Packaging full of potential in the east
comes a very definite top with respect to market potential,
according to recent market research carried out for the Total
Processing and Packaging 2004, currently running in Birmingham, UK.
Those polled even put the region's burgeoning packaging consumption ahead of Asia, according to the UK Packaging Business Confidence Survey from Landell Mills Consulting.
Although the poll revealed that many players in the UK industry were worried about the UK should join the euro and the issue of decreasing profit margins, looking to prospects overseas many believed that the picture did look a little rosier.
Overseas investment opportunities were felt to be strongest within the Central and Eastern European countries, with Poland, Czech Republic and Russia coming out as the primary targest for UK packaging and processing equipment providers.
However the region was closely followed by Asian countries such as China, Malaysia, Thailand and Korea, with Japan being singled out for exclusion in the region because of the maturity of the market and its stagnant economy.
The investment opportunities and bullish nature of the Eastern European countries was being reflected in the interest being expressed by these markets in both visitor and exhibitor attendance at Total Processing & Packaging 2004, said show director Barbara Jackson. The proximity of Eastern European countries to western European markets and EU accession were the major reasons for this interest.
Summing up the survey Ian Dent said: "Packaging is a barometer of the economy, and this survey reflects that by echoing comments voiced by manufacturing in general over its lack of attention by Government, the impact of the two-speed economy as reflected by the retail sector here, and the important issue of inward investment.
"I hope that we may continue with this dynamic exercise to supplement the usual annual historical market data."
The UK Packaging Business Confidence Survey interviewed 100 senior managers and directors within the UK packaging industry. Over 80 per cent of those interviewed were involved in packaging materials and containers, while 18 per cent were involved in machinery.
The interviews were conducted by telephone using a structured questionnaire and lists compiled by The Packaging Federation, Landell Mills Consulting, Total Processing & Packaging 2004, and MMAssociates.
