Germany's Rapidly Aging Population Will Need Innovative Packaging Solutions

The need for lightweight, protective packaging solutions in the food and personal care sectors will sustain the growth of plastics in Germany

Nordenia microwavable flexible packaging bags — Nordenia’s microwavable flexible bags enable consumers to cook crispy food in the bag itself. The bag absorbs moisture and grease, it requires no preparation and saves time on washing and cleaning.

Nestle cup packaging — Nestle has unveiled a cup packaging for instant soups. The product is a combination of a flexible pouch, which carries the product content, and a folding Paper & Board carton, which turns in to a cup when the pouch is squeezed. As Germans shift to a snacking-on-the-go lifestyle, this package offers help in more ways than one. Compared to traditional packaging format, this packaging format saves space in transportation as well as storage.

TenderPac packaging system — Sealpac GmbH’s new innovative TenderPac for red meat has a dual compartment packaging system optimum for maturing meat products. The first compartment holds the product, while the second compartment neatly collects drip loss during maturation process with the use of absorption pad. This ensures that meat can be stored dry, leading to an increase in shelf life.

By 2055, over half of the German population will be aged 65 or over. This aging population will result in demand for easy-to-use, easy-to-handle packaging, with clearer and bolder labeling.

An older population will see an increase in the number of smaller households and manufacturers will need to focus on smaller packaging in order to reduce waste and conserve space. With this in mind, Nestlé has introduced a space-saving cup-shaped flexible pouch for its instant soups, which offers convenience for on-the-go consumption, as well as a storage solution.

Overall growth will be moderately strong over the next five years

The German Packaging industry will grow at an annual rate of 1.05 percent (by volume in million units) up to 2017. The need for lightweight, protective packaging in the food and personal care sectors will push rigid plastics to display the highest value growth of the sector over the next five years, at an annual rate of 1.88 percent.

Generally heavier and more fragile glass will decline at an annual rate of -0.36 percent for the same period.

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