Fresh Twists for Flexible Packaging Converters

Converters responding to the survey for the past two years cite staff additions as the most common mode of expansion (25 percent), perhaps due to acquisition, over the period 2000 to 2001. Twenty-one percent have increased press capacity during this period, and 16 percent have added facilities.

In light of still-crowded capacity conditions, converters looking to snare further growth will need to get creative on where to find it. Associate Editor Jessica Millward reported in pP's 2002 State of the Industry Report (March 2002), "End-use applications with the most potential for flexible packaging ... are markets ... already cultivated: fresh produce, drugs, medical/surgical, pet food, and snacks." Notably, of the 47 percent of respondents indicating expansion plans for 2002, exploring new end uses was the most popular strategy cited. In addition, unexplored geographical territory may be tough to come by. Nearly half of all respondents report serving an international customer base.