Abstract
US demand to exceed $18 billion in 2013
Demand for converted flexible packaging in the US is expected to exceed $18
billion in 2013. Gains will reflect a rebound in the US economy and will be
supported by cost, performance and source reduction advantages over most rigid
packaging formats. The need for value-added materials to enhance shelf life,
product protection or convenience of preparation will also support advances,
as will technological innovations in selfventing films that enable steam
cooking of frozen and other foods in their packaging. Converted flexible
packaging' s source reduction capabilities will be increasingly important in
light of its ecofriendliness and cost reduction.
Pouches to lead gains
Pouches will experience the fastest growth among converted flexible packaging
products through 2013. Demand will decelerate from the pace of the 1998-2008
period based on the more established presence of pouches in a number of
markets and more moderate raw materials price increases. Nonetheless, stand-up
pouches will gain an expanded presence in a variety of food and nonfood uses
based on advantages of product differentiation and the presence of convenience
features such as zippers and spouts. Robust growth is also anticipated for
relatively newer pouch types such as flat-bottomed, side-gusseted pouches and
stick pouches. Belowaverage growth for bags will reflect the maturity of many
applications along with loss of share for paper bags to plastic bags and
sacks, and pouches. Faster advances for plastic bags will be driven by
performance advantages over paper in terms of moisture protection and puncture
resistance, along with resin enhancements enabling further downgauging of
films, which helps hold down packaging costs.
Convenience, processed foods to boost food market
Growth in food markets will be driven by rising demand for
convenience-oriented or other further processed food items, which often use
more costly higher barrier packaging materials for extended shelf life. Demand
will also benefit from demographic trends such as increased numbers of
single-person or empty nest households or households where all adults work.
These trends propel demand for food in smaller package sizes and more
convenient foods designed to reduce food preparation time. The fastest growing
food packaging markets will be meat and related products, produce and
beverages. Among nonfood packaging markets, pharmaceutical and medical
applications will experience the fastest growth based on heightened barrier
performance needs, cost and convenience advantages, and adaptability to
growing unit-of-use requirements.
Polypropylene film to outpace dominant polyethylene film
Polyethylene will remain by far the dominant film based on its cost
effectiveness, versatility, good barrier properties and suitability for
downgauging. However, polypropylene is expected to log faster gains based on
its combination of cost, lightweighting and performance attributes. Among
smaller-volume films, biodegradable films such as polylactic acid will
experience the fastest gains as a result of lower prices, growing interest in
green packaging and improved formulations. Above-average growth is anticipated
for polyester and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), reflecting growing barrier
requirements in food packaging. Despite an overall expected decline, paper' s
good environmental profile will be advantageous as interest in sustainable
packaging increases.
Study coverage
This new Freedonia US industry study, Converted Flexible Packaging, presents
historical demand data (1998, 2003, 2008) plus forecasts for 2013 and 2018 by
material, product and market. The study also considers market environment
factors, evaluates market share and profiles 35 industry players.
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