Qenos's direct business predicts growth in the Australian packaging industry

Earlier this year, Qenos launched its polyethylene (PE) direct business, eXsource, which extended its distribution and industry reach of local and international specialty polymers.

Qenos has successfully supplied PE to the flexible packaging manufacturing and processing industry for over 60 years, and eXsource has seen positive signs for further growth in the packaging industry. Applications for the packaging industry include easy opening films, re-closable seals, barrier films, industrial packaging films and blow-moulding.

“With businesses in the market competing with the growing volume of imported finished film and imported finished goods, many eXsource customers are staying ahead of the competition by developing new products for niche applications,” said eXsource Business Manager Ged Beckton.

eXsource Sales Manager Jackson Allan highlighted that the Australian market is seeing brands transitioning from using traditional rigid packaging to flexible packaging.

Between 2005 and 2015, finished polymer film imports grew at a compounded annual growth rate of 8%, while the demand for polyethylene in the Australian film manufacturing market decreased with a CAGR of -3%, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Despite continued growth in finished film imports, the demand for polyethylene in the Australian film manufacturing market has remained steady over the last three years. As a result, the overall size of the market has grown, which Qenos suggests could be a result of the food industry adding value to their products before exporting.

“We are seeing our customers make the most of favourable market trends, for example, the move towards flexible packaging solutions that reduce weight and offer brands more shelf presence,” stated Allan.