Bill Klein

With favorable trends in the use of plastics and pouches, flexible packaging converters are set for success. FLEXIBLE PACKAGING CONTINUES to cast a shining glow over the package-printing landscape. The category has at least two very positive forces filling up its sails (could be spelled "sales"). One is the continuing industry trend toward the use of plastic materials and, along with this, the growth of pouches as a preferred packaging method. In a study released last October titled "Paper versus Plastic in Packaging to 2008," The Freedonia Group projected plastic materials used in packaging to increase 3.1 percent annually through 2008. At

FLEXIBLE PACKAGING CONTINUES to be an area for growth opportunities in the package printing industry, even in an economic recovery that is spotty at best. Several market drivers for this growth potential were identified in a study done in 2002 by The Freedonia Group titled, "World Converted Flexible Packaging." These drivers include: the expansion of end-use markets such as snack foods, pet and prepared foods, and pharmaceuticals; the continuing trend for conversion of rigid packaging to new flexible packaging alternatives; the need to reduce packaging costs and volume; and the increased use of stand-up pouches and liquid flexible packaging. The Flexible Packaging Association's

By exploiting niche markets, non-core competencies and more efficient manufacturing methods and technologies label printers can sustain, and even grow, profits. By David Luttenberger Tag and label printers have arguably enjoyed success and profits unequaled by converters in any other segment during the past 10 years. But the days of expected and sustained double-digit growth are waning as the millennium approaches. There are, however, as many, if not more, opportunities in this highly versatile segment for tag and label printers to capitalize on developing technologies, manufacturing processes and end-use market trends in order to sustain or even grow profits. "The impetus has to be