Ahead of the Curve

Prospects are also better for converters focused on cost-reduction, perhaps through the use of flexo printing, or through supply chain management strategies that reduce inventory, Markens suggests.

The key to profits may lie in branching out without spreading operations too thin. Van de Water believes executives must add a service orientation to the industry's product emphasis, and take a hard look at supply chain services positioning. The progressive carton converter must move beyond the traditional focus on the pressroom, look upstream and forge an understanding of both digital workflows and asset management.