Changes in consumer preferences, rising petrochemical costs and increasing government regulation have caused consumer products companies to look for alternatives to plastic-based packaging. Paper-based specialty packaging is helping to meet that demand and is creating new growth and investment opportunities for paper producers, according to the new Specialty Packaging Papers Special Market Analysis Study from RISI.

"Not only is there opportunity for manufacturers who are already producing packaging paper grades, but producers of graphic papers could also benefit," said Michael Jones, Director of Packaging - Mill Intelligence at RISI.

"Graphic paper manufacturers producing printing and writing grades are facing significant market headwinds as demand for those grades continues to decline. The specialty market offers them an opportunity to improve machine utilization rates and create new revenue streams," continued Jones.

For those looking to enter the market or those already producing specialty grades, the Specialty Packaging Papers Study provides a comprehensive profile of the market's competitive landscape and a detailed market outlook through 2015. It also outlines opportunities and challenges that new market entrants will face; and the equipment and processes needed to be successful.

Included in the study:

• Existing and projected market growth
• Profiles of major producers and machines worldwide
• Converter and distributor profiles
• Trends in international trade
• Market opportunities and threats
• Barriers to market entry
• Equipment and product quality requirements
• New investment and trading opportunities
  

For more information follow this link to the RISI site: 
http://www.risiinfo.com/risi-store/do/product/detail/Global-Specialty-Lightweight-Packaging-Study.html

This article originally appeared on The Working Forest Newspaper website.

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