Paper packaging is currently considered a green packaging option, offering numerous advantages in terms of energy conservation and resource saving. Internationally, the era of paper packaging for food has arrived.
Analysis of Development Trends in the International Paper Packaging Industry
Currently, the development of paper packaging printing technology abroad presents the following new characteristics: the development from single-layer materials to multi-layer materials; the coexistence of various printing methods such as offset printing, gravure printing, flexographic printing, and screen printing, with flexographic printing expected to grow the fastest; the development from sheet paper to roll paper and from stand-alone machines to inline production; and the continuous optimization of the entire production system through the comprehensive application of various related new technologies (such as computer design, digital technology, laser processing technology, and new materials).
The development trend of paper packaging containers abroad is as follows: one-piece molded paper containers will gradually replace the current die-cut composite paper containers; deep coating technology will gradually replace the past wax coating; composite technology has become an important skill in the research and development of paper containers; CAD and CAM systems will greatly shorten the design and manufacturing cycle of paper packaging containers. In addition, the focus of paper product packaging development is on high-grade paper packaging with low basis weight, high strength, and lightweight, to achieve the goals of standardization, serialization, multiple varieties, multiple base materials, and multiple uses.
Japan introduces a new type of glass wrapping paper.
The packaging industry has developed rapidly in recent years, and packaging materials, as an indispensable component, have also ushered in a vast market. At the same time, the increasingly diversified needs of consumers have placed higher demands on the packaging market. Recently, a Japanese company launched a new type of glassine paper that can extend the shelf life of fresh food.
A Japanese company has introduced a new type of cellophane for packaging fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables, which can accelerate their ripening process and double their shelf life. The cellophane is coated with a special chemical called horigol, which promotes the activity of ethylene-producing enzymes in fruits and vegetables, thus extending their freshness. Using this packaging not only facilitates long-distance transportation of these foods and reduces spoilage, but also reduces the amount of preservatives needed, lowering costs.
Analysis of Development Trends in the International Glass Packaging Industry
In order to compete with new packaging materials and containers such as paper containers and plastic bottles, glass bottle and jar manufacturers in developed countries have been working to make their products more reliable, more aesthetically pleasing, cheaper, and more affordable.
To achieve these goals, the development trends of the international glass packaging industry are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Adopting advanced energy-saving technologies
Another way to save energy, improve melting quality, and extend furnace life is to increase the amount of cullet used. In foreign countries, the amount of cullet added reaches 60%-70%. Ideally, 100% cullet should be used to achieve the goal of "eco-friendly" glass production.
Lightweight bottles and jars
In developed countries such as Europe, America, and Japan, lightweight bottles have become the dominant product in the glass bottle and jar market.
Obedand manufactures 80% lightweight, single-use glass bottles and jars. Precise control of raw material composition, meticulous control of the entire melting process, non-nose blow molding (NNPB) technology, hot and cold end coating, and online inspection are key technologies that contribute to the lightweight design. Several countries are developing new surface reinforcement technologies for bottles and jars to further reduce their weight.
Increase labor productivity
The key to improving labor productivity in glass bottle manufacturing is increasing the glass bottle forming speed. Currently, developed countries commonly use multi-stage, multi-drop forming machines. Large furnaces matched with high-speed forming machines must have the capacity to stably supply large quantities of high-quality molten glass, and the temperature and viscosity of the droplets must meet the requirements of optimal forming conditions.
Therefore, the raw material composition must be highly stable. In developed countries, glass bottle manufacturers mostly source their refined, standardized raw materials from specialized raw material producers. The furnace thermal parameters for melting quality must be controlled digitally to achieve optimal control throughout the entire process.
Increase production concentration
In order to adapt to the severe competition faced by the glass packaging industry from other new packaging products, a large number of glass packaging manufacturers have begun to merge and reorganize to increase the concentration of the glass container industry, so as to optimize resource allocation, improve economies of scale, reduce disorderly competition, and enhance development capabilities. This has become a trend in the world glass packaging industry.
It is anticipated that the circular economy will become the main development model for the packaging industry in the future, the recycling and utilization of packaging waste resources will be industrialized, green packaging materials will be vigorously developed, and the basic packaging industry will also accelerate its development.
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