Reston, VA–The Print Industries Market Information and Research Organization (PRIMIR) announced three new research studies for 2009 are underway.

Benchmarking and Worldwide Market Trends for Flexographic Printing

This worldwide study will benchmark 2007 and provide drivers for change in flexographic printing through 2012 by region.  The study will investigate trends in flexographic printing and will cover newspapers, packaging, tags & labels, envelopes, folding cartons, corrugated, flexible film and foil.  It will provide data on the number of presses in use by width and market segment, run lengths by application, make ready, number of colors/coatings, and benchmark related consumables in flexo printing.  It will evaluate trends from the packaging marketplace and provide a forecast of this market segment through 2012.  LPC Consultants will complete this study for a late fall 2009 release.

Global Trends in Packaging Affecting North American Converter & Supplier Markets

This study will identify global packaging trends that impact the North American converter and supplier markets.  It will identify drivers and barriers and demographic, environmental, or regulatory issues influencing the printing process, package preference and the point of origin. The study will specifically delve into labels, folding cartons, corrugated, flexible and retort pouch packaging and specific substrate and coating requirements.  The study will evaluate food versus other packaged goods and identify the package specifiers' future needs.  The research is underway with State Street Consultants and will be completed in late summer 2009.

Global Trends in Printing and Writing Papers                                                                             
Regional (worldwide) coating differences cause printing technical issues.  This PRIMIR study

will evaluate regional paper qualities/properties/specifications and standards in use today and provide a forecast for 2012.  It will examine print quality, distribution channels and trade flows (capacity today and forecast for 2012).  The study will also investigate the value of coated paper vs. other substrates as well as press and other consumable requirements to print on coated papers for SOHO print devices, proofing, digital, direct imaging, offset, rotogravure and web offset printing.  A key deliverable of the study will be results from testing various papers from around

the globe.  Pira International is conducting this research that will be released in late summer 2009.

For information about these or other PRIMIR research studies or membership details, contact Jackie Bland, PRIMIR Managing Director at e-mail:  [email protected], or phone:  703/264-7200.  Visit PRIMIR on the web at: www.primir.org.