In 2000, food containers and non-food containers accounted for 75% of the plasticware retail sales.

Are demographic trends, such as the primary school age population critical for lunchbox manufacturers?

The UK plasticware market faces competition from cheap imports - will this affect further growth in sales?

This report looks at the market for plasticware in the UK which Mintel last reviewed in Market Intelligence, May 1998. In the previous report, suppliers were found to have enjoyed relatively buoyant value growth at an average rate of around 10% per year at current prices, but in recent years growth has settled to around 3% per annum. Mintel estimates that the plasticware market has a retail sales value of £152 million in 2001.

In 2000, food containers and non-food containers accounted for 75% of the plasticware retail sales.

Are demographic trends, such as the primary school age population critical for lunchbox manufacturers?

The UK plasticware market faces competition from cheap imports - will this affect further growth in sales?

This report looks at the market for plasticware in the UK which Mintel last reviewed in Market Intelligence, May 1998. In the previous report, suppliers were found to have enjoyed relatively buoyant value growth at an average rate of around 10% per year at current prices, but in recent years growth has settled to around 3% per annum. Mintel estimates that the plasticware market has a retail sales value of £152 million in 2001.

Many trends are working against this market - demographic shifts in key consumer groups, competition to the traditional packed lunch from prepared sandwiches, and a general preoccupation with other markets by acquisitive new holding companies, have all conspired to curtail volume growth. At the same time, competition from cheap imports in some sectors is affecting prices and, as a result, is a threat to further growth in value sales.

Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

- Bathroom Accessories, Market Intelligence, March 2001

- Kitchen Wraps and Wipes, Market Intelligence, November 2000

- Housewares Retailing, Retail Intelligence, August 1999

- Household Cleaning Hardware, Market Intelligence, April 1998.