PFFC - December 2008 - (Page 34) EXTRUSION COATING This will be at the expense of some rigid packaging products. Flexible packaging is extremely versatile. It takes many forms, ranging from very simple bags to products with specialized features. Constructions include pouches (e.g., stand-up, retortable, and stick), sachets, wraps, and blister packs for many food and beverage applications from snack food bags and condiment portion packs to coffee packaging and pet foods. These make up 70% of the North American market, with health (including pharmaceutical) and personal care products and packaging of other goods—hardware, automotive parts, inkjet cartridges, etc.—taking the remaining share. The applications for f lexible packaging in all sectors appear endless. They continue to grow at rates exceeding GDP, at around 4% on a weight basis—testimony to their physical characteristics: lighter weight, smaller package size, and lower level of raw material consumption per package. Base materials for extrusioncoated flexible packaging encompass a wide range of substrates. Foils and films—PE, polypropylenes, polyesters, and polylactic acid—have increased their share at the expense of papers. Extrusion-coated polymers are replacing solvent-based lamination for film, paper, and aluminum laminates in such applications as sachets and pouches. Competitive approaches to differentiation include film coextrusion to obtain additional properties from lamination, adhesive lamination, and other coating processes. Future Growth Recycle Your Roll Packaging Now you can protect more than just your roll products. Our packaging recycling service saves money and protects our environment! End Boards The opportunities for developing this versatile technology’s capabilities are by no means exhausted in North America. Of the many large-volume end uses, flexible packaging shows the greatest potential for growth at 4% on a weight basis. Other high-growth applications include digital imaging in photographic and graphic applications, disposable cups in food service, release liners, building membranes, and medical/hygiene applications. All are expected to grow at rates above GDP and above the average rate for all extrusioncoated materials. Dr. William Llewellyn is VP and senior consultant with AWA Alexander Watson Assoc., Amsterdam, Netherlands, a market research firm specializing in packaging and converting. Contact him at +31 20 676 20 60. Sleeve Plugs Wood Core Plugs Whether you recycle your packaging components through Badger or purchase our recycled components you win! Badger helps you reduce waste and costs. What a great way to protect your bottom line and the environment. Recycling is good for business! H/U Channels and Clips Want To Learn More? The content of this article is taken from a new market report, “ExtrusionCoated Materials North American Market Study 2008,” from AWA Alexander Watson Assoc. For more information visit www.awa-bv.com. Pallets �����������������www.badgerplug.com Call us for all your roll protection needs, large or small. PFFC-ASAP 120 34 | DECEMBER 2008 WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM http://www.badgerplug.com http://www.awa-bv.com http://WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.