Reston, VA - A 250+ page study, published by PRIMIR entitled "Benchmarking and Worldwide Market Trends for Flexographic Printing" is now available.  The research was conducted by LPC Inc. for PRIMIR.  Published in May 2010, the study provides a comprehensive assessment of the global flexographic industry while answering how this analog print process fits into a world that is increasingly going digital, and which world regions are likely to provide opportunities for future growth.  The study investigates flexo in packaging as well as non-packaging applications.
 
According to this new PRIMIR study, packaging comprises nearly 92% of the global flexographic volume; the remaining volume is in non-package printing applications such as security printing, pharmaceutical products and commercially printed electronics. In the next several years, the study projects that flexo will enjoy a 4-5% growth rate-largely coming from growth in the developing regions, more specifically the BRIC countries.
 
LPC reports in the study that flexography accounts for nearly 60%, or just more than $260 billion, of the $440 billion printed packaging market. In 2009, flexo's market share for packaging applications included: $125 billion for corrugated, $81 billion for flexible packaging, $56 billion for labels and tags, and $1.2 billion for folding carton.

Not surprisingly, the study reveals that North America and Western Europe featured the most flexo press installations. However, global growth opportunities lie in the emerging markets where flexo is not currently the dominant process.   It is also interesting to note that print buyers interviewed expect in the next five years to be sourcing their flexo printed products from regions of the world different from the one in which they are located.  In fact, 70% anticipate sourcing these materials from Asia, while 60% will be sourcing from Latin America.
 
The comprehensive study, "Benchmarking and Worldwide Market Trends for Flexographic Printing," identifies a number of recommendations for all participants in the print supply chain.  An order form and pricing details are available online at: www.primir.org.  For more information about PRIMIR or membership, contact Jackie Bland, Managing Director at  e-mail: [email protected] or phone: 703/264-7200.