Plastic packaging continues to displace alternatives

US demand for flexible bulk packaging will reach US$7 billion in 2009, creating a market for about 2.8 billion kilograms of raw materials, 60% of which will be plastics, according to a report from market research firm, The Freedonia Group Inc. (Cleveland, OH).
"Cost and performance advantages will enable plastic film, sacks, strapping and flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) to displace a variety of alternatives, both rigid and flexible," the report said.
Flexible bulk packaging includes: Shipping sacks; film wrap; strapping; drum, bin and box liners; and flexible intermediate bulk containers.
Demand for plastic film, which accounted for 30% of the total US flexible bulk packaging demand in 2004, will increase quickly because of more requirements for the bundling and protection of goods during warehousing and distribution, Freedonia said.
Additionally, the market for FIBCs will experience strong growth, driven by the demand for low-cost, versatile packages for shipping and storing bulk dry flowable products, according to the report.
Plastic sacks will also continue to encroach upon traditional paper sack markets, while plastic strapping particularly polyester will continue to displace steel strapping based on cost and performance.
Some of the primary applications for these products will be in the food and beverage sector, the chemical industry, as well as agricultural and horticultural products, Freedonia said.