Flexible packages are made of elastic—flexible materials that can be easily formed after being filled with a product. Plastics are the most commonly used materials in manufacturing. Films and flexible laminates are used as products and package wrapping in flexible packages. This form of packaging makes pouches, bags, and other pliable product containers out of a range of flexible packaging materials, including foil, plastic, and paper.
Customer Preference
The increased customer preference for convenience goods is one of the key drivers boosting the flexible packaging industry. Products that are simple to access, hold, carry, use, and dispose of are in high demand because of changing customer preferences brought on by smaller home units and busy lifestyles. Consequently, this favors product packaging that fits with modern lifestyles.
In addition to food and drink, flexible packaging is increasingly used for prescription drugs, hygiene products, and healthy products that support active lifestyle choices. Flexible packaging is a major factor in consumer decision-making. It affects their behavior and influences their preference for a specific style or design of the packaging. The flexible package is offered from the consumer's perspective and provides the level of convenience required by consumers are usually made, baked-in-the-carton, mix-in-the-pouch, and serve-from-the-tray.
Role of Plastic in the Packaging Market
The global flexible packaging industry is ruled by plastic packaging. In a variety of industry verticals, including food and beverage, medicines, cosmetics, tobacco goods, and the personal care industry, plastic has been employed to be the most biodegradable polymer for packaging. Plastic materials (polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, PVC, and polystyrene) are becoming more widely used as flexible packaging materials due to their distinctive qualities, including flexibility, sustainability, and lightweights. They are also highly economical and can be used by all industries regardless of their scale of operations, as well as being simple to reuse and recycle. Additionally, the acceptance of plastics in the wrapping of food goods is being fueled by the rising use of biopolymers because of consumers' growing awareness of eco-friendly products, changing lifestyles, and altering eating patterns.
Other industries and flexible packaging
Pharmaceutical and food products can be transported more successfully and with less difficulty when appropriately packaged. The flexible packaging industry is also rising in emerging countries because of rising packaged food consumption and concerns about nutrition and health. These factors contribute to the expansion of flexible wrapping in the food and beverage sector. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of fully automated manufacturing facilities necessitates employing cutting-edge packaging techniques for barrier-free packaging of completed goods, which spurs the expansion of the flexible packaging industry.
Growth Rate for Countries
Due to their enormous populations, rising per capita income, rising packaged food consumption, expanding organized retail industry, and booming e-commerce, China and India provide significant growth possibilities for the package market players in APAC. These elements will also guarantee that China and India will continue to dominate the flexible packaging market in the years to come. Huhtamaki Group, Amcor Limited, Mondi Group, Hindalco, and Uflex Limited are a few of the top flexible packaging companies with operations in China and India.
Final Thoughts
The evolution of nanotechnology has enhanced flexible packaging in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food production, and manufacturing. Considering all these flexible packaging market trends, the market size is predicted to grow excellently. More countries will be opting for this packaging type, increasing the number of contributors to the flexible packaging industry.
