This US active and intelligent packaging industry is analyzed in this study. It presents historical demand data (1998, 2003, 2008) and forecasts for 2013 and 2018 by product (e.g., gas scavengers, moisture control, antimicrobial, flavor and fragrance control, self-venting and air-releasing, susceptor, time-temperature indicator, pharmaceutical diagnostic, RFID-enabled) and market (e.g., food, beverages, drugs, electronics). The study also considers market environment factors, details market share and profiles industry players.

This study analyzes the US meat, poultry and seafood packaging industry. It presents historical demand data (1998, 2003, 2008) and forecasts for 2013 and 2018 by material, product (e.g., boxes, trays, cans, plastic containers, sleeves, plastic film, bags, pouches, paper and foil), application and market (fresh and frozen, processed, ready-to-eat). The study also considers market environment factors, details industry structure, evaluates company market share and profiles industry competitors.

World drug packaging demand will grow 6.3 percent annually through 2013. Developed countries will continue to dominate demand while China, India and Brazil are among the fastest growing. Prefillable inhalers and syringes offer the best growth opportunities, while plastic bottles will remain the largest segment.

Global volume demand for labels will grow 4.3 percent annually through 2013. The dominant pressure sensitive segment will continue to see above-average gains. Other presently less significant technologies with favorable outlooks include shrink sleeve, wrap-around film and in-mold labels. The Asia/Pacific region will expand market share, driven by China and India. The US will remain strong among developed markets.

Demand for beverage containers in China is projected to grow 8.2 percent yearly through 2012. Plastic containers will continue to lead the market and supplant metal and glass containers. Milk will remain the largest market for plastic containers based on small-sized pouches and single-serving bottles.

US food container demand will reach $25 billion in 2013. Unit expansion will be aided by the growing popularity of single-serving packaging in a widening range of applications. Plastic containers, and bags and pouches will see the fastest growth, often supplanting paperboard, metal and glass containers.

Global corrugated box demand is forecast to grow 3.4 percent annually through 2013. Gains will be driven in part by the advance of small flute and high-quality graphic board into traditional folding carton uses. Fastest growth will occur in developing regions, especially China and India.

Demand for rigid bulk packaging is projected to increase 2.1% annually through 2013. Gains will be bolstered by a shift toward larger, higher-value containers that offer enhanced performance and cost savings. RIBCs and material handling containers will register the fastest gains. The durable goods market will outpace nondurables.

Global cap and closure demand is forecast to rise 4.2 percent annually through 2012, supported by the continuing growth of closure-intensive plastic packaging over closureless containers. Emerging markets will lead gains, although the US will see strong value gains based on an ongoing shift toward value-added configurations.

US demand for packaging designed to lessen environmental impact is projected to grow 3.4 percent annually through 2013. Biodegradable plastic packaging and recycled content plastic packaging will grow the fastest. Reusable plastic containers and intermediate bulk containers will pace gains in the reusable packaging segment.