Demand for Paper & Plastic Packaging to Exceed 25 Billion Pounds in 2010

Paper packaging will post marginal advances or continue to decline in most competitive markets through 2010 due to inroads from plastic. However, above-average opportunities are expected in foodservice, dairy and soy milk applications, with organic milk also a growth niche. Foodservice opportunities will be fueled by favorable foodservice revenue growth and widespread demand for products such as paperboard boxes and cartons, paperboard buckets and pails, wraps, and bags. While most dairy applications for paper are mature, heightened demand for ice cream novelties, especially reduce-fat and bite-sized varieties, will support folding carton opportunities. Solid prospects for paper in soy beverage packaging will result from the ongoing movement of soy beverages into the mainstream marketplace and the general preference for paperboard containers in promoting a natural image.