PRESS RELEASE BY MBD...

UK PLASTIC PACKAGING MARKET RESEARCH REPORT

RELEASED: MARCH 2008

After researching the UK pastic packaging market development and taking into account various other factors the following conclusions can be drawn from MBD's report:

MARKET REVIEW 2008-2012:

In 2007, a 1% decline is believed to have reduced the value of the plastic packaging to £3369.7 million at MSP, partially negating the 3% growth recorded in the previous year. Prior to this, sales of plastic packaging increased during each year between 2003 and 2006, with annual levels of growth of peaking at 6% in 2005. Overall, demand for plastic packaging is estimated to have increased by a cumulative 11% during the five year period under review. The modest decline evident during 2007, is believed to be partly due to the increased uncertain economic conditions, as well as due to the trend towards more recyclable packaging materials. Indeed, especially in the consumer sector a shift is evident away from polymer based plastic packaging towards biodegradable plastics. Nonetheless, plastic remains one of the most popular packaging materials, accounting for an estimated 38% of the total packaging market in 2007, compared with a lower 35% in 2003. Furthermore, the market has continued to gain market share from other packaging materials, in particular glass packaging, as plastic benefits from a number of advantages, including the design adaptability and relatively light weight of the material. In addition, the industry has been buoyed by demand for plastic bottles and closures, as well as increased demand from the healthcare sector.

MARKET FORECAST 2008-2012:

MBD believe the UK market for plastic packaging will demonstrate moderate real term growth during much of the five year forecast period ending 2012. In the latter year, the value of the market is anticipated to reach £3410.7 million, equivalent to overall real term growth of 1% in comparison with 2007. The market is becoming increasingly dependent on the trends in the end use markets, many of which are reaching a level of maturity, and growth is likely to be more dependent on the efforts by end users to utilise packaging to stimulate product differentiation. Furthermore, market development is expected to be restricted by the trend towards reducing packaging and towards using more recyclable materials, which is largely driven by legislative requirements. However, plastic is expected to remain a popular packaging material in a number of sectors, including food & drink and healthcare.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Market & Business Development Ltd specialises in business to business market research. The range of reports and industries in which we operate in constantly expanding (our portfolio comprises of more that 140 titles). All our reports are written by in-house market consultants.

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