The 247-page report forecasts an increased demand for functional containers, such as prefillable inhalers and prefillable syringes, with both growing at double-digit rates through 2010. Available for $4,300, the Freedonia report also listed the following observations:
* Improved strength, puncture-resistance, and barrier properties will keep sterile pouches the leading container for medium- to large-sized medical and dental devices and supplies, including catheters and related tubing apparatus, face masks and IV administration sets.
* Sterile medical trays and pouches will post below-average gains but will remain important segments, combining for demand of more than $1 billion in 2010.
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* Plastic resins--especially polyvinyl chloride, polyethylenes, polypropylene and thermoplastic polyesters--will continue to dominate the market for sterile packaging raw materials.