The demand of protective packaging is expected to increase nearly 5% annualy to $3 billion in 2006. This is projected by The Freedonia Group, Inc., Cleveland based industrial market research firm. The growth is due to expanding internet, mail order catalog sales, highly customized requirement of end user packaging applications, growth of distribution network and free trade agreements between countries. Foamed and plastic packaging will also grow. The paperboard packaging growth is the result of demand from appliances and other durable goods industries.