The DTI has given the go ahead to Pira and the Packaging Federation to carry out a competitiveness study for the packaging industry.
Previous studies commissioned for printing, paper, plastics and metal have included some packaging related information but for the first time this study will focus on the packaging industry as a whole rather than by material type.
Input from existing studies will be combined with additional research from a number of sources including Pira's Strategic Futures programme.
Issues of international competitiveness will be assessed as the study compares the UK industry with other countries in terms of productivity and cost base.
The project also involves discussions with the British Plastics Federation, British Glass, the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association and the Confederation of Paper industries.
Input from the Institute of Packaging industry mapping project and future technology requirements from the Faraday Packaging Partnership are incorporated in the work programme.
