For Flexibles, Stable Doesn't Mean Stagnant

The same 3.7 percent growth rate emerges in FPA's forecast for 1999—with familiar rainmakers like multi-web rollstocks, rigid to flexible conversions and stand-up pouches still firmly in place. However, if converters respond to this prediction by setting their businesses on cruise control, they may not be positioned to act decisively under a sudden wind of change. A closer look at 1998's business climate reveals several areas where converters' current course could shift.