Printing Quality - Ace in the Hole

"THE BOX INDUSTRY'S emphasis on visual appearance, spurred by printing and graphic design enhancements, will increase and continue to be a driver of growth." So says a study released earlier this year by The Freedonia Group titled, Corrugated & Paperboard Boxes to 2005.

Folding carton converters' businesses will benefit the most from the improved printing capabilities, with the study indicating the largest growth in this segment—albeit, a modest 2.5 percent. The growth will come from increased use in the durable-goods markets, along with a general emphasis on innovative packaging designs and visually appealing graphics content. Consumer goods manufacturers are drawing up battle lines along the point-of-sale trenches and package graphics are viewed as a major weapon in the arsenal.