Within the area of (plastics) packaging the classic supply chain comprises resin suppliers, film producers, converters, packers, brand owners, retailers and finally the customer or end user. If this is complemented by the machine suppliers who interact with several chain members, we can speak about an integrated supply chain – or to be even more precise – about a value and innovation chain. And today the inclusion of recycling issues is another useful step.
Current market trends and social developments demand new packaging solutions. The main general needs are cost reduction, convenience and, most recently, environment protection and sustainability. Some examples of how those trends and needs derive challenges for possible film developments:
