Sustainable packaging solutions along with a desire for convenience.
- Demanding Brand Owners: Want customization capability, coupled with simplified packaging lines.
- Technological Advancements: Advances in material science, coatings, printing & equipment.
- Rising Raw Material Costs: Biobased materials are typically more expensive; having scale matters.
Brian Barrett, a FOCUS Managing Director, has extensive expertise is in providing strategic advice to entrepreneurs, business owners and companies to assist them in achieving their strategic ambitions and preparing for significant value events. He has over 16 years of corporate finance experience working with SME’s, large corporate and semi state bodies across Ireland.
Barrett has successfully project management and complete many significant transactions across multiple sectors, including retail, technology, food & beverage, agriculture, logistics, banking, energy and leisure.
Barrett joined in 2019 and is a leading and experienced corporate finance advisor, who provides a broad range of activities from debt advisory, valuations, due diligence, strategic planning, along with buy / sell side services to our clients.
Barrett previously worked for IBI Corporate Finance and EY Transaction Advisory Services.
