Essential in the safe transport of bulk cargo, container liners are constantly gaining demand owing to factors such as reduced effort in cleaning, replacement, reusability, cost efficiency, and resistance to dampness and humidity. Rapidly growing manufacturing industries across the globe, and the consequent increase in marine shipping activities is one of the key influencers that is driving higher usage of container liners for the storage and transport of such products.
Environmental Concerns Drive Producers towards Material Sustainability
Constantly growing concerns about environment pollution, and the use and indiscriminate disposal of plastics around the world, has led to the implementation of strict laws, which are anticipated to restrict the companies producing container liners, and push them towards the adoption of measures aimed towards reuse and recyclability.
For example, with the European Union aiming for reduced use of plastics, and extensive application of circular economy, container liner manufacturer Thrace Group, has voluntarily announced its decision to replace more than 8000 tons of raw virgin plastic in its products with recycled plastic, by the end of 2025.
Similarly, LC Packaging International B.V, has announced its intention to reinvent the uses of plastic, to improve on efficiency in design, production, application, and disposal, through additional research efforts in the designing and manufacturing of recyclable, low-weight, packaging products, and new types of technical fabrics.
Container Liner Manufacturers Look Towards Strategic Acquisitions and Mergers
Manufacturers are increasingly looking to improve on their production capabilities, expanding technological knowhow, and expanding on geographical market presence, through strategic collaborations, mergers and acquisitions.
For instance, major container liner manufacturer Greif Inc. has entered into an agreement towards the acquisition of Caraustar Industries Inc. This deal is anticipated to significantly build on Greif’s diversity of products, thereby improving on overall cash flow, profitability, and balance.
Berry Global Group Inc., a container liner producer also announced its acquisition of polythene bag and film manufacturer, Laddawn Inc. in mid-2018. The acquisition is expected to provide Berry Global with significant additions to the company’s portfolio of engineered materials, resulting in a wide range of product offerings for consumers.
Similarly, Australian packaging products giant, Amcor Ltd. is also in the process of acquiring U.S. based Bemis Co. Inc. the merged entity is expected to have the benefit of additional manufacturing capacity, and extended market reach to consumers across different parts of the world, as both companies provide container liner products for similar end use consumers.
Innovations in Material and Design Drive the Development of Container Liners
To meet the high standards of modern packaging requirements, major container liner manufacturers have increased their investment in research and development activities to enhance functionality, durability, and sustainability of their products.
For example, Bulk Handling Australia has revealed its range of woven container liners made from polypropylene, or high-density polyethylene, that made manufactured according to the end-users customization. The liners make use of impulse welding processes, instead of conventional sewing procedures.
TankBag has introduced its range of single use container liners, made from food grade polyethylene that have been designed especially for ISO rated tanks, for liquid cargo. The product improves on the optimization of product integrity and costs of cleaning, thereby minimizing cargo restrictions. The TankBag allows users to have a completely clean tank, after every use, ready for a different type of cargo, by eliminating the risk of contamination, and making it compliant for use as per administrative bodies such as the EU, FOSFA, and FDA.
Eceplast has also brought out its variant of container liners that make use of a unique Barless Safety System that completely eliminates the need for steel bars in the bulkhead area, which significantly improves on the benefits of monetary savings, provides easier handling, and reduces the risk of damage that occasionally occurs through the use of steel bars.
To Know more? Download sample report.