In recent years, the flexible packaging gravure industry has faced growing competitive pressures. Affected by upstream suppliers and downstream customers, the market space for these companies has been shrinking. Rising labor costs, frequent employee turnover, and increasingly homogenized competition have further challenged the sector. Additionally, the industry is now facing stricter regulations related to environmental protection, safety, and health. Although some leading enterprises saw a rise in revenue in 2013 and the first half of 2014, profit growth was minimal or even negative. Meanwhile, many small and medium-sized firms experienced declining revenues and profits, with new equipment often underutilized.
Faced with such harsh conditions, more and more flexible packaging gravure companies are realizing that they must deeply understand the real needs of the market, implement structural adjustments, and upgrade their operations to improve efficiency and competitiveness. In the context of green development, the shift from traditional processors to total solution providers represents a crucial historical opportunity for the industry.
Challenges and Opportunities Facing the Flexible Packaging Gravure Industry
1. Low Carbon, Environmental Protection, and Energy Saving The printing industry, particularly flexographic printing, plays a key role in air pollution control in China. The annual volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions are estimated at around 6 million tons. Emissions from the flexible packaging gravure industry not only waste resources but also worsen environmental pollution. In response to severe smog issues, both national and local governments have introduced various environmental policies. At the same time, international companies are developing sustainable packaging strategies, placing higher demands on low-carbon packaging materials. Carbon footprint has become a hot topic, and some international clients now require data on carbon dioxide emissions from packaging production. International standards like carbon labels and certification systems are also putting pressure on domestic manufacturers. Therefore, low-carbon and eco-friendly practices are no longer just trends—they are essential realities for the industry.
2. Health and Safety Concerns As society advances, public attention on food safety has increased significantly. The requirements for the hygiene and functional safety of packaging materials are becoming stricter, and the protective functions of these materials are expanding. Many customers now demand proof of biosafety and chemical stability from authoritative agencies. With rising consumer awareness of packaging safety and health, there is a strong societal push for environmentally friendly and safe packaging solutions.
3. Cost Pressures Flexible packaging gravure companies rely heavily on petroleum-based materials such as resins, films, inks, adhesives, and solvents—whose prices have been rising steadily. Labor costs have also surged, squeezing the margins of smaller enterprises. The younger generation, especially those born in the 1980s and 1990s, is increasingly less attracted to this industry due to its relatively poor working environment, low income, and high operational responsibilities. This has led to talent shortages and difficulties in managing human resources.
4. Increasing Market Concentration International multinational corporations have entered the Chinese market with strong financial backing and advanced marketing strategies, capturing significant market shares. These companies tend to select global partners for their packaging needs, offering opportunities for domestic flexible packaging gravure companies to expand internationally. However, the competition is fierce, and the industry must continue to adapt to stay relevant.
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