NEW YORK -- June 7, 2005 -- TrendWatch Graphic Arts today released its first Special Report on the commercial printing industry's investment in the packaging marketplace. "Printers Eye Packaging Diversification: Opportunities, Process, and Applications" takes a look the what percentage of shops are producing packaging, whether that production is in-house or outsourced, what applications are being produced, using what print processes, and in what volumes. It also looks at the perception of packaging as a sales opportunity, as well as the various challenges that create barriers to entry. The data is broken by segment (commercial printers, trade shops), as well as provided in overall aggregate, and broken down by shop size. Current data are taken from the most recent TWGA Printing survey, #21, and compared to the data from TWGA Printing #20, six months ago. A special bonus section provides selected converter data from TrendWatch GA's exclusive 2003 survey of the packaging marketplace, providing insight into how the perceptions, challenges, and perceived opportunities of commercial printers and trade shops currently competing in, or looking to diversify into, the packaging marketplace, compare to those of traditional packaging converters and what this means for this industry. Report Conclusions... Although there is an intimidating "packaging culture" barrier between commercial print and packaging operations, it's not unscalable. The number of commercial printers and trade shops with serious investments in this marketplace are growing, and they are producing a wide variety of applications beyond the traditional cartons and labels. But that barrier is high, and serves an important purpose -- weeding out the serious potential players from those who are just playing. Getting involved in packaging requires a dedicated effort in time, resources, and sales and marketing. It's a serious undertaking. The report concludes, however, that there are benefits for those who make the investment. There are gaps and unmet needs in the packaging marketplace that are well served by the unique skill sets brought by commercial printers. Finding them takes time, and educating the client base that a commercial printer - rather than a traditional converter -- can handle those needs takes finesse. But it can be, and is being, done. News Highlights... -- 24% of commercial printers currently produce packaging in-house; -- 15% of graphic arts firms are currently producing flexible packaging (non-standup pouches); -- 15% of commercial printers are producing packaging on a flexographic press; -- 43% of trade shops are using wide-format (inkjet) printers to produce packaging jobs. -- For 10% of graphic arts firms overall, packaging is 50% or more of their overall service mix. Availability... The TrendWatch Graphic Arts "Printers Eye Packaging Diversification: Opportunities, Processes, and Applications" report is available for purchase by visiting the secure TrendWatch Graphic Arts eStore online at www.trendwatchgraphicarts.com/special or by phone at 866-873-6310. The price for the 127-page report is $995. TrendWatch Graphic Arts eStore customers can download this report in PDF Acrobat format immediately after purchase.