Lightweight plastic mentioned , people first thought is probably the plastic used in the automotive industry. But at the same time , the plastic packaging sector has become increasingly popular lightweight materials , almost every kind of plastic packaging have emphasized this point in the shape and structure.

        But sometimes , lightweight For packaging seems to be a bad word . Market research firm IHS recently released a report for the PET market , noting that the economic and environmental factors that promote , plastic bottles and plastic packaging continued to develop in the direction of lightweight , coupled with the increasing usage of recycled materials , which is leading to PET the main reason for the low growth rate of the market demand . Although the signs are clear that many lightweight PET is one of the causes of poor market demand , but according to British research firm Global Beverages Canadean 's report, lightweight plastic packaging may promote the consumption of the United States.

        Canadean pointed out that compared 2012,2017 American usage of hard plastic and flexible packaging will increase by 32.85 million tons , making it the fastest-growing U.S. packaging industry segments . Market for packaging convenience and cost -effectiveness requirements will push lightweight flexible and rigid plastic packaging towards innovation direction.

        "The main advantage of flexible packaging is light weight, can reduce transport costs and overall supply chain costs , in addition unbreakable ." Canadean packaging services director Dominic Cakebread said.

        Packaging materials to reduce weight and thickness still faces many challenges , lightweight packaging and the need to maintain the performance and functional characteristics of the original packaging , which is lightweight packaging material production technology is a major challenge.

Growth in demand for new technology to support plastic

       Use of agricultural bio-plastics manufacturing plastic packaging industry is one of the most important recent innovations . The new material can help manufacturers reduce their carbon footprint , reduce the demand for petrochemical products and other packaging materials rich in minerals , in order to better protect the environment.

        Such materials can be reduced to 70% per ton of fuel consumption , greatly reducing carbon emissions , can offer excellent environmental benefits. However, the production of these materials also caused some controversy : the high cost of the original farmland to grow food instead of planting crops to extract bio- plastics , may result in significant long-term rise in food prices.

Advanced manufacturing technology cost savings for manufacturers

        Despite the considerable growth potential of the flexible packaging industry , but it also faces many challenges, such as lack of raw material price volatility and technical personnel. With multi -tasking capabilities of packaging machines and packaging company to help achieve efficient use of resources and minimize costs.

        Can indeed reduce the use of lightweight materials , for the purpose of PET in the field , could hurt demand, but also prompted some lightweight plastic switch brands . Summit on the global plastics , Greg Jozwiak , vice president of North American packaging Dow said switch elements include lightweight plastic , food preservation , convenience and reducing waste .

        "My view is that shale gas represents the opportunity for collaboration and innovation , re- supporting plastic film bag production ; alternative to traditional materials used in the packaging and export of products ," he said, " we have the opportunity to create a market far beyond the current new industry . "