Apprehensive Optimism

Competitive pressures

Growth will not come easy as folding carton converters have to combat the pressures from overseas paperboard manufacturers and converters, and flexible packaging. "Our members would agree that they are the two largest threats," Teates said. "Plastics in general are a threat. The fluctuations in oil prices, therefore resin, may assist paperboard in holding on to its share of the snack markets, but converters will need to be proactive in developing packaging solutions, not just new graphics."