PPC Trends Report Predicts Steady Growth for N.A. Folding Cartons

 

The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC), Springfield, Mass., USA, has released its annual Trends: 2014 Industry Outlook and Market Data Report, a comprehensive analysis of the North American folding carton industry. Produced in partnership with RISI, Boston, Mass., the Report provides forecasts for growth trends in the folding carton industry, as well as in-depth analysis of 17 key market segments, including confectionery, dairy, dry foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, recreational products, soap and detergent, and more. This year, eight categories were classified as growth markets (the highest number in recent history), five as mature (relatively little or no growth), and four as declining.

 

The report found that after four years of tepid growth, the U.S. economy is finally poised to sustain 3+% quarterly growth for the foreseeable future, and that job growth and consumer finances continue to strengthen. It goes on to state that these positive overarching economic trends seem to be translating into steady growth for the folding carton industry. Folding carton shipments (in tons) are expected to increase by 0.9% in 2014 and then accelerate to a growth rate of 1.9% in 2015.

 

Looking even further into the future, total carton shipments are forecast to grow at a 1.3% average annual rate through 2018, with the total value of U.S. carton shipments to reach $8.8 billion by 2018.

 

PPC members can download the full Trends Report online, while non-members can access a four-page summary on the same online page.