Business

Graham Packaging, the global plastic packaging group, has reported an 8% rise in net sales to $670m (£344m) in the first quarter to 31 March after passing on increased resin costs.

The US-based firm, which has 83 plants in North America, Europe and South America, reported a net income of $3.8m in the quarter, compared with a net loss of $15.6m in the same period in 2007.

Its sales rose 6% in North America, 15% in Europe and 22% in South America.

The automotive lubricants container category led the way with an overall sales rise of 28%, followed by food and beverages, up 11%.

However, the firm's sales in household and personal care packaging fell compared with the same period last year.

The number of container units sold in the first quarter declined by 1%.

Graham Packaging produces more than 20 billion blow-moulded plastic containers per year for customers in food and beverage, household goods, personal care and automotive lubricants.