The U.S. flexible packaging industry is expected to experience annual sales revenue growth of 8.1% this year, according to the Flexible Packaging Assn.
Industry revenue growth in 2010 rebounded an estimated 7.3% from a decrease of 10.9% in 2009. FPA research also suggests that flexible packaging converter volume increased approximately 5% last year.
Total U.S. packaging industry growth is estimated at 6.7% for 2010 versus a decrease of 13.7% in 2009. This and additional data regarding industry growth will be available in the soon-to-be-published 2011 FPA Flexible Packaging State of the Industry Report, available to FPA members, with a non-members purchase price of $3,500.
The recently released 4th Quarter 2010 Pulse Report, produced by FPA, also noted signs of optimism regarding industry growth. Key findings from that report indicated the following:
• 77% of FPA converter members survey expected 1st-quarter 2011 sales to be higher than 4th-quarter 2010 levels
• 74% expected higher volume levels in 1st-quarter 2011 versus 4th-quarter 2010
• 74% of survey participants noted higher sales in 4th-quarter 2010 versus 4th-quarter 2009. These results are consistent with the trend over seven of the last eight years (2003-2010), where there has been 4th-quarter year-on-year growth, with the exception of 2008
Historical data has shown the flexible packaging industry growth to be slightly higher than U.S. GDP. First-quarter 2011 U.S. GDP increased 1.8% versus 3.1% in 4th-quarter 2010.
For more information, contact Bob Zaborowski, director, FPA business & economic research at [email protected] or (410) 694-0800.
