Asia Pacific Stick Packaging Machines Market

Asia Pacific Stick Packaging Machines Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

Asia Pacific stick packaging machines market size is expected to surge at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2023 to 2033. The market value is projected to increase from US$ 192.4 million in 2023 to US$ 337.1 million by 2033. It was valued at US$ 184.6 million at the end of 2022, and is anticipated to exhibit y-o-y growth of 4.2% in 2023.

Asia Pacific stick packaging machines industry is expected to present a promising opportunity for incremental growth during the forecast period, estimated at US$ 152.5 million. This represents a significant expansion, reaching 1.8 times the current market value.

Asia Pacific has witnessed a significant rise in the demand for stick packaging machines in recent years. Several factors have contributed to this increasing trend, highlighting changing consumer preferences, expanding urbanization, growing disposable income, and emergence of e-commerce.

Changing preferences play a crucial role in driving demand for stick packaging machines. Consumers in Asia Pacific are increasingly seeking convenience and portability in their product choices.

Stick packaging offers a compact and easy-to-use solution that aligns with the busy lifestyles of modern consumers. This packaging format appeals to a wide range of sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care, catering to diverse needs and preferences of consumers.

Rapid urbanization across Asia Pacific has also fueled stick packaging machine demand. As more people migrate to cities and urban areas, need for compact and on-the-go packaging solutions becomes paramount.

Stick packaging machines enable manufacturers to efficiently package their products, optimizing shelf space and ensuring ease of transportation. This urbanization trend, coupled with increasing penetration of modern retail formats, has created a favorable environment for the market.

Rising disposable income in Asia Pacific has also contributed to surging demand for stick packaging machines. With improving economic conditions, consumers are willing to spend more on convenience products and value-added items.

Stick packaging offers an attractive and cost-effective solution for both manufacturers and consumers, allowing them to maximize product usage while minimizing waste. As disposable income continues to rise, demand for stick packaging machines is expected to further increase.

Flourishing e-commerce sector in Asia Pacific has further played a significant role in driving demand for stick packaging machines. As online shopping gains popularity, there is a growing need for efficient and secure packaging solutions that can withstand the rigors of transportation.

Stick packaging machines provide a reliable option for packaging products such as cosmetics, snacks, and supplements, ensuring product integrity during transit. As e-commerce continues to expand across the region, demand for stick packaging machines is likely to witness a steady upward trajectory.

A Few Key Asia Pacific Stick Packaging Market Trends Listed by Future Market Insights (FMI):

• Increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions is set to drive adoption of stick packaging machines, as companies seek sustainable alternatives to reduce waste.
• Growing preference for on-the-go and portable products might fuel demand for stick packaging, catering to the needs of busy consumers in Asia Pacific.
• Technological advancements such as improved automation and higher production capacities are set to enhance efficiency and productivity in stick packaging process.
• Rising emphasis on product differentiation and branding opportunities is projected to boost use of creative and visually appealing designs on stick packaging.
• Expanding e-commerce sector might propel demand for stick packaging machines, as online retailers require compact packaging options to ensure safe transportation.

How Will Sales of Stick Packaging Machines in Asia Pacific between 2018 and 2022 Outpace Demand from 2023 to 2033?

Asia Pacific stick packaging machines market recorded a CAGR of 1.0% during the historical period. It stood at a market value of US$ 184.6 million in 2022 from US$ 177.4 million in 2018.

Convenience and portability are crucial drivers for the adoption of stick packaging machines in skincare and haircare across Asia Pacific. Consumers often seek products that are easy to carry and use on-the-go, especially when it comes to personal care items.

Stick packaging offers a compact and travel-friendly solution. It allows consumers to conveniently apply creams, serums, or balms directly to their skin or hair without the need for additional tools or containers.

Stick packaging machines also provide precise and controlled application, which is highly desired in skincare and haircare products. These sectors often require specific dosage or targeted application of their formulations.

Stick packaging allows for precise delivery, ensuring that the right amount of product is dispensed with each use. This accuracy enhances user experience and ensures effectiveness of the skincare or haircare treatment.

Stick packaging further offers aesthetic appeal and branding opportunities for skincare and haircare companies. Slim and elongated shape of stick packs provides a sleek and modern look that can enhance visual appeal of the product.

Surface area of stick packaging also allows for creative branding, product information, and eye-catching designs. This enables Asia Pacific-based skincare & haircare companies to differentiate their products and establish a unique brand identity in a competitive market.

In February 2023, for instance, Cosmogen, a pioneer in personal care product manufacturing based in France, unveiled Paper Stick. It is the firm’s patented and designed stick packaging made of 78% of FSC-certified paper. This opulent rendition provides a simple yet elegant gesture, resembling a lipstick.

How is Rising Need for Single-serve Food & Beverages Pushing Stick Packaging Demand?

Rising demand for single-serve food & beverage products has significantly contributed to growth in Asia Pacific stick packaging machines market. Stick packs are small, convenient, and portable packaging solutions.

They can cater to increasing preference for on-the-go consumption and portion control. One of the key drivers behind this trend is changing lifestyles of modern consumers, who are often busy and seek quick and easy food & beverage options. Single-serve stick packs offer a convenient solution by providing pre-measured portions that require minimal preparation time.

Stick packs also help to extend the shelf life of perishable food & beverage products, ensuring their freshness and quality. This is particularly crucial in the context of increasing urbanization and growing demand for packaged products in developing countries.

Sachet packaging offers cost-effective benefits for both manufacturers and consumers. Manufacturers can optimize their production processes by utilizing efficient sachet packaging machines, reducing material and labor costs. Consumers, on the other hand, can access affordable and portion-controlled products, minimizing wastage and expenses.

Ismail Sutaria

Principal Consultant

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How Adoption of Automated Manufacturing Process is Helping Stick Packaging Machine Companies to Expand?

Stick packaging machine manufacturers in Asia Pacific are focusing on innovating their existing packaging solutions. They are aiming to leverage the opportunity generated by increasing demand for process automation.

Numerous companies are already working on developing packaging automation products to gain an early-mover advantage in the market. However, a few multinational machinery manufacturers are planning to enter into joint ventures or partnerships with well-established automation companies.

They are aiming to establish their presence in the market, as well as gain a competitive edge and grow rapidly in the region. Automation of existing packaging systems might create tremendous growth opportunities in the market for new entrants and established players.

Few of the most desired characteristics in automated machinery are real-time diagnostics, safety features, easy-integration, and quick change-overs. A handful of benefits of smart manufacturing are:

• It replaces manual data collection and laborious tasks through automated data collection, which saves time and reduces the risk of errors.
• It uses production intelligence to increase efficiency, improve quality, address safety issues, and maintain compliance.
• It uses different technologies to transform operations and cut down costs.

Which Factors Might Obstruct Stick Packaging Machine Sales in Asia Pacific?

• High initial investment costs for stick packaging machines might deter a few companies from adopting this packaging solution.
• Limited awareness and understanding of stick packaging benefits & capabilities among potential customers could hinder sales growth of such machines.
• Resistance to change and reluctance to switch from traditional packaging formats to stick packaging might impede adoption of stick packaging machines.
• Technical complexities and maintenance requirements associated with stick packaging machines are set to discourage smaller companies from investing in this technology.
• Lack of standardized regulations and guidelines for stick packaging formats in different countries across Asia Pacific might create barriers for cross-border trade.

Country-wise Insights

Why is India Considered to be a Significant Hub for Stick Packaging Machine Manufacturers?

High Demand for Single-service Medicines in India to Fuel Sales of Stick Packaging Equipment

India emerged as the fifth world’s largest retail space. According to India Brand Equity Foundation, the retail sector is expected to reach US$ 2 trillion in India by 2032. Retail sector in the country is one of the fastest-growing marketplaces, and it forms around 10% of GDP.

Increasing purchasing power and population are a couple of the reasons behind the same. This has led to increased demand for consumer goods, including food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.

Stick packaging machines are commonly used to package single-serve portions of these products, making them convenient for consumers. As a result, India is anticipated to offer an incremental opportunity of US$ 39.2 million, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% over the next ten years.

Will Japan Create a High Demand for Stick Packaging Machines?

Stick Pack Sachet Machines to Gain Traction in Japan with Rising Demand for Cosmetics

Japan is one of the leading markets for cosmetics and personal care products in Asia Pacific. According to the International Trade Administration, and the United States Department of Commerce, the cosmetics & personal care sector size of Japan was US$ 35 billion in 2019.

Japan is also the third-largest market for personal care and cosmetics after the United States and China. It is a hub with 3,000 cosmetics and beauty care companies. Owing to this, Japan stick packaging machines market is set to account for around 15.9% of share in 2023, with a considerable CAGR of 4.1% from 2023 to 2033.

Category-wise Insights

Which is the Most Popular Type of Stick Packaging Machine in Asia Pacific?

VFFS Stick Pack Filling Machines to Witness Exponential Demand across Asia Pacific

In terms of machine type, the vertical form fill seal (VFFS) machine segment is likely to dominate the Asia Pacific stick packaging machines market by 2033. It is set to record a share of more than 86.8% in 2023.

VFFS machines are known for their high-speed operation and efficient packaging capabilities. They can quickly form, fill, and seal bags or pouches.

It can further result in increased production efficiency and productivity for manufacturers. This would allow companies to meet growing demand for packaged products while minimizing downtime and maximizing output.

VFFS machines also offer cost-effective packaging solutions for manufacturers. They typically require fewer materials compared to other packaging methods, further reducing packaging costs.

Their high-speed operation and automation capabilities would contribute to labor cost savings by minimizing the need for manual intervention in the packaging process. The horizontal form fill seal (HFFS) machine segment, on the other hand, is expected to rise with a CAGR of 7.2% over the forecast period.

Who Stands Out as the Primary Beneficiary of Stick Packaging Machines in Asia Pacific?

Demand for Sachet Stick Pack Machines to Surge among Personal Care & Cosmetics Firms

By end-use, the personal care and cosmetics segment is set to generate a stick packaging machines market share of more than 23.6% in 2023. It is further projected to create an incremental opportunity worth US$ 27.8 million during the forecast period. Rising stick packaging machine sales among hair oil and shampoo companies in Asia Pacific is projected to drive the segment.

Stick packaging machines contribute to sustainable packaging practices in the shampoo and hair oil sectors. These machines require less packaging material compared to traditional formats such as bottles or jars, resulting in reduced packaging waste.

As sustainability becomes an increasing concern for consumers and manufacturers alike, adopting stick packaging machines aligns with environmental goals. It can also demonstrate a commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Stick packaging further offers opportunities for product differentiation and effective branding for shampoo and hair oil manufacturers. Elongated surface area of stick packs provides ample space for creative and visually appealing designs.

They might enable manufacturers to showcase their brand identity and attract consumer attention on store shelves. Unique packaging designs and branding elements can help products stand out in a competitive market, increasing brand recognition and consumer preference.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in Asia Pacific stick packaging machines industry are adopting several strategies to maintain their competitive edge and capitalize on growing demand. They are focusing on continuous product innovation to develop advanced and technologically superior stick packaging machines.

It includes incorporating features such as higher production capacity, improved efficiency, better flexibility in packaging options, and enhanced automation capabilities. By offering innovative solutions, companies aim to attract customers and differentiate themselves in the market.

Several other key players are entering into strategic partnerships and collaborations with start-up companies in the packaging sector. These collaborations might help in leveraging each other's strengths and expertise, facilitating development of comprehensive packaging solutions. By joining forces, companies can expand their product offerings, access new areas, and refine their competitiveness.

Recent activities and collaborations implemented by leading players in the market are:

• In May 2023, Mespack SL introduced a compact stick-pack machine for the pharmaceutical sector.
• In February 2023, Mespack collaborated with Famartec to deliver an integrated pharmaceutical solution. It includes both primary packaging (stick packs) and secondary packaging.

Scope of the Report

Asia Pacific Stick Packaging Machines Market Outlook by Category

By Machine Type:

• Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) Machine
• Horizontal Form Fill Seal (HFFS) Machine

By Operating Speed:

• Single-lane Machine (100 to 500 stick packs per minute)
• Multilane Machine (500 to 2,000 stick packs per minute)
• High-speed Machine (2,000 & above stick packs per minute)

By Product Form:

• Granules
• Powder
• Liquid
• Semi Solid (Viscous)

By End Use:

• Food & Beverages
  • Instant Coffee and Tea
  • Energy Drinks & Powders
  • Sports Drinks & Electrolyte Powders
  • Juice and Drink Mixes
  • Protein and Nutritional Shakes
  • Sweeteners
  • Instant Soup Mixes
  • Condiments and Sauces
  • PET Food
• Personal Care & Cosmetics
  • Shampoo & Conditioners
  • Hair Oil
  • Skin Care Products
• Homecare & Toiletries
• Pharmaceuticals
• Nutritional Supplements
• Other End Uses

By Country:

• China
• India
• Japan
• South Korea
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations Countries
• Australia & New Zealand