Novel Products, Steady Growth

Some of the reasons for a cautious outlook can be seen in the uncertainties highlighted by Mize in FPA's State of the Flexible Packaging Industry Report. These include raw material cost volatility and ongoing concerns for the overall health of the U.S. and world economies.

Tony Maginnis, CEO for flexible packaging printer Global Packaging based in Oaks, Pa., also sees raw materials costs as a concern in the coming year, along with the potential for overseas outsourcing. Although not nearly on the scale of Sonoco or Bemis, Oaks Packaging experienced business growth of 15 percent in 2011 and expects of up to 10 percent this year. Personal hygiene is one of its largest market segments and Maginnis believes this market will continue to grow in the foreseeable future. In general, he says, "Wide-web flexible packaging is continuing to grow and we remain bullish."