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US demand to reach $2.1 billion by 2018
Demand for tube and stick packaging in the US is forecast to reach $2.1 billion in 2018. Growth will be fueled by further recoveries in the manufacturing and construction sectors from post-recession troughs. Improved output of cosmetics and toiletries and pharmaceuticals rela-tive to that of the 2008-2013 period will support gains. A turnaround in construction activity will bode well for cartridges used to package caulks and sealants, which are widely used in new construction and in maintenance and repair applications. Product differentiation and convenience advantages will promote growth for squeeze tubes and stick packs.
Key squeeze tube segment to track industry average
Squeeze tubes are by far the largest tube and stick packaging product type, accounting for approximately 60 percent of total value demand in 2013. Demand for squeeze tubes is expected to increase in line with the overall tube and stick packaging average, with these containers remaining widely used in the packaging of creams, pastes, and other viscous substances, based on a number of advan-tages. Among these are a relatively low cost, a wide variety of customization capabilities, and the ability to provide controlled dispensing. Value advances will also reflect expanded use of specialty decorative and design processes to achieve a premium appearance.
Laminate tubes will gain ground in cosmetic and toiletry applications other than toothpaste and in pharmaceuticals, making inroads into plastic and aluminum tubes and against other container types such as bottles. The range of appli-cations for laminate tubes will increase as a result of cost advantages, the growing presence of specialized and/or natural formulations requiring higher barrier properties to maintain shelf life, and aesthetic improvements resulting from various coating and finishing processes.
Stick packs, cartridges among best opportunities
Among major tube and stick packaging types, healthy gains are expected for stick packs, with opportunities boosted by the further development of new applications. Growth will also be aided by advantages of product differentiation, portability, and material savings compared to conventional single portion packaging configurations. Moreover, the differentiation attributes of stick packs will promote opportunities in introductions of product line extensions and in refreshing or repositioning mature products. On the other hand, increasing saturation in sugar and sweetener uses and competition from other convenient single serving packaging options in drink mixes and yogurt will moderate gains to some extent.
Demand for cartridges for caulks and greases will increase at an above average pace based on a rebound in construction activity, with the residential, office, and commercial building markets all expected to recover from their post-recession troughs. Design trends in new homes, such as larger windows and larger and better appointed kitchens and bathrooms, will also drive increased adhesive and sealant consumption, and related cartridge demand. In addition, a recovery in manufacturing output will drive increased requirements for adhesives and sealants used in bonding and assembly applications and lubricants for use in industrial machinery and motor vehicle applications. These trends will bode well for related cartridge packaging for adhesives, sealants, and greases.
Company Profiles
Profiles 36 industry competitors including Albéa Group, Berry Plastics, CCL Industries, Essel Propack, Jim Pattison Group, Plastek Group & Sonoco Products
Additional Information
This study examines the tube and stick packaging market in the United States. Historical (2003, 2008, and 2013) data and forecasts for 2018 and 2023 are presented in current dollars for tube and stick packaging (including merchant and captive production) by product, material, and market. Unit demand is presented for laminate tubes, extruded plastic tubes, collapsible metal tubes, and plastic and fiberboard cartridges. Product types include squeeze tubes, twist tubes, cartridges, stick packs, and other tubes and sticks (e.g., rigid applicator tubes, rigid and semi-rigid plastic tube containers). Materials include plastic, metal, and paper. Tube and stick products containing multiple material types are included under the dominant material component. For instance, laminate tubes are considered as plastic, and fiberboard cartridges with metal ends are considered as paper. Markets include cosmetics and toiletries, pharmaceuticals, adhesives and sealants, food, and other (e.g., lubricants, hardware, diagnostic products). Excluded from the scope of this study are mailing tubes, pharmaceutical injector pens, and tube- and stick-shaped containers not used for product packaging. “Demand” (also referred to as “sales” or “apparent consumption”) is defined as all shipments from US plants, plus imports minus exports. The term “shipment” includes production from all US manufacturing establishments that is shipped to both US and foreign markets.