Appetite for change: Anti-obesity medications could reshape the food packaging industry

The adoption of anti-obesity medications, like GLP-1 agonists Ozempic and Wegovy, is significantly altering consumer food-buying behavior, leading to a decline in demand for calorie-dense, processed foods and an increase in healthier, nutrient-rich alternatives. This shift is impacting the packaging industry, with changes in packaging volumes, formats, and materials. The flexible plastic packaging sector is seeing growth in fresh and functional categories, while rigid plastic and glass packaging producers face challenges in traditional markets but opportunities in premium and health-focused segments. Major CPG companies are adapting their strategies to align with these trends, introducing new products and packaging formats. Packaging producers must innovate and realign their strategies to meet evolving consumer demands, focusing on sustainability, convenience, and adaptability.