Packaging

Many key beverage companies in Japan are promoting label-free packaging for their core brands, especially for e-commerce sales, as a strategy to reduce plastic use and enhance sustainability. This approach involves eliminating plastic film and paper…

Even though fresh ground coffee has been recording declining sales in the last two years, folding cartons have been growing in popularity as a pack type in this category, registering increasing packaging unit volumes and gaining share. Folding…

In 2022, heightened environmental consciousness among the Japanese, coupled with the government’s goal of reducing disposable plastic waste by 25% over the next 10 years, drove various industries to switch towards sustainable packaging solutions.…

The briefing examines how the pulp commodity performs globally and in the largest countries in terms of supply and production. The report also provides data and analysis on pulp price dynamics, as well as trends across key commodity-consuming…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries in Q4 2023 and 2024. Global inflation is moderating, although divergence remains among the key economies. Higher volatility in the energy markets and disruption of…

Following a marginal upturn in retail volume sales of jams and preserves for several years during the pandemic due to home seclusion, demand started to stabilise in 2022 due to greater mobility outside of the home and fewer breakfast or snacking…

Following a surge in demand at the height of the pandemic due to prolonged home seclusion, demand for sauces, dips and condiments, and therefore associated packaging, started to stabilise in 2021 with further volume declines being recorded in 2022…

Although Japanese consumers were already typically health-conscious, they have now become even more concerned about improving their overall health through their diet, thereby supporting the increasing shift towards meat and seafood substitutes…

There was a surge in demand for frozen fruit during the pandemic as they could be stored, thereby reducing the need for consumers to leave their homes to purchase fresh varieties. Despite a notable slowdown in 2022, demand for frozen fruit continued…

In 2022, brick liquid cartons remained the leading pack type for plant-based milk, the largest category in plant-based dairy in Japan. On the other hand, shaped liquid cartons remained a small, but growing niche as a packaging alternative. The…

In 2022, flexible packaging, consisting of plastic pouches and flexible plastic, remained the most popular packaging format for shelf stable soup, followed by metal food cans. This was because plastic pouches are lightweight and easy to handle, which…

Gable top liquid cartons remained the most preferred pack type for fresh milk in Japan in 2022, although the share of shaped liquid cartons was also significant. Following a fall in demand for both packaging types the previous year, demand improved…

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in confectionery packaging. This is because local consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of their choices, and they are demanding more sustainable products. Therefore, in 2022,…

In 2022, folding cartons remained one of the most preferred packaging formats for dried baby food alongside flexible aluminium/plastic. Folding cartons is preferred by some consumers of dried baby food as this packaging type can be tailored for easy…

Although sales declined slightly in 2022, RTDs had been recording strong growth in the previous years of the review period. RTDs have been experiencing a surge in popularity within Japan's alcoholic drinks market due to their convenient and…

Although their packaging unit volumes were down slightly in 2022, bath additives have recorded significant growth in Japan in recent years as Japanese consumers believe in the cultural significance of bathing, which goes beyond mere hygiene to…

The continued share gains being made by plastic pouches in home care packaging in Japan can be attributed to this pack type being lightweight and easy to handle, making them a popular choice for home care products such as laundry detergents and…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries. In 2023, global inflation is expected to ease from its peak in 2022, but remaining significantly above-trend. Geopolitical risks and uncertainty in the energy market are…

In 2021, Asia Pacific ranked first globally in terms of production output of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, with a turnover of USD857 billion. Over 2021-2030, the region is expected to record the fastest production growth globally,…

This report examines e-commerce usage and revenue share from e-commerce in different industries and countries. The e-commerce index helps to better understand which industries are leading and identify key success factors. The briefing also analysis…