Slow-Growth U.S. Flexible Packaging Market to Reach $26.5 Billion by 2010

New York, NY, USA 27 September 2006/PRNewswire/ -- Balancing end-users' high demand for safe and high-function storage products with rising material/energy costs and supply shortages, the wholesale market for flexible packaging is expected to top $26.5 billion in 2010, according to Flexible Packaging in the U.S.

The new market research from Specialists in Business Information (SBI) estimates the overall wholesale market reached $23.4 billion in 2005, up 3.6% from 2004. Flexible packaging material supply, which accounted for 42.4% of the market, was valued at $9.9 billion, while converted flexible packaging-plastic bags, paper bags, and converted aluminum products-reached an estimated $13.5 billion.

Growing imports, rising crude oil and pulp paper costs, and aluminum price volatility are several of the factors keeping healthy market growth at bay. High petroleum costs are forcing manufacturers to focus on alternative raw material sources while relying on technological innovations, such as RFID and molecular tracers to stimulate market interest.

Concurrently, a changing consumer demographic, with increasing numbers of working women, single parents, and health-conscious, aging Baby Boomers, is creating an increased demand for greater convenience and safety leading to the development of biopolymers and environmentally friendly films, which are expected to become the future of the flexible packaging industry.

"While we continue to identify many growth factors in this industry, market demand is being stifled by the ever-rising costs to secure the plastic, paper, and aluminum that bring these flexible product innovations to life," notes Tatjana Meerman, the Managing Editor of SBI. "Smart packaging, odor and taste control, and anti-corrosion packaging have revolutionized the industry, taking it in a new direction. But the development of new bio-friendly and recyclable source materials will be critical to increased market sustainability."

Containing comprehensive data on U.S. shipments, imports and exports, end-use markets, and the competitive environment, Flexible Packaging in the U.S identifies key industry issues and profiles major marketers along with manufacturer and retailer strategies used to maximize growth and profitability. Priced at $3,000, this report is available from SBI by clicking: http://www.sbireports.com/product/display.asp?productid=1209593. It is also available at MarketResearch.com.

About Specialists in Business Information

Specialists in Business Information (SBI), a division of MarketResearch.com, publishes research reports in the industrial, construction, materials, and consumer goods markets. For more information visit http://www.sbireports.com/, or contact Tom Ehart at 240.747.3014, or tehart@marketresearch.com.

Source: Specialists in Business Information (SBI)