12.02.09
FTA Releases Study on Flexible Packaging Market in North America
The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) has released a market research study, “Converter Benchmarking and End-User Perspectives in North America.” The study, compiled for FTA by LPC, Inc., an industry consulting and market research firm, offers detailed insights into the North American flexible packaging industry. Nearly 100 charts and graphs, accompanied by detailed explanations, present a picture of today’s flexible packaging converting market with projections for the next three to five years.
The study is divided into three key sections: a North American overview of the flexible packaging market; a focus on the flexible packaging converter designed for companies to benchmark their own processes against the industry average; and an end-user (package buyer) perspective on priorities and projections.
According to the study, the flexible packaging converting market in North America is estimated to reach $22 billion in sales by the end of this calendar year, with 75 percent of that volume representing actual printed pieces. Furthermore, the total market for flexible packaging is estimated to grow 5-6 percent over the course of the next three years. The projected growth rate is higher than other package decoration methods, including labels, corrugated, paperboard and folding cartons.
“With an estimated 75 percent of the total North American flexible packaging market printed flexographically, FTA saw flexible packaging as an ideal focus for its first endeavor into the market research arena,” said Mark Cisterino, FTA president. “We are extremely pleased with the outcome. Not only does the study offer crucial information to members and non-members alike, but the participation from the industry has been extraordinary.”
“With more than 100 converters and 120 end-users participating, the study is relevant to every level of the supply chain,” said Sharon Cox, FTA marketing manager. “It offers critical benchmarking tools for converters, ways in which industry suppliers can sell to and service their flexible packaging customers more effectively; and aids packaging buyers in the total procurement package.”
One objective of FTA’s study is to offer flexible packaging printers/converters tools to benchmark their own experiences against a national average. Major points/benchmarks covered include:
• Packaging sector growth forecasts 2005-2008.
• Annual revenue related to flexible packaging.
• End-user sector growth projections.
• Average press speeds and waste per job.
• Market challenges and opportunities.
• End-user flexo procurement predictions.
The study is available in binder format, CD-ROM format or both and can be ordered by calling FTA’s customer service department at (631) 737-6020 or online at www.ftastore.com. Pricing is as follows: Binder or CD-ROM: FTA member: $595; Non-member: $1,395. The set (includes both binder and CD-ROM): FTA member: $773.50; Non-member: $1,813.50. To read key highlights of the study’s findings published in Flexo Magazine’s 2005 July, August and September issues, visit www.flexography.org.
The Flexographic Technical Association is a professional society dedicated to bringing all members of the flexographic printing community – printers, suppliers, consumer product companies, institutions, prepress houses and others – together by providing opportunities for the free exchange of technical ideas and discussion of mutual concerns.
The FTA is a proponent of maintaining and advancing quality standards and includes more than 1,450 member sites that represent more than 1,300 companies and 60,000 individual members.
For more info contact the FTA at (631) 737-6020; fax: (631) 737-6813; web: www.flexography.org, www.ftastore.com.