Rigid food containers, foodservice cup demand rising

New cup and container forming machine for these markets is expected to officially be launched this October at PACK EXPO International.

A group of containers exemplifies containers produced by PMC.
A group of containers exemplifies containers produced by PMC.

Demand for rigid plastic food containers, particularly in dairy applications, is expected to increase 4.2% annually through 2022, when the market is forecast to reach $7.7 billion.

Yogurt, sour cream, butter, and cheese products will drive growth in this package type, according to “Food Containers in the US, 11th Edition,” published by The Freedonia Group.

In separate research, the Cleveland-based research organization also anticipates foodservice cup demand to rise 3.3% annually through 2021 to $5.4 billion. Specialty hot and cold beverages, especially iced and cold brew coffee, will fuel growth in this market. The new study, “Foodservice Single-Use Products in the US,” anticipates beverage cups will hold more than 90% of the total demand.

During PACK EXPO International, Oct. 14-17 in Chicago, Paper Machinery Corporation will officially introduce its PMC 2500S Cup & Container Forming Machine, which produces tapered cups and containers at speeds up to 170/min. It forms paper or polypropylene containers ranging from 4 oz to 46 oz, depending upon configuration.

The machine creates preformed nestable containers for converters, co-packers, and end-user companies, which can be straight wall, nested, round, or non-round. Its servo design allows fast tooling changeovers in less than one shift.

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