Plastics packaging to outpace paper in many applications through 2010: study

Plastics packaging growth is expected to expand nearly 3 per cent per year through 2010, and also outpace paper packaging in nearly 20 competitive markets during this same period, according to a new study released by Cleveland, Ohio-based research firm The Freedonia Group.
The report, called “Paper Versus Plastic in Packaging”, concluded that advances will result from plastic’s competitive cost and performance advantages over paper.
The most rapid gains in market share are anticipated in soy and other non-dairy beverages, and in pet food applications, with the frozen food, fruit beverages and detergent markets also expected to see increases. The report also noted that robust growth is expected for single-serving plastic milk bottles, driven by conversions from half-pint gabletop cartons to plastic bottles in quick service restaurants.
The report is available from The Freedonia Group for US$4,400.