The consumption of tobacco-based products is growing rapidly across the globe, a major cause for which is the surging work pressure. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2018, about 1.337 billion people, among which 43 million were in the age group of 13–15 years, consumed tobacco, primarily as a measure for dealing with their physical and social environment, deteriorating mental health, personal views, and peer pressure. Tobacco contains nicotine, a psychoactive mood-altering chemical, which stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain, thereby creating a relaxed and pleasurable sensation and helping in relieving stress.
It is because of this growing consumption of tobacco across the globe that the demand for tobacco packaging is increasing. Different kinds of materials are utilized for packing dried tobacco leaves and other tobacco containing products for maintaining their aroma and quality and protecting them from natural degradation. According to a report by P&S Intelligence, the global tobacco packaging market attained a value of $19,134.6 million in 2019 and is predicted to advance at a 3.7% CAGR during the forecast period (2020–2030). Metals, paper, plastics, and wood are the major material types that are utilized for packaging loose tobacco.
Out of these, the demand for paper was the highest in the past and the situation is expected to remain the same during the forecast period as well. Paper is the most common preference for packing cigarettes, which is further the most extensively used tobacco products across the globe. As per the WHO, 1 billion people consumed approximately 6 trillion cigarettes that were manufactured in 2019. In addition to this, paper and paperboard materials are eco-friendly in nature, which increased their utilization for packaging tobacco. Other than this, the demand for plastics is also projected to rise considerably in the near future.
This is owing to the wide and easy availability of plastic packaging materials/containers. These products are further available in different sizes and shapes. Plastic materials are further low in weight and can be transported with ease, which is also resulting in their increasing adoption. Primary and secondary are the two packaging types, between which, the demand for secondary packaging has been higher up till now. Secondary packaging acts as a barrier against different environmental factors, including aroma dissipation and moisture. This packaging, in the form of corrugated boxes, cartons, and trays, is utilized for holding the individual units together when they are being transported to consumer or point of sale.
