PFFC - March 2009 - (Page 24) NEWS CLIPS Plastic Film Study CLEVELAND, OH | Demand for plastic film in the US is projected to grow 2.6% annually to more than 16 billion lbs in 2012, valued at $13.4 billion (resin cost only). This is among the conclusions of a new study from The Freedonia Group, Total plastic film market value (including resins, additives, processing, and other costs) will reach nearly $32 billion. Advances will reflect film’s cost, performance, and source reduction advantages over rigid packaging, as well as opportunities in film products such as pouches and modified atmosphere packaging. LDPE will remain the leading film, accounting for almost two-thirds of the total in 2012. US Plastic Film Demand (million pounds) Item Total Demand Low-Density Polyethylene High-Density Polyethylene Polypropylene PVC, Degradable & Other % Annual Growth 2002 13,740 8,465 2,013 1,276 1,986 2007 14,170 9,105 1,921 1,230 1,914 2012 16,130 10,510 2,057 1,455 2,108 02-07 0.6 1.5 –0.9 –0.7 –0.7 07-12 2.6 2.9 1.4 3.4 1.9 ©2008 The Freedonia Group According to the study, demand for LDPE film will increase nearly 3%/yr to 10.5 billion lbs in 2012. This increase will result from the film’s competitive cost structure, versatility, and opportunities in areas such as produce and snack packaging, stretch and shrink wrap, and trash bags. HDPE film demand will grow at a below-average pace as a result of slow retail bag advances. PP film demand is expected to expand 3.4%/yr, and PET film demand will continue to decline, although good opportunities are anticipated for PET film in certain food packaging applications. Packaging accounted for nearly three-fourths of all plastic film use in 2007. The most rapid growth is anticipated in secondary packaging due to opportunities in areas such as stretch and shrink wrap, and retail bags. For more information on Plastic Film, visit www.freedoniagroup.com. LONDON, ENGLAND | The F12 12-color, gearless, CI flexo press from Flexotecnica won the 2008 award for “Innovation in Printing Press/Finishing” at the 2008 FlexoTech Awards. The annual event was held in London this past fall. The F12, which was launched at Drupa 2008, incorporates numerous innovations said to optimize press productivity and efficiency, including the patented SSC (Safe Sleeve Change) system; the WiPC (Wireless Press Control) system; and a print deck enhanced by a new Pipeless doctor chamber design. PFFC-ASAP 143 24 | MARCH 2009 WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM A Winning Press http://www.flexfilm.com http://www.freedoniagroup.com http://WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM
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