Spouted Pouches
Strong performance in Japan and new trends in the Americas
The market for refill pouches continues to grow in Japan, and sales in FY2024 were strong. Accelerated improvements in production efficiency also contributed to improved profits. We are also working on developing markets other than the market for refill pouches for daily necessities. Beverage pouches are increasingly being adopted by distribution companies for their private brands, including the filling of the packaging.
As for overseas, there are still few spouted pouch products in Europe and the U.S. However, the demand for flexible pouches is gradually increasing due to changing social attitudes towards the environment. As part of this, we have seen an increase in orders for new pouch products in the Americas this fiscal year. In Europe, as in the Americas, we are working with our business partners to develop eco-friendly mono-material pouches. In ASEAN, while there are many pouch products, the adoption of spouted pouches as refill pouches for daily necessities is increasing, just like in Japan. Furthermore, there is higher demand for mono-material pouches than in Europe and the U.S., and our pouches have been adopted and commercialized. It is expected that product development will progress in the future.
Clearly presenting the significance of using pouches
In order to expand the market, there needs to be a reason to switch from conventional containers to flexible pouches. For example, just as demand for refill pouches has increased dramatically because they contribute to reducing plastic usage and waste, it is necessary to clearly explain to customers and consumers the benefits of switching containers and help them experience these benefits.
In terms of packaging materials, I believe we should have all kinds of options available to help realize a circular society. We already have environmentally friendly products that use single material (mono-material) and biomass materials, and we are also working overseas to develop new paper packaging.
Building an organization to create new markets
The goals of the management plan "FSG.30" cannot be achieved by simply extending our existing business. Therefore, we are working to build teams that can create new markets and speed up development. We are also working to develop highly sensitive human resources who can pick up business hints from communication with customers.
The new Yamagata Factory will be operational in 2026. Fuji Seal Group's newest factory is based on the concept of being a "factory that is friendly to both people and the environment," and aims to 1) achieve high efficiency and profitability through the realization of automated production, 2) promote work style reform by introducing production streamlining equipment (DX promotion), and 3) achieve significant energy savings with the acquisition of the environmental certification "ZEB" promoted by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Moreover, the new Yamagata Factory will be tasked with creating new primary packaging, with the aim of further growing the business.
Supporting the launch of stand-up spouted pouches with handles
NEO, a leading fabric care brand, has launched its fabric softener, "Fineline 3.6L," in a stand-up spouted pouch with a handle. The traditional rigid gallon bottle has been replaced with a flexible, large-capacity package. From the perspective of convenience, there is growing demand among Thai consumers for larger packaging sizes. Fuji Seal Packaging (Thailand) played a key role in this project by supplying high-quality spouted pouches with advanced technology and close cooperation with a filling machine manufacturer.
