The Flexible Packaging Association recently published its 2013 State of the U.S. Flexible Packaging Industry Report, which provides an overview of the performance of the U.S. flexible packaging industry in 2012. The Report focuses on the value added segment of the U.S. flexible packaging industry, which enhances flexible materials by performing multiple processes such as extrusion, lamination and printing. 

 

The State of the U.S. Flexible Packaging Industry Report is a definitive source of information regarding industry size, structure, market segments, and key packaging products. Data in the Report is based on primary research conducted by FPA, which includes surveys of FPA converter and material/equipment supplier members.

 

Secondary data, sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Commerce, industry analysts, and investment banking reports, is also included within the Report. Several aspects of the industry are examined within the Report including performance, materials and processes, end-uses, structure and consolidation, imports and exports, and industry vision, challenges and trends. 

 

Over the next few months, the FPA Update will include reviews of key sections within the 2013 Report. Following in this issue is an overview of the “End-uses” and “Structure and Consolidation” sections. For more information on the 2013 FPA State of the U.S. Flexible Packaging Industry Report, contact the association at (410) 694-0800. 

 

Retail food continues to be the largest end-use segment for flexible packaging. The Report notes that, according to converters, the top five growing end-uses for flexible packaging include pet food and supplies, pharmaceuticals, snacks, medical devices, and produce. Additional data on flexible packaging end-uses is available within the Report including the U.S. Census Bureau’s Retail Segments Data for 2011. 

 

In 2012, the U.S. flexible packaging industry experienced 19 M&A transactions, a slight increase from the 15 completed in 2011. The Report provides additional information on industry structure by revenue and company size, M&A activity from 1998-2012 (U.S), planned acquisition activity, and worldwide M&A activity.