Thin Wall Plastic Containers: Functionality and Freshness a Key Recipe for Success

Thin wall plastic containers to benefit from rising demand in food staples and soft drinks

As fifth largest pack type in global retail packaging in 2016, thin wall plastic containers is also set to grow further by a CAGR of 2% to 2020. The biggest volume gains will be realised as consumers in Asia Pacific and Latin America switch from loose to packaged food and drinks; particularly in dairy, water, processed and baby foods but also coffee pods and wet pet food.

Packaging functionality is one of thin wall containers’ major USPs; starting with portability

With growing snacking behaviour, thin wall containers increasingly appeal for their suitability for consumption on the go. As consumers are also more and more concerned about calorie intake, the pack type conveys greater portion control and helps turn dairy products into healthy snacks.

Heat resistance, shaping and closure innovation enable easier meal preparation

In processed foods such as meat, seafood and ready meals, thin wall plastic containers offer to ease meal preparation. Microwavability gives the pack type a perceived advantage over metal food cans. Product preservation can also be enhanced through pack sizing, multi-compartment design or resealability. Safety is also key in prepared baby food.

Thin wall containers’ assimilation with product freshness is a tool for success in foods

As well as functionality, thin wall plastic containers can also help address the increasingly important need for brand owners to induce among consumers a perception of higher quality. Product freshness matters greatly in foods and wet pet foods; which sometimes favours thin wall containers.

The ultimate goal is to create an enhanced consumer experience

Alongside product freshness, thin wall containers grow in appeal as a way to position a product as healthier, particularly as demand for more natural/ organic varieties increases in Western Europe and North America. This can be achieved with smaller pack sizes deemed more premium and with transparent tubs.