Other important plastic container resins include polystyrene, polyvi-nyl chloride, polypropylene and low density polyethylene. Favorable growth prospects are expected for plastic pails as a result of their light weight and performance advantages compared to metal pails. More modest growth is forecast for plastic food containers, including tubs, cups, bowls, trays and egg cartons. Pockets of opportunity exist, however, in applications such as packaging for the growing home meal replacement market. The plastic container industry is relatively concentrated with most firms engaged in the production of bottles, jars and related items.
Foreign trade is limited due to the high costs associated with shipping empty containers.
Captive con-tainer production, while increasing, is especially prevalent in the dairy and soft drink markets. Historical data plus projections to 2004 and 2009 are included in units and pounds. Inc. All rights reserved.