Packaging industry not spared by tough economy

• Sealed Air Corp. reported diluted net earnings per common share of $0.99 for the full year 2008. This compares with diluted net earnings per common share of $1.89 for the full year 2007.

Industry trends see mixed reports

• The Associated Press has reported that beer sales are down. According to AP, London-based SABMiller PLC—which brews Grolsch, Miller Genuine Draft, and Peroni Nastro Azzurro lagers—experienced a drop in beer shipments, and Carlsberg A/S, the Copenhagen-based maker of Carslberg beer, will cut 274 jobs to save on costs. And, recent figures show the market is continuing its downward trend, says AP.