Market Trends of Japan Plastic Packaging Film Industry
Strong Demand For Polypropylene (PP) Films Aids the Top-Line
- Polypropylene film, an increasingly favored packaging material, is versatile. Its low density makes it cost-effective and positions it as a substitute for a range of materials, such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, and cellophane, in numerous packaging applications. This film finds applications across various industries, from food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and personal care to industrial goods, stationery, cigarettes, and textiles.
- The burgeoning food industry in Japan is poised to bolster the sales of polypropylene films. These films stand out for their exceptional moisture and oxygen barrier capabilities, making them a prime choice for food and beverage companies. Businesses have been drawn to their products for their capacity to prolong shelf life and shield against external elements like moisture and air.
- With a heightened focus on hygiene, Japanese consumers increasingly turn to antiviral and antibacterial products, especially in residential, medical, and commercial settings. Polypropylene packaging films infused with polymeric biocides are at the forefront of this trend, effectively inhibiting the growth of various microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria. These films are engineered with an active antimicrobial agent, bolstering their antifungal capabilities.
- The market is witnessing growth primarily due to the rising adoption of flexible packaging films across diverse industries. Moreover, as awareness regarding the advantages of PP packaging films, especially in comparison to other plastic food packaging films, increases, sales are expected to surge. Notably, the expanding food & beverage, electronics, and cosmetics & personal care markets in Japan are playing a pivotal role in driving the demand for polypropylene packaging films.
- According to Ministry of Finance Japan report in April 2024, the export value of electronics from Japan have been consistently increasing in the past few years from USD 58.59 billion in 2019 to USD 76.87 billion. With the increasing export trade the demand for hight-barrier PP films are also expected to increase across the market.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
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Demand From Candy & Confectionery Segments To Boost Sales
- Japan boasts one of the largest confectionery markets in Asia. Japanese consumers exhibit a penchant for foreign confectionery, often indulging in sweet treats. Notably, chocolate and sweet confectionery trends shift multiple times within a season, rendering the Japanese confectionery market dynamic and a very significant opportunity for new players.
- Amid a surge in health consciousness and a quest for wellness, consumers favor indulgences that strike a balance between taste and nutrition, leaning towards guilt-free options. This trend isn't just fueling innovation in the confectionery sector and driving consumers to seek sustainable, eco-friendly, and recyclable packaging films for their treats.
- The country's confectionery sector's growing demand for lightweight, protective, visually appealing, and high-barrier packaging is set to drive up sales in the confectionery packaging segment. The sensory appeal of these packages not only entices purchases but also significantly boosts the market's prospects.
- In 2023, Japan produced approximately two thousand metric tons of confectioneries, as reported by the All Nippon Kashi Association in April 2024. The nation's confectionery landscape is dominated by traditional Japanese confectioneries (wagashi), alongside snack foods, biscuits, and chocolates.
- Key players in Japan's confectionery sector, such as Meiji Holdings, Ezaki Glico, and Morinaga & Company, have long been established in the industry. Notably, companies like Asahi, traditionally outside the confectionery realm, have diversified into sweet treat production, broadening the competitive field. This diversification is also poised to drive up the demand for packaging films in Japan.
