Terry Clark

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

Converters put a conservative spin on spending and profits in 2001—but how much caution is too much? by Susan Friedman, Editor On the surface, there's plenty of positive flexible packaging news. Consider the 2000 returns reported by some of the larger players in the industry: Alcoa turned in its best fourth quarter in the company's history, while Alcan sales were down for the quarter but up 34 percent for the year. Bemis netted a 13 percent increase in sales for the year, completing acquisitions of Viskase, and Arrow's flexible packaging business. Sealed Air's Cryovac division reported a 3 percent annual sales gain, and AEP's