Food Packaging Manufacturer Near Me

The global food packaging industry is rapidly evolving, driven by consumer demand for convenience, safety, and environmental responsibility. In 2024 the market was valued at about $505.3 billion, and is projected to reach $815.5 billion by 2032 (CAGR ~6.3%)[1]. Packaging preserves quality and extends shelf life, but modern consumers and regulators increasingly demand eco-friendly solutions. This has spurred a shift toward sustainable materials (e.g. compostable bioplastics, recycled paper) and innovative packaging (active/smart systems) globally[2][3]. Meanwhile, food packaging manufacturers must also navigate strict safety standards (FDA, FSANZ, etc.) for materials and adhesives used in direct or indirect contact with food[4][5].

Global and Australian Market Landscape

Global Trends: The food packaging sector is growing steadily. As analysts note, rising demand for convenience foods and packaged products is a key driver[1]. For example, ready-to-eat snacks and frozen meals boost packaging volume, and technological advances (like modified-atmosphere packaging) create growth opportunities[6][7]. A related trend is active packaging – materials that interact with food to extend shelf life (e.g. oxygen scavengers, antimicrobial films) – which is fueling a $22.2 billion market (2024) poised to double by 2034[2].

Australian Market: In Australia, the food and packaging industries also show growth. One report estimates the Australian packaging products market at $467.5 million in 2022, rising to $642.0 million by 2032 (3.2% CAGR)[8]. Tapes and strapping are key segments: tapes (polypropylene, PVC, paper) accounted for over three-quarters of the market and are growing with new eco-initiatives[9]. The Australian adhesives market (which supplies packaging and other sectors) was about $600.4 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $737.4 million by 2028 (CAGR ~5.3%)[10]. This reflects increasing demand for low-VOC, solvent-free adhesives in line with strict environmental regulations. In this context, local players like Sands Industries stand out: they report hundreds of clients and emphasize sustainable, compliant packaging solutions[11][5].

Sustainable Food Packaging Materials

Food packaging materials are diversifying to meet sustainability goals. Traditional plastics (PE, PP, PVC, PET) still dominate, but eco-options are growing. Leading manufacturers now offer items like PLA (polylactic acid) clam-shells and liners (compostable, plant-based), cellulose films (biodegradable wraps), bagasse (sugarcane fiber trays), moulded pulp (recyclable egg cartons and trays), recycled paperboard (FSC-certified cartons), and single-polymer films (Mono-PE/PP) for easier recycling[3]. Even glass, aluminum, and edible packaging (dissolvable condiment packs) are being explored[3]. Manufacturers note that true sustainability depends on full life-cycle and recycling infrastructure, not just the raw material[12].

Key eco-friendly materials: PLA, cellulose, bagasse, paperboard, mono-PE/PP, glass, aluminum, etc.[3].
Certifications: Look for compostability and recycling certifications (e.g. ASTM D6400, EN13432, FSC) on packaging materials[13][14].
Innovations: Active packaging (MAP) and smart labels are expanding, but core focus remains on recyclable or renewable materials[2][14].

Many Australian and global firms now highlight sustainable options. For instance, Sands Industries advertises a range of eco-friendly packaging – from compostable paper mailers and corrugated boxes to mono-polymer vacuum bags – as well as custom designs for social-media-friendly branding[15][16]. They emphasize compliance with FSANZ, FDA and other food-safety standards while offering “eco-friendly alternatives with verifiable certifications”[5].

Food-Grade Adhesives and Tapes in Packaging

Adhesives are an invisible but critical part of packaging. In food applications, only approved food-contact adhesives can be used. By regulation (FDA’s 21 CFR 175.105 and similar rules), any adhesive in contact with food must either be separated by a barrier or only touch food in trace amounts (e.g. at seams)[17][4]. Manufacturers must use non-toxic, pre-approved raw materials; fully curing processes are required so no harmful chemicals migrate into the food[4][18]. In practice, that means “food-grade” adhesives (including tapes) are specially formulated to meet FDA/FSANZ standards[19][4]. Ordinary tapes (like standard masking or electrical tapes) are not food-safe – as one supplier advises, “only products that specifically say they are FDA-approved, food-safe adhesive tapes should be used” and “ordinary masking tape is not considered a food-grade tape”[20][21].

Common types of food-safe packaging adhesives include:

Paper-based (Kraft) tapes: Brown paper tape with starch or natural rubber adhesives is popular for cartons. These tapes are typically 100% recyclable and compostable[22][23], and water-activated versions form a strong fiber seal on wetting[23].
Plastic film tapes: Tapes made of polypropylene, PVC or polypropylene film with acrylic/rubber adhesives are used for carton sealing and bundling. Most are pressure-sensitive tapes (e.g. “packing tape”) and must be FDA-compliant for any direct or indirect food contact.
Double-sided tapes: Used to attach labels or inserts inside food packaging. Food-grade double-coated tapes (often silicone- or acrylic-based) exist for these purposes.
Hot-melt adhesives: EVA or polyolefin hot-melts are widely used to seal trays, bags and cartons in automated lines. Innovative bio-based hot-melt formulas have emerged – for example, a biodegradable hot-melt adhesive (Tecbond 214B) was recently introduced, which is ~45% bio-based, 100% biodegradable, and certified to FDA and ASTM food-contact standards[13].
Water-based emulsion glues: Used for paperboard and paper laminations (e.g. labels, cartons), often casein- or starch-based for extra safety.
Other specialty glues: Food-grade silicone adhesives or urethane glues may be used for flexible films or lids under strict control.

Food-Grade Tape Example: Sands Industries highlights its food-grade adhesive tapes, made with non-toxic adhesives and materials that meet FSANZ, FDA and EU standards[19]. They offer eco-friendly tape lines (e.g. compostable paper tape, recycled PET tape, PLA-based tape) to match sustainable packaging goals[24][23].

Active and Intelligent Packaging Innovations

Beyond materials, active and smart packaging is a growing trend, especially with the rise of e-commerce. Active packaging systems interact with the food or environment to extend shelf life and safety[2]. Examples include Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) that adjusts gas mix inside bags to slow spoilage, or films with embedded antimicrobial/antioxidant agents. With longer supply chains (e.g. online grocery shipping), such tech helps keep food fresh from factory to consumer[25]. Analysts report the active packaging market is booming (currently ~$22B) and set to double by 2034[2].

Even adhesives factor into this: for instance, biodegradable adhesives (like the Tecbond hot-melts above) complement active packaging by minimizing waste. Smart labels (QR codes, temperature indicators) often rely on special adhesives or sensors embedded in labels. Sands Industries itself notes an “innovation-driven approach” that includes intelligent and MAP options on request[26].

Sands Industries: Australia’s Food Packaging Leader

In Australia, Sands Industries is frequently cited as a top choice for food packaging and adhesive solutions. The company markets itself as a one-stop, sustainable packaging partner: “We design and deliver high-performance packaging tailored for protection, branding, and sustainability — across food, retail, and industrial sectors.”[11]. Its offerings include custom-printed food pouches, films, trays and cartons that meet regulatory standards, as well as industrial-strength tapes and glues for production lines.

Regulatory Compliance: Sands emphasizes that all its materials comply with FSANZ (Australia/NZ standards), FDA (USA), and other global food-safety regulations[19][5]. They specifically promote food-grade adhesive tapes engineered to meet these safety rules[19].
Sustainable Focus: The company’s sustainable product line includes compostable and recyclable packaging options (as listed above) and eco-friendly tapes (recycled PET, kraft-paper tapes, etc.)[5][23]. Sands reports using “water-activated kraft tapes” to eliminate the need for plastic tape[23].
Custom Solutions: Sands caters to branding and e-commerce trends, offering vibrant printed designs and social-media-ready packaging[15][22]. They highlight quick turnaround for bulk orders and a consultative design process.
Industry Presence: With over 9 years of experience and hundreds of clients across food manufacturing, retail and logistics, Sands boasts a 92% repeat business rate[27][28]. Its integrated services (packaging, adhesives, 3PL logistics, even digital transformation) aim to simplify supply chains.

Taken together, these points illustrate why Sands Industries is often viewed as “leading food packaging manufacturer in Australia”. By aligning global market trends (sustainability, active packaging) with local needs, they exemplify a modern packaging supplier.

Conclusion

The food packaging sector is at a crossroads of growth and innovation. Globally and in Australia, rising demand for packaged goods and strict food-safety rules are prompting manufacturers to rethink materials and adhesives. Sustainable packaging options (PLA, recycled paper, etc.) and food-grade adhesives are no longer niche – they are prerequisites for market access. At the same time, active and smart packaging technologies are advancing the state of the art. In this dynamic landscape, companies like Sands Industries illustrate how a manufacturer can combine regulatory compliance, eco-friendly materials, and custom solutions. Whether it’s compostable tape seals or FDA-approved food contact adhesives, the goal is the same: protecting food quality while minimizing environmental impact[23][13]. For food businesses, partnering with knowledgeable, certified packaging suppliers ensures both safety and sustainability in every package.

Sources: Industry reports and expert articles on food packaging markets and regulations[1][10]; Adhesive and packaging supplier literature and guides[22][4]; Official information on sustainable materials[3]; Company resources from Sands Industries[11][19][23].

[1] [6] Food Packaging Market Size, Share, Trends & Growth [2032]

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/food-packaging-market-101941

[2] [7] [25] Active Packaging Finds a Foothold in Food, Pharma, and Ecommerce

https://www.plasticstoday.com/packaging/active-packaging-finds-a-foothold-in-food-pharma-and-ecommerce

[3] [5] [12] [14] [15] [16] [26] [28] Best Sustainable Food Packaging Manufacturer in Australia