Innovation seems to be the key to success within the beverage industry. As with any other aspect of new product development, beverage-makers are looking for innovative caps and closures to seal and protect their products while also being appealing to consumers, both aesthetically and in their ease of use. As packaging suppliers offer an ever-increasing array of options to beverage-makers, suppliers of caps and closures are keeping in lockstep by providing a slew of innovative options as well.
“The fast-moving packaging industry is constantly reinventing itself to address the changing needs of consumers worldwide,” explains Jean-Marc Philbois, global market development president of Aptar Food & Beverage at AptarGroup, Crystal Lake, Ill. “For us, there are some fundamental trends like on-the-go convenience, demographics and economics, but it is always important to look ahead to see how all the trends will shape our future. Some key areas we are discussing today are demographics (age, ethnicity, income levels); the growing and continued awareness of health and wellness; and also the urbanization of the new population. Within these large mega trends, there are drivers and motivators [and] they influence how consumers behave in their everyday lives. This is driving growth in the beverage market and, significantly, the number of different and innovative on-the-go products on the shelf.”