Page 13 - Packaging News Magazine Sep-Oct 2021

September-October 2021 | www.packagingnews.com.au INDUSTRY INSIGHT | PAPER & BOARD 13
side of history
240 220 200 180 160 140 120 100
80
Fibre Based Pouches/Parcels/Sleeves vs Other Finished Fibre Packaging
3 MONTH MOVING AVERAGE
■ Fibre-Based Pouches/Parcels/Sleeves ■ Other Finished Fibre Packaging SOURCE: INDUSTRYEDGE, BASED ON INDUSTRY DATA SURVEYS AND ABS
Packaging Paper Consumption: Main Grades
1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.0
2011 2012 2013
■ Corrugated Packaging
2015
■ Folding Boxes & Cartonboard
2014
2016 2017
2018 2019 2020 2021
■ Plasterboard Liner ■ Other (inc. LPB) ■ Sacks & Bags SOURCE: INDUSTRYEDGE, BASED ON INDUSTRY DATA SURVEYS AND ABS
YE JUNE
paper and board made from recovered paper. In addition to the local use of recovered paper, the global paper industry purchased 1.0 million tonnes of Australia’s recovered
paper over the year.
FIBRE’S TIME IS NOW
There is no doubt fibre packaging is on the right side of history.
Made from a renewable, biologically derived resource, already recycled at far higher proportions than all other packaging materials, manufactured with less embod- ied energy, there is growing recognition of the advantages of fibre packaging from a sustainability perspective.
Reflected in brand owner decisions and observed in supply chains, all the way through to the kerbside recycling system, fibre-based packaging is growing its contri- bution, even as it grows its market share.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR FIBRE PACKAGING?
Demand for fibre resources has never been more concentrated globally, including for packaging. Fibre availability has, at the same time, never been more constrained.
The decades-long emphasis on recovery and recycling of fibre means that in most countries – not all – the easy recovery gains have been taken up. Recovering additional fibre is more challenging. And more expensive.
Developments in fibre-based packaging are taking these factors into account, ensur- ing optimal use of available resources, and making recovery and recycling easier.
Market growth will see an emphasis on resource efficiency continue. However, new capacity cannot be too far distant. The ques- tions of when, who, where and how much (volume and cost) might not be resolved, but they cannot be many years off.
Over coming years, the market expects to see more single material laminates and inserts, at the same time as there is contin- ued growth in recycled and recyclable pouches, sleeves and other sustainable home delivery options.
Lightweighting of corrugated boxes and some cartons continues, to maximise resource use, and as the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics have demonstrated, the power of corrugation is extending the use of fibre to furniture and other items.
These are the trends that will shape the future of fibre packaging. ■
Tim Woods is MD of Australia’s leading fibre packaging market analysis and consulting firm IndustryEdge, which provides subscrip- tion data, market intelligence and related business and consulting services. Find out more at industryedge.com.au
INDEX: JAN '17 = 100
MILLION TONNES
Mar-17 Jun-17
Sep-17 Dec-17
Mar-18 Jun-18
Sep-18 Dec-18
Mar-19 Jun-19
Sep-19 Dec-19
Mar-20 Jun-20
Sep-20 Dec-20
Mar-21 Jun-21