NEW YORK, NY -- July 30, 2002 -- TrendWatch Graphic Arts today released a special report aimed at introducing graphic communication suppliers to the packaging market. According to "TrendWatch Graphic Arts Packaging: Introduction to the Marketplace" the U.S. packaging industry is estimated at $114 billion -- 80% of the size of the commercial printing industry but with only 10% of the plants. And TWGA reported that packaging professionals are welcome to innovation as 47% are reported to see "technological change" as a top business challenge. The report was released today and is available online. For more information, please visit the TWGA website (www.trendwatchgraphicarts.com). Researcher's Quote... "The packaging market is focused on technology, and has the resources to invest in innovation," noted Vince Naselli, Director, TrendWatch Graphic Arts. "But the market is also quite diverse, secretive, and complex, so penetration demands in-depth understanding. In developing this report TWGA ran into the same barriers. Uncovering market information, workflow processes, and market drivers was extremely challenging, even for an experienced research firm." Packaging Expert's Quote... "The opportunity for graphic arts suppliers in packaging is substantial," said Kevin Karstedt, President, Karstedt Associates and noted packaging authority. "The areas of digital prepress, digital proofing, remote communications, digital asset management, and graphics workflow management are increasing growth and sales opportunities. Suppliers should also focus upon both ends of the workflow [the Consumer Product Companies and their package printing and converting suppliers]. This TWGA report has captured the major diversities prevalent in the industry. It is packed with insights and facts about the package printing market that are critical to any company seeking to successfully develop and market products and services into this very diverse and segmented marketplace. According to the report... -- "Speeding up turnaround" was respondents' second best sales opportunity, with 25% giving this answer, rising to 43% of manufacturing personnel (a terrific opportunity for suppliers with proofing, comping, workflow, and related solutions); -- More than one-third (36%) of marketing respondents cited "using Internet to speed up workflow" as a top sales opportunity; -- Key end-user sectors are projected to grow significantly, from 3.5% for health and beauty aids to 14.5% for security products. -- Between 12% and 15% of respondents producing corrugated, label, and flexible packaging reported their volume of these products has increased "a lot" in the last 12 months; -- Flexo production is estimated to comprise 74% of the total packaging production. What the Report Offers... The TWGA packaging report offers exclusive survey data, including business conditions, business challenges, sales opportunities, planned investments, growth areas and workflow issues. It also provides graphic communication professionals with: -- An analysis of the packaging workflow; -- Terminology unique to the packaging industry; -- Major issues facing packaging professionals; -- Technological areas where graphic arts vendors can best serve a need; -- Applications that are growing, shrinking, or steady; -- Print processes and technology trends by packaging segment; -- Impact of key technologies, such as digital printing, proofing, and DAM. Availability... "TrendWatch Graphic Arts Packaging: Introduction to the Marketplace" is available for purchase by visiting the secure TrendWatch Graphic Arts eStore online at www.trendwatchgraphicarts.com or by phone at 866-873-6310. The price for the report is $1595. TrendWatch Graphic Arts eStore customers can download this report in PDF Acrobat format immediately after purchase.