Flexible Packaging?A Bright Prospect

"I think we're also going to see many more strategic alliances in the coming years between U.S. and foreign flexible packaging companies," Calamusa added. Alliances could play a large role in helping U.S. companies compete in a global market, he added.

Part of being ready for the future increase in flexible packaging is being well situated now, said Elizabeth A. Fessenden, president of Alcoa Flexible Packaging. "Controlling what we can during a slow economy is critical to delivering acceptable financial performance during the slump," she said. "It is also critical to be poised to take advantage of the upswing when it comes."