【正文】 er and displays the product better,” adds another. However, the enthusiasm for shinkwrap could shrivel slightly with consistent price hikes. Twothirds of manufacturers experienced a cost increase for shrinkwrap this year pared to 2020. Other secondary packaging materials are less popular at this time pared to paperboard and shrinkwrap. Overall, 33 percent of processors use ringtop carriers and 23 percent use flexible packaging. Most processors plan to keep ringtop carrier usage at current levels during the next five years. Flexible packaging, however, can anticipate greater growth, with 57 percent of processors planning to use more through 2020. Flexible packaging is admired because it stands out, has variety and is convenient. Plus, most processors have not experienced a price increase with flexible in the past 12 months. “Volume is increasing steadily on all SKUs that use flexible packaging,” says a global manufacturer. Package sizes Niy percent of processors have multiple package sizes for their most popular beverage. Having more package sizes represents the past, current and future trends in beverage packaging. Almost all processors have multiple package sizes, and 40 percent report an increase in the variety of package sizes in the past 12 months. This trend will continue as 44 percent plan to add new sizes in 2020. The data show that a higher variety of package sizes correlates positively to processors with more than $100 million in annual revenue. It also is interesting to note that aluminum cans and PET are most often associated with packaging variety。D is involved 39 percent and design/engineering assist with 35 percent of packaging decisions. Processors were asked what packaging innovations would help them in their business, and onethird mentioned something related to sustainability. This includes ecofriendly packaging, easytorecycle materials, lighter weight materials and biodegradable plastic. A quarter mentioned innovation that would give them more options and designs. Others wanted various types of containers, and packaging that catches the eye. We need “biodegradable food quality packaging that is made from GMOfree plant material,” said one respondent with a tallorder. “Further lightweighting of HDPE bottles,” would help another. “PET bottles without ridges or ribbing for wraparound labels,” is a suggestion from another respondent. “Aluminum bottles with a closure that does not require expensive equipment to apply,” would also be appreciated. “Cheaper bottles — oildependent products are going to be even more expensive in the future,” sums up the need for options from another respondent. Methodology Beverage Industry’s 2020 Beverage Packaging Survey has a 95 percent confident level with a 177。D is 8 percent, purchasing is 5 percent, and quality control is 5 percent. In terms of revenue, 38 percent of the sample includes facilities where the pany’s annual revenue is more than $100 million, 35 percent report revenue from $5 million to $100 million, and 27 percent have revenue less than $5 million. By the Numbers 22% of dairy drink makers bottle with HDPE. 25% of all respondents cap with sports caps. 32% of all respondents secure with metal crowns. 32% of all respondents close with metal screwtops. 48% of soft drink manufacturers use aluminum cans. 60% of alcohol beverage manufacturers process with glass. 63% of bottled water and juice processors employ PET.