Food Container Demand to Increase

U.S. demand for food containers is projected to expand 3 percent per year to $20.7 billion in 2009, according to a study by Cleveland-based market research firm the Freedonia Group.

The Freedonia study predicts that plastic containers, bags and pouches will log the fastest growth among major food container types, often supplanting paperboard, metal and glass containers.

Plastic container demand will be propelled by improved heat resistance and barrier properties as well as advances in panel-less PET hot-fill bottle construction, which enhances container aesthetics and achieves an appearance more like glass bottles.

According to the Freedonia study, advances in the food container market will be stimulated by an expanding population base, rising disposable and personal income levels, smaller household sizes, consumer demands for more convenient prepared foods and trends toward value-added packaging.

Growing popularity of single-serving packaging, such as plastic cups and pouches, will also contribute to the growth of demand.