Redefining FMCG Packaging Market

Fast Moving Consumer Goods, as the name suggests, are low-cost products with low shelf life (they are either high in demand or deteriorate rapidly, or both).

- Shreyas N. Deshmukh

Packaged food, beverages, toiletries, stationery items, medicine, makeup — all of them come under the FMCG label. There are countless companies which manufacture such goods, and the only thing that distinguishes one company from another is its distinct packaging. As important as fast moving consumer goods are, their packaging is equally important. It’s the first thing that the consumer sees and that catches the eye. There is special focus on creating attractive and distinct packaging that can set a product apart from others on the shelf.

The FMCG packaging market is expanding exponentially. It was estimated to be over $700 billion in 2017. With world population on the rise, consumption of food has increased, thereby creating a demand for higher quality packaging. While at the same time, packaging has become more complex and competitive. There are various new market strategies like graphic designs, logo art, catchy slogans, different product wrapping methods, innovation in packaging material etc. The largest user of FMCG packaging is the e-commerce sector. Internet is easily accessible nowadays, and it connects a vast majority of the population to e-commerce websites. According to a study, around 60 percent of the sales of FMCG are done online. Before a product can be delivered to the buyer, it must be packaged with precision, to avoid any damage in handling and transportation. To ensure that, a system of multi-layer packaging is put in place; the carton carrying the product is stuffed with air-filled plastic bags for protection. However, this is a waste since all of that material is thrown away eventually.