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Steady growth in the U.S. retort packaging market is primarily due to the ability of this method to provide shelf stability and flexibility in packaging. While metal containers dominate the market, the niche segment for flexible pouches is experiencing strong growth. Another type of packaging – paperboard cartons – is also emerging and looks set to substitute traditional materials in numerous applications.
“Shelf stability in food packaging and the emergence of newer packaging methods such as flexible pouches and paperboard cartons are key factors that are currently driving the retort packaging market,” remarks Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Anupama Ramaswamy.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan U.S. Retort Packaging Markets, finds that this market earned revenues of $4.16 billion in 2005 and is likely to reach $5.49 billion in 2012.
If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants with an overview of the latest analysis of the U.S. Retort Packaging Markets, then send an e-mail to Trisha Bradley, Corporate Communications, at trisha.bradley[.]frost.com with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you by e-mail.
However, the massive size of the food industry and its constantly changing dynamics require packaging suppliers to continuously innovate in order to survive and expand. Different kinds of food products abound in the market and are packaged in popular technologies such as hot fill and cold seal.
Therefore, while retort packaging offers a substantial advantage in the form of shelf stability, making it particularly suitable for food products that require extended shelf life, manufacturers will nevertheless have to focus on cost-competitive selling to grow in this highly competitive market.
Another significant challenge that manufacturers face is the need to create high barrier materials at economical costs to sustain the rigorous retort process. The intensity of the retort filling process is such that it demands high barrier materials; however, the high cost of these materials poses a threat to the growth of this type of packaging.
Additionally, the filling equipment is more expensive than technologies such as cold seal or hot fill, forcing companies to work on source reduction to minimize the impact of high costs on the retort packaging market.
The main difficulty lies in creating packages that can withstand the high temperatures used in retort filling. Only the metal containers meet this requirement, while plastics and flexible pouches still need considerable improvement in this aspect.
“However, as these materials’ share of the retort packaging market is gradually increasing, the need to overcome this challenge is now greater than ever,” says Ramaswamy. “One primary requirement for this to occur is constant research and development, and manufacturers need to set aside funds primarily to find combinations of materials that will increase the barrier properties and technical features of the packaging materials.”
U.S. Retort Packaging Markets, part of the Chemicals & Materials Subscription, provides strategic revenue and unit shipment forecasts, competitive structure, and market share as well as qualitative analysis of the retort packaging market. In this research service, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following segments of this market: plastic, metal and flexible pouches. Interviews with the press are available.
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics.
U.S. Retort Packaging Markets
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