Apprehensive Optimism

Still, there's a certain amount of optimism that folding carton market leaders can't seem to let go of. "We expect 2005 to be another strong year with a growth rate in excess of 5 percent," said Melissa Teates, PPC director of Industry Information and Research. "The strong performance of paperboard packaging can be attributed to success in the pharmaceuticals, retail carry-out, beverages, frozen foods, and cosmetics and toiletries end-use segments. Over the next five years, we expect the market to continue to grow overall, however, there may be some dips."