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From changing consumer tastes, to efforts for sustainability and technological improvements in the field of packaging itself. One clear trend is the growth in sustainably practiced flexible plastic packaging. Manufacturers, in response to consumer desire for environment-friendly answers are now developing recyclable, compostible and bio-based flexible plastic materials with low environmental impact.
Stand-up pouches and various types of resealable packaging are becoming popular. The flexible plastic packaging ranges are convenient and easy to use, with extended shelf life. These suit particular consumer needs because the packaged products may be stored easily without losing freshness
Trends in flexible plastic packaging are being driven by breakthroughs in barrier technologies. To prolong shelf-life, improved preservation and freshness are being sought through developed applications of barrier films and coating. This is especially the case in foods as well as pharmaceuticals.
There is growing adoption of digital printing technologies for flexible plastic packaging. With digital printing, brands can have vibrant images of high quality; the designs and patterns are customized to meet specific needs. The print runs may be short in order to accommodate various forms of packaging for different products according to production and sales requirements. The trend of using recycled content in flexible plastic packaging is growing. Manufacturers are promoting closed-loop systems and applying the principles of a circular economy by using recycled materials, which helps reduce plastic waste and resource conservation.
Convenience foods are now frequently packaged in pouches. Pouches are flexible, light in weight and easily handled. These features make them useful for all kinds of food products in many different categories including snacks, baby foods or ready-to-eat meals. Flexible plastic packaging is witnessing a trend of combining active and intelligent packages. Packaging solutions including oxygen scavengers, moisture control and RFID tags add another layer of protection to products as well as traceability and real-time information for consumers.
The industry is trending toward mono-material packaging packages. Mono-material structures help recycling, making it easier to reclaim and put back into circulation raw materials. This is in line with the concept of a circular economy and wider calls for more recyclable packaging. IoT-integrated smart packaging solutions are starting to emerge. With sensors and RFID technology, flexible plastic packaging can report real-time arrival location information. It also records distribution temperature as well as receiving usages to enhance transparency and traceability along the entire supply chain route. Child-resistant flexible packaging is becoming popular in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries. Packaging designs with child-resistant closures and elements not only guarantee the safety of products, they also satisfy expectations from regulatory organizations as well as consumers.
Covered Aspects:
| Report Attribute/Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Opportunities | Developing countries increase the purchasing power |
| Market Dynamics | Increased consumption of processed foods & beverages Innovation in flexible packaging |
Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Highlights:
Global Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Overview
Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Size was valued at USD 232.13 Billion in 2023. The Flexible Plastic Packaging industry is projected to grow from USD 250.70 Billion in 2024 to USD 495.86 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Risi The food and beverage industries are intensively using flexible plastic packaging owing to the increased shelf life of the food particles. Moreover, the customer goods are packed in flexible plastic packaging for their convenience and malleability are the key market driver enhancing market growth.
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Trends
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Growing demand from the food and beverage industry to boost the market growth
The increasing demand from the food and beverage industry, and pharmaceutical industry, and the increasing momentum of the stand-up pouches, as they are extremely functional among the other options and are used for varied end-user industries are driving the flexible plastic packaging market trends. Moreover, the increasing demand for counter pharmaceutical products is also driving the flexible plastic packaging market growth. The food and beverage industry which is considered the major consumer of the flexible plastic packaging industry uses the packaging because of the diverse availability of the materials used. Raw materials such as polyethylene, PVC, BOPET, and EVOH are intensively used as they provide higher visibility of the products and prevent oxidation in the case of food, thereby increasing the shelf life as well. Such beneficiary features are considered the major drivers of the flexible plastic packaging market growth.
The increasing investment in the packaging industry by the established market players is rapidly increasing the innovations in the flexible plastic packaging industry. The demand for efficient packaging across the industrial verticals has propelled manufacturers to bring innovations in the flexible plastic packaging industry. Such factors are presenting lucrative opportunities for the overall growth of the flexible plastic packaging industry. The increasing adaptation of the regulations related to environmental concerns and eco-friendly products is increasing the consumption of flexible packages among the industrial sectors. Moreover, the flexibility of plastics enables the manufacturers to cater to the various demands of the various end-users. Such factors are expected to increase the overall growth of the flexible plastic packaging industry during the forecast period. Therefore, such factors related to Flexible Plastic Packaging have enhanced the Flexible Plastic Packaging market CAGR across the globe in recent years.
Amcor and Mondelēz International, Inc., two different companies but both leaders in their respective industries, announced in August 2023 their joint investment in Licella to build Australia's first advanced recycling facilities for soft plastic. The new facility in Melbourne, Australia, will use its innovative Catalytic Hydrothermal Reactor (Cat-HTR) technology to recycle end-of-life plastic back into a crude oil substitute suitable to produce new food-grade plastic packaging. Managed by Advanced Recycling Victoria (ARV), it has a completion date set in 2025 and will initially process approximately 20,000 tonnes per annum of end-of-life plastics with a view to scaling it up to 120,000 tonnes per annum.
Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Segment Insights
Flexible Plastic Packaging Type Insights
The Flexible Plastic Packaging market segmentation, based on type, includes Stand-Up Pouches, Flat Pouches, Gusseted, Bags, and Others. The Stand-Up Pouches segment held the majority share 2021 of the Flexible Plastic Packaging market revenue. This is due to their versatility and convenience as they can stand upright on their own, making them easy to store, display and dispense the product. Additionally, stand-up pouches are also lightweight, resealable, and have a large printing area, which makes them suitable for various applications such as food, beverages, personal care, and household products. Furthermore, the increasing demand for convenient and easy-to-use packaging solutions is also driving the growth of the stand-up pouches segment in the flexible plastic packaging market.
Flexible Plastic Packaging Printing Technology Insights
The Flexible Plastic Packaging market segmentation, based on printing technology, includes Flexography, Digital Printing, and Others. The Digital Printing segment held the majority share 2021 of the Flexible Plastic Packaging market revenue. This is due to the increasing adoption of digital printing technology in the flexible plastic packaging industry. Digital printing offers various benefits such as cost-effectiveness, high-quality printing, and faster turnaround time, which are driving its adoption in the market. Additionally, advancements in digital printing technology are also allowing for more personalized and customized packaging solutions, further fueling its growth.
Flexible Plastic Packaging Application Insights
Based on application, the Flexible Plastic Packaging market segmentation includes Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care, and others. The Food & Beverages segment dominated the market in 2021 and is projected to be the faster-growing segment during the forecast period, 2022-2030. This is due to the increasing demand for convenient and easy-to-use packaging solutions for various food products, such as snacks, baked goods, and confectionery. Additionally, the growth of e-commerce and online food delivery services is also driving the demand for flexible plastic packaging in the food and beverage industry. These all factors for Flexible Plastic Packaging positively impact the market growth.
Figure 2: Flexible Plastic Packaging Market, by Type, 2021 & 2030 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Flexible Plastic Packaging Regional Insights
By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. Asia-pacific region is expected to hold the largest flexible plastic packaging market share during the forecast period owing to the presence of several manufacturing industries and the growing food and beverage industry. Moreover, the factors such as the increasing working population, and increasing inclination towards packaged food and beverages across the region are further fuelling the overall growth of the flexible plastic packaging industry. Moreover the demand for the major end-user industries such as food and beverages, pharmaceutical, personal care, and cosmetic industries in the Asia-pacific region are stimulating the overall growth of the flexible plastic packaging industry.
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil
Figure 3: FLEXIBLE PLASTIC PACKAGING MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2021 (%)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Europe’s Flexible Plastic Packaging market accounts for the second-largest market share. This is due to various factors such as the presence of a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises, a well-developed packaging industry, and the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions in the region. Additionally, the growing adoption of advanced packaging technologies, such as digital printing and smart packaging, is also driving the growth of the flexible plastic packaging market in Europe. Additionally, the growth of the food and beverage industry in the region, driven by the increasing demand for convenience food and ready-to-eat meals, is also fueling the growth of the flexible plastic packaging market in Europe. Further, the Germany Flexible Plastic Packaging market held the largest market share, and the UK Flexible Plastic Packaging market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.
North America, Flexible Plastic Packaging market, is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. This is due to factors such as the increasing demand for convenient and easy-to-use packaging solutions, the growth of the e-commerce and online food delivery industries, and the growing adoption of advanced packaging technologies in the region. Furthermore, the increasing awareness about sustainable packaging solutions and the growing adoption of bioplastics and recycled materials in the packaging industry is also driving the growth of the flexible plastic packaging market in North America. Moreover, the U.S. Flexible Plastic Packaging market held the largest market share, and the Canada Flexible Plastic Packaging market was the fastest-growing market in the North American region.
Flexible Plastic Packaging Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the Flexible Plastic Packaging market grow even more. Market participants are also taking a range of strategic initiatives to grow their worldwide footprint, with key market developments such as new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations. Competitors in the Flexible Plastic Packaging industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market environment.
The major market players are investing a lot of money in R&D to expand their product lines, which will spur further market growth for Flexible Plastic Packaging. With significant market development like new product releases, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations, market participants are also undertaking various strategic activities to expand their presence. To grow and thrive in a market climate that is becoming more competitive and growing, competitors in the Flexible Plastic Packaging industry must offer affordable products.
Manufacturing locally to cut operating costs is one of the main business tactics manufacturers use in the Flexible Plastic Packaging industry to benefit customers and expand the market sector. The Flexible Plastic Packaging market has recently given medicine some of the most important advantages. Major Flexible Plastic Packaging market players, including Amcor Limited, Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH, Mondi Group, Sealed Air Corporation, Sonoco Products Company, Coveris Holdings S.A, Berry, Transcontinential Inc. Huhtamaki Group, Bemis Company Inc and Ampac Holdings, and others, are attempting to increase market demand by funding R&D initiatives.
Amcor Limited is a packaging company headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. Amcor produces a wide range of packaging products, including flexible packaging, rigid containers, and specialty cartons. The company's product portfolio includes packaging solutions for the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, personal care, and industrial sectors.
Constantia Flexibles Group is a packaging company headquartered in Vienna, Austria. The company specializes in the production of flexible packaging solutions for the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, and personal care industries. Constantia Flexibles has a strong presence in Europe, as well as a growing presence in Asia and the Americas.
List of the Key Companies in the Flexible Plastic Packaging market include
- Amcor Limited
- Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH
- Mondi Group
- Sealed Air Corporation
- Sonoco Products Company
- Coveris Holdings S.A
- Huhtamaki Group
- Bemis Company Inc
- Berry
- Transcontinential Inc
- Ampac Holdings among others
Flexible Plastic Packaging Industry Developments
In December 2023, Mars China would introduce Snickers bar with dark chocolate porridge of mono-material flexible plastic packaging. This new product is offered in low sugar and GI variants as well as individual packs made of mono PP material which usually rightfully fits into the “Designed for Recycling” concept that can be easily recycled in designated channels.
In April 2023, Sealed Air signed an agreement with Koenig and Bauer AG to extend their strategic partnership regarding digital printing machines. The company’s endeavor is aimed at significantly improving packaging design capabilities through the development of state-of-the-art digital printing technology/equipment/services. Solutions developed by SEE and Koenig & Bauer will scale and deliver digitally printed materials dramatically faster, enabling brand owners to promote products by connecting with consumers through a digitally enhanced package.
In September 2023, Sealed Air announced partnership plans with Sparck Technologies for collaborative automated packaging systems which would help improve its own operations related to packing goods and products anywhere within the world. They are a provider of 3D automated packaging solutions based out of Australia primarily, and they operate in New Zealand, Japan and South Korea.
In February 2023, Sealed Air made an acquisition worth USD1.15 billion (cash and debt-free basis) for Liquibox. It is a leader in the packaging industry with its portfolio of bag-in-box solutions in sustainable fluids & liquids packaging, as well as serving fresh food, beverage, consumer goods and industrial end-markets.
In April 2023, Sealed Air signed an agreement with Koenig and Bauer AG to extend their strategic partnership regarding digital printing machines. The company’s endeavor is aimed at significantly improving packaging design capabilities through the development of state-of-the-art digital printing technology/equipment/services. Solutions developed by SEE and Koenig & Bauer will scale and deliver digitally printed materials dramatically faster, enabling brand owners to promote products by connecting with consumers through a digitally enhanced package.
In September 2023, Sealed Air announced partnership plans with Sparck Technologies for collaborative automated packaging systems which would help improve its own operations related to packing goods and products anywhere within the world. They are a provider of 3D automated packaging solutions based out of Australia primarily, and they operate in New Zealand, Japan and South Korea.
In February 2023, Sealed Air made an acquisition worth USD1.15 billion (cash and debt-free basis) for Liquibox. It is a leader in the packaging industry with its portfolio of bag-in-box solutions in sustainable fluids & liquids packaging, as well as serving fresh food, beverage, consumer goods and industrial end-markets.
Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Segmentation
Flexible Plastic Packaging Type Outlook
- Stand-Up Pouches
- Flat Pouches
- Gusseted & Bags
- Others
Flexible Plastic Packaging Printing Technology Outlook
- Flexography
- Digital Printing
- Others
Flexible Plastic Packaging Application Outlook
- Food & Beverages
- Pharmaceutical
- Personal Care
- Others
Flexible Plastic Packaging Regional Outlook
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- France
- UK
- Italy
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- Australia
- South Korea
- Australia
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
- Rest of the World
- Middle East
- Africa
- Latin America
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