FLEXO Flash Poll Reveals Flexographic Printers Forecast Sales Growth
Robert Moran
Two-thirds of Flexographic Technical Association printer members choosing to participate in a FLEXO Magazine Flash Poll on business prospects in 2017 are voicing expectations of significant sales growth in the next 12 months. Fifty-seven percent say business will improve somewhere between 5 and 10 percent, while another 9 percent see big boosts in volume—better than 10 percent. Only 6 percent point to stagnation.
The poll, open throughout the two week period of Nov. 7-21, 2016, drew answers from 15 percent of printer/converter firms on FTA’s membership roster. Significantly, not a single respondent forecasts a drop off in business.
Elaborating on the sales picture, one respondent notes, “We continue to gain market share as quality improves.” Another explains, “The general economy is growing.” A third states, “Regulatory changes are forcing brand owners to make label changes. Many of [them] will take the opportunity to also launch new brands and/or revise existing brands. These changes will drive growth in the printing and graphics sectors.” That opinion was not exclusive. A different respondent observes, “The new NLEA (Nutrition Labeling and Education Act) requirements will create a short term market gain as companies revise their graphics on packaging. In general, the print industry will remain strong.”
Perspectives hint at some more unique aspects of the operating environment, as well. “I see a lot of business transitioning to flexo. We are traditionally a gravure shop that just started flexo.”
Other comments: “We’re expanding into new markets” and “Flexible packaging continues to grow and replace secondary packaging and canned goods,” plus, “We are very diversified and provide all types of packaging for our customers” and, “Graphics on corrugated is growing.”