Food Packaging Boosts Demand for Plastic Sheet

Published: July 01, 2008

CLEVELAND, OH

Demand for plastic sheet in the US is projected to grow almost 3%/yr to 7.7 billion lbs in 2011, valued at $7.2 billion (resin content only). This is the conclusion of a new study from The Freedonia Group.

Demand will be bolstered by opportunities in food packaging, as well as sheet's versatility, good esthetics, material-combining capabilities, and resin and technology improvements. The study says further growth will be constrained by the maturity of many applications as well as by efforts to reduce the packaging waste stream.

Aggregate sheet prices will stay relatively stable through 2011. PS is the leading resin, with best advances seen for PP and polyester sheet. PS sheet is projected to exhibit good opportunities and will account for nearly half of all applications in 2011, according to the report. PP and polyester sheet advances will reflect opportunities in areas such as tubs, cups, trays, blister packs, and clamshells.

Food packaging markets will present the best opportunities, increasing 3.6%/yr to 3.8 billion lbs in 2011 and accounting for nearly half of all sheet applications. Advances are expected to be driven by above-average growth in foodservice applications and the packaging of such foods as baked goods, frozen foods, fresh produce, and meat and dairy products. Advances for pharmaceutical/medical packaging, the next largest packaging market, will be stimulated by opportunities in pharmaceutical blister packs.

For more information on Plastic Sheet, visit www.freedoniagroup.com.

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