The US market for converted flexible packaging is forecasted to grow 2.4 percent a year to 6.8 billion lbs of materials in 2008, says a new study by Cleveland-based researcher The Freedonia Group, Inc. That output is expected to be worth about $14 billion.

Advances will be driven by recent developments in breathable films for fresh-cut produce and meats, as well as reclosable standup pouches. The high-quality graphics of printed flex packs are also increasingly being used as marketing tools to differentiate a company's product on closely packed retail shelves, the study says. (See related cover story, page 24.)

Plastic films will extend their dominance, with polypropylene exhibiting the best opportunities based on cost factors and diverse applications. Polyethylene remains the top US substrate for flex packs with a 47 percent market share in 2003. Together, PVC, polyester and other resins accounted for 11 percent of flex-pack substrates last year.

Although demand for paper packaging will grow only slightly, paper will stay an important player in packaging markets due to its low cost, environmental acceptability and use in laminations, Freedonia says. In general, converted flex packs over the next decade will exhibit better sealing and barrier properties, improved mechanical strength on the packaging line and in distribution, higher-performance printing surfaces, and lower costs.

More info: 800/927-5900, fax: 440/646-0484, www.freedoniagroup.com