Stick pack machines in past, today and in the future
Stick pack machines are relatively new, with the first stick packs being introduced in Japan in 1975. They were initially used to package food and beverage products such as yogurt, pudding, and instant coffee. Stick packs were popularized in the United States by General Mills’ Yoplait Go-Gurt yogurt tube. The machines work similarly to vertical form fill seal machines, with a roll of film being cut and formed into stick packs that are filled and sealed vertically. These machines can produce up to 1,600 stick packs per minute with available changeover kits. Stick pack machines are currently used to package a wide variety of products, including legal cannabis products, pharmaceutical powders, and drink mixes.
The stick pack packaging machine market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years. According to recent market research, the global stick pack packaging machine market is expected to witness a growth rate of approximately 6.60% during the forecast period of 2021 to 2028. The market is driven by the increasing demand for on-the-go packaging and the convenience of stick packs for portability. Stick pack machines are used to package a wide variety of products, including viscous, powdery, liquid, solid, and granular products, using plastic, paper, and PE-coated aluminum for packaging. The market is segmented by product, machine, and end-user industry, and is expected to reach US$ 4,602.00Mn by 2027 from US$ 2,884.71 Mn in 2020. The stick packaging market has shown steady growth, with nearly 50% of revenue expected to come from powder products. Europe and North America are estimated to remain lucrative markets for stick packaging manufacturers, with the USA providing remunerative growth prospects due to the presence of several food and pharmaceutical companies in the country.
Stick pack machines are gaining popularity in Africa due to their convenience and portability. The stick pack packaging machine market in Africa is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to the increasing demand for packaged food and beverage products in the region. Machine companies are offering a range of machines that can package products such as sugar, salt, coffee, and milk powder in stick packs. The pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries in Africa are also expected to drive the growth of stick pack machines in the region.
Stick pack machines are gaining popularity in Russia for their convenience and versatility. Machine manufacturers offer stick pack machines for packaging powders, granules, liquids and also instant coffee, tea, and sugar. Stick pack machines are also used in the pharmaceutical industry in Russia for packaging drugs and other medical products. The growth of e-commerce and online shopping in Russia has also contributed to the increasing demand for stick pack machines, as they offer a convenient and portable packaging solution for products sold online.
When it comes to the future of stick pack machines, there are a few key trends that are likely to shape their development. One trend is the increasing demand for customization and personalization, which could lead to stick pack machines that are more flexible and adaptable to different products and packaging needs. Another trend is the growing importance of sustainability and eco-friendliness, which could lead to stick pack machines that use more eco-friendly materials and packaging methods.
In terms of technology, advancements in automation and artificial intelligence could lead to stick pack machines that are more efficient and require less human intervention. This could also lead to improvements in quality control and product consistency.
Overall, the future of stick pack machines is likely to be shaped by a combination of consumer demands, environmental concerns, and technological advancements. As manufacturers work to meet these evolving needs, we can expect to see continued innovation in the stick pack machine industry.