US produce packaging demand will rise 4.2 percent annually through 2012. Corrugated boxes will remain the largest segment, driven by a shift toward more costly types (e.g., modular, lined, moisture-resistant recyclable). Plastic containers will grow the fastest based in part on the expanding use of clamshells and bowls in ready-to-eat, fresh-cut produce.
This study analyzes the $3.8 billion US produce packaging industry. It presents historical demand data (1997, 2002 and 2007) and forecasts for 2012 and 2017 by type (e.g., corrugated boxes, bags and liners, plastic containers, trays, plastic film), application (e.g., bulk, ready-to-eat, vegetables, fruit, salads), and end user (e.g., growers/shipper, repackers, retail stores).
The study also considers market environment factors, details industry structure, evaluates company market share and profiles 45 industry players, including Weyerhaeuser, Smurfit-Stone and International Paper.