The corrugated packaging industry - MPA International’s research in Europe

For many years our in-depth reports on the corrugated packaging industry have provided vital information on new opportunities. Since 1988, MPA has carried out in-depth research into all aspects of the corrugated fiberboard market. Our newest research continues to include information on topics such as corrugated fibreboard packaging products, case making materials, and the markets for sheet plants and sheet feeders.

While the UK market for corrugated fibreboard continued to grow in tonnage terms in 1997, it is clear that this sector of the packaging industry is now at a cross-roads. Sales volumes are increasingly difficult to maintain, and good margins are even more elusive.

There are now many other industry pressures in the corrugated packaging sector to contend with:

Paper suppliers’ attempts to manage price and supply in a fiercely competitive environment
European and global alliances
Over capacity in board production and conversion
Competitive pressures from alternative and closed loop systems
Challenges from the sophisticated logistics systems of the multiple retailers and their corrugated packaging suppliers
The issue of waste management and the wider environmental debate.

The next few years could prove extremely interesting for the industry signaling fundamental changes in the structure and operations of the corrugated packaging sector.

MPA’s reports address the effect and implications of all of these market pressures but also investigate the opportunities for corrugated fibreboard outside the traditional packaging industry market:

What are the potential uses?
Who is developing new application?
Are there opportunities for E, F and micro flute?

MPA’s report also assesses the impact of industry developments in corrugator and conversion machine technology on the market, as well as trends in corrugated case making materials.

As usual, the research also contains an image study of the major suppliers to the packaging industry, analysing their strengths and weaknesses as perceived by corrugated packaging end-users
Now more than ever, serious players in this industry need to be aware of the implications of all of these economic, technical, structural and environmental issues. MPA’s new report gives clear
answers to these fundamental questions, helping you to make the critical decisions that assure your company’s future growth.

Please visit our Publications Library to view brochures and tables of contents. Buy either a full report or individual sections of a report by following the links in the library, or by following the 'Buy Market Data On-Line' link.

Alternatively, please call +44 20 8832 7770 for more information on current & forthcoming market studies.