Western Europe

Because of their adaptability, visual attractiveness and practical benefits, folding cartons are a popular pack type for meals and soups. Folding cartons act as a barrier against external elements, such as light, moisture and air, preserving the…

Even prior to the pandemic, chilled pizza had been recording significant annual declines, which continued during the pandemic and on into 2022. Chilled pizza often loses out to the longer shelf life of frozen pizza. While the packaging unit volumes…

Meals and soups total packaging volumes maintained solid growth in 2022, although performances varied across categories and pack types. For instance, in 2022, the pack type share of thin wall plastic containers increased from an already significant…

The COVID-19 pandemic provided a significant boost to volume sales of meals and soups in Sweden, as consumers remained within their homes for fear of contracting the disease. Meals and soups categories such as ready meals, frozen pizza, meal kits,…

Meals and soups packaging volumes returned to stability in Switzerland in 2022, after a couple of years of disruption due to the pandemic. Within meals and soups, soup saw the slowest growth rate, with shelf stable soup even turning to decline.…

The stagnant performance by meals and soup packaging in retail unit volume growth terms in the Netherlands is attributed to changing consumer preferences and lifestyles. Dutch consumers are increasingly seeking fresh and healthier food options, with…

Plastic pouches are seeing strong growth in dried ready meals and are therefore gaining share in this category. Major brands are using plastic pouches for their dried ready meal products due to their lightweight nature and compact size, which make…

Folding cartons were gaining share as a pack type in meals and soup packaging over the review period. This is because folding cartons are generally cost-effective to produce compared to other packaging materials like glass or metal. In a…

The growth in metal packaging volume sales in Western Europe continues, despite the unusual spike a few pack types faced during the pandemic, such as metal beverage cans in beer and carbonates. The outlook is also positive, with convenience,…

The influence of sustainability is changing the landscape of packaging materials across industries, driving a marked trend towards eco-friendly solutions at the same time as adapting to changing consumer demands. Sustainable packaging materials are…

Packaging changes in Germany reflect a broader shift towards sustainability and environmental stewardship. The EU’s imposition of a “plastic tax” in 2021 has put tremendous pressure on businesses and industries to adopt more environmentally-friendly…

In 2022, the main trend in the packaging industry in Italy was a strong emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Italy, like many countries, is experiencing growing concerns about environmental issues, prompting a shift in…

In 2022, Spain’s packaging landscape continued to see growth in plant-based dairy, with brick liquid cartons remaining the primary packaging type for these products due to their exceptional barrier properties. Emerging categories like plant-based…

In Sweden, there is a strong emphasis on adopting sustainable packaging solutions in response to growing environmental concerns. Brands are introducing eco-friendly options such as the Conflex Silk packaging for bouillon cubes. The Swedish dairy…

In 2022, the Swiss packaging market saw a series of developments, shaped by evolving consumer preferences, sustainability concerns and innovations in packaging solutions.

The packaging industry in the Netherlands is undergoing a transformation due to a growing emphasis on sustainability, health-conscious consumer choices and eco-friendly alternatives. The rise in plant-based and vegetarian diets has led to a surge in…

The UK’s packaging industry is currently influenced by two prominent trends. Firstly, the widespread use of flexible plastic packaging, especially in areas like cheese packaging, which is being driven by its cost-effectiveness, convenience and…

The packaging industry in Turkey is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by key factors such as convenience, sustainability and consumer awareness. Innovative solutions are emerging, reshaping the landscape of packaged goods. Brands like Persil…

The packaging unit volumes of thin wall plastic containers, which are mainly used for plant-based yoghurt, continued to increase in 2022, helped by the rising demand for varieties such as soy, cashew, almond etc among French consumers. Consumers are…

In 2022, liquid cartons, mainly brick liquid cartons but also gable top liquid cartons, were recording strong growth in plant-based dairy. These pack types are predominantly used in the biggest and most dynamic category of plant-based milk. Both of…