Packaging, Paper Trends at RosUpack Signal Changes in Russian Market

Mondi reports market-specific trends for Russia following its fifth year at RosUpack. This year, the major packaging exhibition in Moscow attracted about 23,000 visitors.
 
“At RosUpack 2018 we observed specific market trends for our partner industries, including retailers, packaging converters, and baby and personal care brands,” said Albert Klinkhammer, head of public affairs at Mondi Group.
 
“Notably, Russian companies showed concrete and growing interest in the environmental sustainability of the packaging solutions we offer, including recyclability, light-weighting and renewable materials. We see this as a significant change for the Russian market. In addition to adapting product and packaging strategies for environmental sustainability, we also saw a rise in interest about packaging solutions for e-commerce and diapers, as well as premium quality printing papers.”
 
Here are the top trends from RosUpack 2018:
• E-commerce market growth requires packaging that is durable and convenient
• The Russian e-commerce market is expected to grow to almost 22 billion US dollars by 2020. The number of shoppers will grow from approximately 50 million in 2018 to 61.6 million by 2022, an increase of nearly 20% in four years.
•  Durability to protect the goods throughout long-distance transport, and attractive visual branding on or inside the packaging are other relevant aspects. Sustainability factors also matter, as brands look to prove eco-credibility with right sized, lighter and recyclable e-commerce packaging. Mondi introduced Re(use) to the Russian market, a recyclable corrugated e-commerce packaging solution with double hotmelt application.
 
The Russian diaper market still has not reached its apex. Russia’s Minister of Industry and Trade reported that it could grow tenfold to $1.2 billion. The vast majority of diapers sold in Russia are manufactured locally.
 
Commercial inquiries at RosUpack 2018 revealed interest in environmentally sustainable packaging in the largest country in the world. Converters and brands at the Moscow trade fair showed interest in recyclable and renewable packaging solutions, sustainable production methods and resourcing, including sustainable forestry practices in Russia.
 
“Increased awareness of the environmental impacts of inappropriate packaging and waste could be accelerating this trend. We see that conscious consumers are driving companies to offer sustainable products and packaging,” said Klinkhammer.