Pouches market slows after five years of growth: study

The report, published by PCI Films Consulting, estimates that in 2009, nearly 19bn SUPs were supplied, representing 5% of the total value of converted flexible packaging in Europe.

A third of this volume was accounted for by the wet pet foods market, while non-retortable food pouches were the fastest growing segment. Around 975sqm of laminate was used to make pouches.

The report predicts that volumes will grow by at least 50% by 2014 and notes that while growth between 2004 and 2009 was at 10-15%, demand slowed as the effects of the downturn were felt in 2009. “Stronger interest from packers is expected to return,” it added.

Paul Gaster, the report’s author, said: “In recent years, attitudes towards the SUP have become much more positive as brand owners, retailers and consumers recognise the attractions of this format as a cost-effective, convenient and environmentally superior alternative to rigid packaging.”

However, PCI noted that the SUP format is not without its drawbacks and “much investment is required in the future in order to bring the entire process up to the higher packing line speeds of the more conventional rigid packaging formats.

The report claims thatn compared with more traditional format, SUPs use 80% less packaging weight, are cheaper to store and transport and enable the printing of superior on-pack graphics on a larger display areas.

Further information on The European Market for Stand-Up Pouches report can be found on PCI’s website. The full report costs EUR2,750 (£2,267).

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