If you want your company to grow, you need to keep your production line up to date, from the machines you install to the packaging you use. Knowing the latest developments on packaging in the Philippines can help you make smart decisions, invest in key technologies as needed, and pull ahead of competitors. Here’s a list of 4 notable trends in the packaging industry in the Philippines.

Packaging in the Philippines: 4 Trends You Should Know

1. Manufacturers Are Expanding Their Size Ranges

According to a 2017 report by business intelligence company Euromonitor, manufacturers in the Philippines are launching products in different sizes to cater to consumer needs. Companies in the food and beverage industry are coming out with smaller packs for on-the-go convenience. Examples include 200ml soft drink bottles and snack-sized servings of condensed milk or sandwich spread. On the other hand, manufacturers of beauty products and personal care items are launching larger sizes, which often turn out to be cheaper than several smaller products summing up to the same amount. Powdered laundry soap, for instance, now has 4 kg options.

2. Eco-Friendly Plastic Alternatives Are On the Rise

While the country’s paper products are now made mainly of recycled materials, the Philippines is still struggling to recycle with plastic packaging. 80 percent of post-consumption plastic waste in the country is made of sachets, single-use bags, and other plastic waste that often isn’t collected or resold. To counteract this, researchers and concerned agencies are seeking alternatives to traditional plastic. For one, DOST researchers developed biodegradable food packaging material made of locally sourced starch and clay in 2013. TIP students also developed an alternative made of corn husk and chicken feather in May 2018.

3. Packaging Is Getting Smarter

Aside from calls for waste reduction, demands for food safety and protection against damaged products have increased, making smart packaging a necessity. An e-commerce boom has led to more compact and robust packaging that can survive temperature changes during transport. Other smart packaging ideas include simple labels with color changing dots to indicate a product’s freshness.

State-of-the-art packaging machines greatly contribute to these innovations. Labelers are able to print highly visible QR codes, laser coders print anti-counterfeiting features on packaging with ease, and robotic arms with visual cameras can help operators conduct thorough quality checks.

4. Philippine Packaging Companies Are Flocking to Trade Events

Exhibitions and other trade shows provide rich opportunities for businesses to connect with other players and get first glances at innovations within the industry. For example, the Pack Print Plas Philippines event series has been a key event for companies dealing with packaging, printing, plastics, and office supplies since its first edition in 1996. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also held the Pack! Pinas roadshow in 2018.

Aside from these, a multinational trade show happened in the Philippines this year. The ProPak Philippines took place last January 24-26. A local edition of the ASEAN trade show ProPak Asia, this exhibition encompasses PlasPak Philippines and Ingredients Philippines. Expect to see the latest technologies from processing and packaging companies in the Philippines in one place during this groundbreaking event.

Keep these packaging trends in mind, and you can optimize packaging processes and come up with cutting-edge designs that will put your company towards the front of your industry. You might also want to consult an expert to find out about the latest equipment that best suits your packaging needs.

Elixir Industrial Equipment, Inc. is in the business of providing world-class products, including packaging machines, to its customers in the Philippines. Partnerships with international manufacturers and a commitment to professional post-sales service have helped build up our 25-year track record. Contact us today to find out how Elixir can help your packaging company in the Philippines take advantage of these packaging industry trends.

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