State of the Industry-Flexible Packaging

For 2003, Klein sees a gradual upturn with overall unit volume growing 3 to 5 percent. "A lot of converters and suppliers are noticing improved sales; very few are not seeing some evidence of an upturn," he reports.

Positive industry trends are also being seen be Terry Clark, industry consultant with Fairport, N.Y.-based Crescent Associates. She believes that the flexible packaging industry may have fared better than many markets in 2002. "I've collected no comprehensive data, but industry news and company earnings statements throughout the year convince me that the flexible packaging market outperformed the national average for all markets."