New Articles

Stretching Towards Sustainability: Australia’s Eco-Friendly Pallet Wrap Trends

global trade pallet pallettrader

Stretching Towards Sustainability: Australia’s Eco-Friendly Pallet Wrap Trends

The Australia pallet wraps market size is expected to surge at a CAGR of 3.0% in the next ten years. The market is projected to increase from US$ 361.9 million in 2023 to US$ 468.1 million by 2032.

It was valued at US$ 350.4 million in 2022, and is anticipated to exhibit y-o-y growth of 3.3% in 2023. As per Future Market Insights (FMI), the polyethylene (PE) segment by material held a share of about 78.3% in 2022 in the market.

In today’s world, due to high demand and consumption, need for transportation and packaging of materials is increasing rapidly. Owing to rising demand for packaging, manufacturers are aiming for the adoption of automation in their end-of-line packaging systems.

It offers high productivity with reduced costs. Hence, the government of Australia supports sustainability initiatives and bio-products, which will create an opportunity for pallet wrap manufacturers. They can develop new biodegradable pallet wraps in the next ten years.

The market is projected to create an extraordinary incremental growth opportunity of US$ 117.7 million in the evaluation period. It is also predicted to expand 1.3 times the current value during the forecast period.

Growing prominence of e-commerce in Australia and the consequent surge in online retail activities have significantly influenced demand for pallet wraps. With a greater number of goods being shipped across vast distances, ensuring safe transportation of products is paramount. Pallet wraps provide stability and containment for stacked pallets, ensuring that products remain intact throughout the complex delivery process.

Need for cost-effective solutions would also contribute to rising demand for pallet wraps. Australia-based businesses are constantly seeking ways to optimize their packaging expenses without compromising on quality.

Pallet wraps, with their ability to securely protect goods, offer a cost-effective alternative to more expensive packaging methods. At the same time, they can ensure reliable product containment and minimize potential losses, which would spur their demand.

A few factors propelling pellet wrap sales in Australia are

·         High demand for customizable packaging options as offered by pallets is anticipated to bolster sales.

·         Growing focus on improving operational efficiency in the packaging process is likely to aid demand.

·         Increasing complexity of supply chains and logistics operations across Australia is anticipated to spur sales.

·         Need for secure and protected packaging during transit is a key factor propelling demand.

·         Emphasis on cost-effective packaging solutions in Australia is estimated to create new growth opportunities.

·         Compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards is anticipated to drive the market.

·         Enhanced product presentation and branding opportunities in Australia is set to be a vital driving factor.

Top Australia Pallet Wraps Market Trends Listed by Future Market Insights (FMI)

·         Rising Demand for Packaged Foods to Spur Sales in Australia

Growth in packaged food sales in Australia is likely to have a positive impact on the Australia pallet wraps industry. Pallet wraps are used to secure and protect palletized goods during transportation and storage. Increasing demand for packaged food products is projected to push the need for more pallets for wrapping and securing them for safe transportation.

As demand for packaged food products continues to rise in Australia, need for pallet wraps is also expected to increase. Pallet wraps are an essential component of the packaging sector. Increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions is anticipated to make consumers incline toward reusable and recyclable pallet wraps.

·         Rising Preference for Eco-friendly Packaging Solutions to Create New Growth Avenues

The Australia pallet wraps industry has been witnessing growing demand from various sectors such as food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and construction, among others. With increasing focus on sustainability, there was a rising demand for eco-friendly pallet wraps made from biodegradable or recyclable materials. It is projected to impact the market for pallet wraps in Australia with changing consumer preferences.

Growing popularity of bio-based products is hence estimated to push the market. Rising demand for perfect & higher stacking, fast palletizing, safe operation, and reduced labor costs would also generate immense profit for pallet wrap manufacturers in Australia.

·         Demand for Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Pallet Wraps to Propel Sales in Australia

Antibacterial and antimicrobial pallet wraps have become increasingly popular in Australia. It is due to their ability to provide superior protection against the growth & spread of harmful bacteria and microbes.

Antibacterial wraps are designed to be used in a wide range of sectors, including food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. With more stringent and high regulations in place, businesses are looking for effective solutions to protect products from contamination.

The COVID-19 pandemic had previously heightened the need for effective antibacterial and antimicrobial solutions, particularly in the healthcare sector. Rise of e-commerce has also increased the demand for pallet wraps that can withstand longer transit times. Need to ensure product quality during shipping has surged demand in Australia.

Antibacterial and antimicrobial pallet wraps can provide an additional layer of protection against bacteria and germs during transit. These can further reduce the risk factors of contamination and product spoilage.

Sales of antibacterial and antimicrobial pallet wraps in Australia are expected to continue to surge through 2032. As businesses seek to improve their hygiene standards and protect their products from contamination, these would experience high popularity.

Competitive Landscape

Australia pallet wraps industry is expected to continue to expand due to increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective packaging solutions in various sectors. These include food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and logistics sectors. Currently, leading players in the market are gaining high shares by developing innovative and sustainable products.

One of the recent industry developments:

·         In March 2023, Great Wrap, an Australia based pallet wrap manufacturer launched the world’s first compostable pallet wrap. It was manufactured by using compostable biopolymers and food waste.

paper global trade eco-friendly damage ratings retail packaging ISTA

Eco-Friendly Packaging Market: A Lucrative Market Projected to Reach USD 430.38 Billion by 2032

The global eco-friendly packaging market is estimated to grow from USD 207.86 billion in 2022 at 7.6% CAGR (2023-2032) to reach an estimated USD 430.38 billion by 2032.

Eco-friendly initiatives are gaining increasing attention, particularly from various consumer segments. Consumers now prioritize products that are sourced and manufactured sustainably. This consumer preference has resulted in sustainable products experiencing a remarkable growth rate of 2.7 times faster than traditional goods, despite the price premiums associated with eco-friendly alternatives.

  • Eco-friendly packaging is defined as packaging that minimizes harm to humans and the environment compared to alternative options. However, it lacks standardized parameters for measurement, making it a subjective label.
  • About 75% of organizations have committed to eco-friendly packaging, but only 30% are prepared to meet regional regulatory standards and internal sustainability goals. Fewer than 30% have established clear metrics for recyclability and eco-friendliness.
  • Eco-friendly initiatives are gaining traction, driven by consumer preferences for sustainable products. Sustainable goods grow 2.7 times faster than traditional goods, despite potential price premiums.

Consumers who prioritize purchasing the eco-friendly packaging for some products. 

Regarding consumers’ most favoured eco-friendly product categories, a substantial majority of millennials (60%) opt for environmentally friendly food options. Additionally, cleaning products and clothing emerge as popular choices, particularly among Generation Z, with 56% expressing a preference for sustainable apparel. Moreover, water bottles and coffee cups are prominently featured on the list of preferred eco-friendly products. It is worth noting that approximately 20% of respondents also indicated a penchant for eco-conscious appliances, indicating a growing trend in sustainable consumer behaviour. Furthermore, a significant proportion of women (34%) prioritize sustainability when selecting makeup and skincare products.

Overall, this data signifies the evolving landscape of consumer preferences, where green products are gaining traction across various categories. Businesses must recognize these trends and align their offerings with sustainable practices to cater to the growing demand for environmentally friendly alternatives. By understanding and catering to consumer preferences for green products, companies can capitalize on the opportunities the burgeoning market presents for sustainable goods and services. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on sustainability in packaging

Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, sustainability was a major focus across the entire packaging value chain. Consumers were increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the packaging industry, prompting legislative responses worldwide. Recognizing the importance of sustainability as part of their value proposition, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and retail companies made significant commitments to improving the recyclability of their packaging. This combination of consumer demand and regulatory pressure significantly influenced upstream players in the packaging industry, who were expected to contribute to meeting these commitments.

Growing demand from the food and beverage sector for biodegradable packaging

The increasing market demand for biodegradable packaging, primarily driven by the food and beverages industry, presents significant growth opportunities. Food and beverage manufacturers increasingly embrace sustainable practices by adopting reusable and recycled packaging materials. This strategic shift is driven by the objective of reducing packaging waste and aligning with stringent government regulations surrounding sustainability. 

  • For instance, on April 6, 2023, California Olive Ranch introduces a new line of recyclable aluminium oil bottles, catering to the growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions in the food industry.

Environmental Innovation in Action Because Major Market Players Empowering Sustainability Through Technological Advancements

Technological advancement plays a pivotal role in driving the growth of the eco-friendly packaging market. Recognizing the importance of sustainable practices, major market players have been proactively investing in research and development to create innovative technologies that enable a shift towards environmentally friendly packaging solutions, particularly in the food packaging sector. 

  • Instance, an illustration of this is Huhtamäki Oyj, which introduced a ground-breaking ice cream packaging solution in 2022, leveraging paper-based technology. 

Segments covered in the report:

By Type

  • Recyclable
  • Degradable
  • Reusable

By Material Type

  • Paper and Paper Board
  • Plastic
  • Metal
  • Glass
  • Starch-Based Materials
  • Others

By Product Type

  • Bags
  • Pouches and Sachets
  • Boxes
  • Containers
  • Films
  • Trays
  • Tubes
  • Bottles and Jars
  • Cans
  • Others

By Technique

  • Active Packaging
  • Molded Packaging
  • Alternate Fiber Packaging
  • Others

By Layer

  • Primary Packaging
  • Secondary Packaging
  • Tertiary Packaging

By Application

  • Food and Beverages
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Personal Care
  • Home Care
  • Others

By Regional 

  • North America
      • U.S.
      • Canada
      • Mexico
  • Europe
      • Germany
      • France
      • U.K.
      • Italy
  • Asia Pacific 
      • China
      • India
      • Japan
      • Australia
  • Central & South America
      • Brazil
  • Middle East & Africa
    • South Africa

Report Source https://www.towardspackaging.com/insights/creating-good-packaging-for-eco-friendly-packaging

 

combustion

Hydrogen Combustion Engine Market Increases by 10% as Manufacturers in UK Strives to Achieve Zero Carbon Emission

The global hydrogen combustion engine market is projected to have a high-paced CAGR of 9.78% during the forecast period. The current valuation of the hydrogen combustion engine market is US$ 18.22 Bn in 2023. The value of the hydrogen combustion engine market is anticipated to reach a high of US$ 46.31 Bn by the year 2033.

The key aspects pushing the adoption of hydrogen combustion engine is owing to government attempts to promote the use of fuel cell cars, a growth in the demand for fuel cells in automotive and transportation, and an increase in the demand for passenger transportation. Internal combustion engines have long been popular.

Despite this, OEMs are turning their attention to natural gas and hydrogen-based engines because to the rising cost of crude oil, strict emission regulations, fuel supply security, and noise pollution. This is evidently likely to promote the global hydrogen combustion engine.

In addition, an increase in government and other organizational support for the development and commercialization of refueling infrastructure throughout the world is projected to result in the rapid advancement of the global market for hydrogen combustion engines over the next few years.

In addition, the approaching decline in fuel cell costs, brought on by the rising use of creative strategies by fuel producers to lower fuel prices, is anticipated to improve the market’s development prospects in the years to come. Hydrogen combustion engines are gradually evolving as a result of different technical breakthroughs and inventions, allowing them to provide high power outputs while also improving fuel efficiency.

Despite a rise in demand for electric engines and a corresponding decrease in demand for internal combustion engines powered by traditional sources, hydrogen combustion engines are estimated to continue to play an important role in the evolution of the automobile industry. Furthermore, they have the ability to improve in a variety of areas, including thermal efficiency, emissions, and electrification.

The need for research is always being filled by researchers. Because more hydrogen-powered vehicles could be produced and put on the market thanks to the development of low-cost hydrogen energy production technology, hydrogen vehicles became a reality.

Growing scientific study has pushed vehicle manufacturers to build eco-friendly automobiles on the market in order to minimize carbon emissions in the environment. These factors are anticipated to expand the global hydrogen combustion engine market size in the forecast period.

However, hydrogen (in gaseous form) is often produced from water using electrolysis, which involves sending a strong electric current through water to separate oxygen and hydrogen atoms. The electrolysis technique is highly expensive due to the high energy needs. Moreover, the stringent norms and regulations regarding greenhouse gas emissions are expected to impede market growth.

Key Takeaways:

During the forecast period, North America is expected to account for the largest share of the global hydrogen combustion engine market. The market in this region is expected to rise due to increasing R&D investment in order to provide cutting-edge solutions and meet end-user demands. Furthermore, the US government’s renewable energy programs are spurring market growth throughout the country.

The hydrogen combustion engine market in Europe is predicted to develop rapidly, particularly in Germany, during the projected period. This is owing to the key players in the nation are actively developing a hydrogen internal combustion engine, pushing the pan-European goal of becoming the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050, based on their significant knowledge and years of research experience in this field.

Owing to its ability to transfer protons over the membrane from the anode to the cathode and its importance to the electrochemical process’s effectiveness, the “proton membrane exchange” technology type is expected to hold the greatest revenue, through the forecast period.

As it fits the market niche by serving the country’s middle class with low prices, high-quality amenities, small sizes, and simple financing options, the “commercial vehicles” application type, accounts for a significant share, and is the most preferred type.

Competitive Landscape:

Owing to the existence of both international and local players, the global hydrogen combustion engine market is fragmented. A vast number of manufacturers have a significant market share in their respective regions. Organic developments, such as product releases and approvals, are often highly adopted by key companies. For instance, in April 2021, Toyota announced that it is developing a hydrogen-fueled combustion engine that will be used in sports vehicles and seeks to create a thriving and sustainable mobility society. These factors are estimated to expand the global hydrogen combustion engine market size.

trucking cup

Should You Care about what Trucking Companies do to be More Eco-Friendly?

We think the answer to that question is a resounding YES! According to Our World in Data, The transportation industry accounts for 29% of the world’s CO2 emissions. Considering we move around 72% of the nation’s freight by weight, it makes sense that we contribute a little over a quarter of the global emissions. Planet Earth deserves our love and concern as well, so here are some specific actions we have taken to ensure a more sustainable future for generations to come:

  1. Improving fuel efficiency

To see specific ways we work to increase fuel efficiency, check out our article titled “8 Ways to Improve Fuel Efficiency For Truck Drivers”. As we all know, knowledge only goes so far. That’s why we give monthly bonuses to our drivers based on idle time and miles per gallon.

  1. Planning trips in advance to avoid empty miles

An estimated 35% of trucks on the road today are running empty. That equates to around 72 million metric tons of C02 emissions in a year. That’s why a main priority for our dispatchers is planning loads in advance with the goal to avoid empty miles as much as possible. This also increases the amount of gross a driver is making, so it’s a win-win.

  1. Installing APU units on trucks

APU units help drivers utilize truck functions without the need to keep the engine running. They save around 1 gallon of diesel fuel per hour of idling time according to Green APU. This helps drivers stay more fuel efficient, and it helps the environment!

  1. Recycling all cardboard, paper, and batteries

What do you typically do with those AA batteries when they run out? You could be recycling them! We recycle our batteries through EverLights. We also have a weekly dumpster pickup for all our cardboard and paper.

  1. Using mugs instead of disposable cups

Every minute around 1 million disposable cups are dumped into landfills. To avoid more unnecessary trash, we provide each of our employees with mugs and reusable water bottles to cut down on the waste that eventually ends up in our oceans. If you need more motivation to avoid disposable cups, according to Study Finds, the microplastic layer in paper cups degrades within 15 minutes when used for hot beverages. This leaves around 10.2 billion microplastics in the cup you are drinking.

  1. Going paperless

Drivers can perform inspections, sign contracts, review and receive paychecks, and submit work orders from digital devices. Between Samsara, Fullbay, and Docusign, we’re eliminating our paper trail almost completely!

  1. Running an environmentally minded repair shop

Having a truck shop on site is helpful enough in being able to provide some great services to our drivers. In addition, our staff has gone above and beyond to make sure we’re maximizing what we have. Here’s a short list of what they do:

-Recycle all oil
-Recycle all metal
-Recycle oil filters separately
-Recycle all liquids
-Recycle literally everything on the truck (yeah we could have started with this one)
-Rubber tires get recapped (this adds 3-4x the life length of a tire)
-Repair tractors and trailers from accidents to a renewed road-ready state
-Using only the best quality of oil to increase the life of motors (we switched to Shell oil and found a major difference)

Trucking companies can consider many ways to take action in decreasing their carbon footprint on this spectacular earth. Essentially, it all starts with a desire to make a difference and the willingness to follow through. From seeking better fuel efficiency to using mugs instead of disposable cups, the vision to be good stewards of the earth we’ve been given to care for is what really makes a company move in the right direction. Keeping this idea at the forefront of everyone’s minds will be what makes a substantial impact in the end!

 

warehouse

Three Tactics for an Environmentally Friendly Warehouse

What do buying a new car, picking up a latte in the neighborhood and clearing the table after a family dinner all have in common?

Each of these actions prompts us to think about environment and take decisions about the use we make of recyclable, compostable and biodegradable waste. As a society, we are more and more conscious of the role each of us plays when it comes to the environmental responsibility and take it into consideration when making purchase decisions.

And how about a distribution center? Governments try to remedy the alarming quantity of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the supply chain industry.

Here are 3 tactics you can consider implementing in your warehouse operations, all while taking into account the profitability and efficiency of your operations.

1. Hydrogen fuel cells for forklifts

From a cost-effective standpoint, hydrogen fuel cells may be a superior option to the traditional lead-acid batteries.

These batteries stand out thanks to the longer useful lives than their traditional counterparts. The initial investment and maintenance costs are comparable. The only potential drawback is the cost of the actual forklift model using the new technology. Depending on the model chosen, operators may or may not make a business case for an environmentally friendly alternative.

Hydrogen fuel cells also allow for greater logistical efficiency. The refueling period is relatively fast and results in significant time savings when compared to working with lead-acid batteries. What more, these forklifts travel much faster than the conventional battery-powered ones.

Finally, hydrogen fuel cells emit no GES while operating. They bring you closer to reaching the sustainable development objectives set by your organization.

2. LED technology lighting

The initial investment for LED technology will be higher than for fluorescent lights but with lower annual operating costs. In addition, the life expectancy of LED lights is much longer, and can offer as many as +200,000 hours with variations due to industry differences. Your business may reach the break-even point after only three years following the investment.

In terms of logistical efficiency, the only downside will be the brightness of the LEDs. At some point, the luminosity at your warehouse may fall below acceptable levels despite what LED suppliers may claim.

Finally, the energy efficiency of LED technology is by far more attractive than that of fluorescent lights (80% compared to 10%). In addition, LED lights do not contain any mercury.

Use of wind energy?

How about wind power? Will installing wind turbines be profitable enough to power your distribution center? To find out, you’ll need to evaluate your electricity cost as well as the wind patterns in your area. Add to that the cost of purchasing, installing and maintaining the wind turbines.

Unlike fossil fuels, wind is not a stable source of energy, and logistical efficiency may be affected. This is especially the case when the wind turbines cannot fully satisfy the warehouse’s need for electricity. On the other hand, CO2 emissions from the warehouse’s power supply would be completely eliminated.

Even though the distribution center may not be fully self-sufficient with wind power as the only source of energy, wind turbines are still a good option. Building a hybrid warehouse that relies on both wind power and network electricity is a solid contribution to sustainability.

Which tactic to implement?

All three options discussed in this article are sound from an environmental point of view. They all further environmental conservation.

Each option has to be carefully evaluated with your suppliers. The costs of acquisition, installation, and maintenance must be accounted for. This exercise will allow business owners to manage the ROI expectations and make the right decisions both for the business and the planet.

Going ahead with any of these initiatives will serve well the generations to come.

Generix Group North America provides a series of solutions within our Supply Chain Hub product suite to create efficiencies across an entire supply chain. Our solutions are in use around the world and our experience is second-to-none. We invite you to reach out to us here to learn more.

This article originally appeared on GenerixGroup.com. Republished with permission.