Flexible Plastic Packaging Global Market Report 2024

Flexible plastic packaging is a packing technique that utilizes flexible materials and has become increasingly popular due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Plastic materials commonly used in flexible plastic packaging include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride, among others.

The main types of flexible plastic packaging include stand-up pouches, flat pouches, roll stock, gusseted bags, wicketed bags, wraps, and others. Stand-up pouches, also known as doypacks, are self-supporting soft-sided containers. Flat pouches can be side-welded or bottom-sealed and come in various styles like back or t-seal, four-side sealed, and three-side sealed pouches. Roll stock consists of laminated film in one continuous sheet with a sturdy central cardboard core, offering a highly usable structure. Gusseted bags have extra semi-oval-shaped indents on both sides, forming a square or rectangle base to accommodate more items. Wicketed bags are stacked plastic bags arranged on a wire wicket and held together with rubber washers or a chipboard header. Wraps are tightly fitted flexible plastic used to cover a variety of items. The technologies used in flexible plastic packaging include flexography, rotogravure, digital printing, and others. Flexible plastic packaging is employed to pack a wide range of items, including food, beverages, pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, personal care and cosmetics.

The flexible plastic packaging market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides flexible plastic packaging market statistics, including flexible plastic packaging industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a flexible plastic packaging market share, detailed flexible plastic packaging market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the flexible plastic packaging industry. This flexible plastic packaging market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The flexible plastic packaging market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $166.01 billion in 2023 to $174.42 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%. The growth observed in the historical period can be attributed to several factors, including the emphasis on consumer convenience, increasing concerns about sustainability, growth in the food and beverage industry, the importance of shelf appeal and branding, and advancements in transportation and logistics. These factors collectively contributed to the expansion of the flexible plastic packaging market during the historic period, reflecting the industry's responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics.

The flexible plastic packaging market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $219.18 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to various factors, including the increasing prominence of e-commerce and home delivery services, the incorporation of convenience features in packaging, a focus on customization and personalization, efforts to reduce food waste, and the growth of emerging markets. Major trends expected in the forecast period encompass an increasing focus on health and hygiene, advancements in barrier materials to enhance product protection, the exploration of alternatives to single-use plastics, the adoption of digital printing and labeling technologies, and ongoing technological advancements in the flexible plastic packaging industry.

The surge in the consumption of processed and packaged food drove the expansion of the flexible plastic packaging market during the historic period. Packaged foods, encompassing products that undergo freezing, canning, cooking, or nutritional modification and are preserved or fortified, have witnessed increased adoption of flexible plastic packaging. This type of packaging, characterized by its malleability and versatility, has gained popularity among food brands. For example, in December 2021, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), an Indian government agency, reported a rise in processed food product exports from $11,671 million to $13,261 million in 2021-22. This underscores the pivotal role of flexible plastic packaging in meeting the demands of the processed and packaged food sector.

The future growth of the flexible plastic packaging market is anticipated to be propelled by the expansion of the e-commerce industry. E-commerce, denoting the online buying and selling of goods and services, relies on flexible plastic packaging for efficient and secure product shipments to consumers' doorsteps. This versatile packaging solution caters to various product categories, supporting the convenience and safety of online retail. As of August 2023, the United States Census Bureau reported a 7.5% increase in e-commerce estimates for the second quarter compared to the same period in 2022. With online sales accounting for 15.4% of total sales, the growth of e-commerce is set to drive the demand for flexible plastic packaging.

An emerging trend in the flexible plastic packaging sector involves the introduction of innovative packaging solutions designed to attract a broader customer base. Companies operating in this market are focusing on developing packaging that is not only innovative but also sustainable. For instance, in February 2021, FreeForm Packaging AB, a Sweden-based packaging company, launched a one-sided stretchable paper laminate composed of 85% paper. This innovative stretchable paper laminate features two layers of fiber form, with one layer protected by a thin polyethylene layer. The emphasis on innovation and sustainability reflects the industry's commitment to meeting evolving consumer preferences and environmental considerations.

Leading companies in the flexible plastic packaging market are prioritizing innovation, exemplified by the development of products like Recyclable Flexible Film, to offer dependable services to their customers. Recyclable Flexible Film serves as an eco-friendly solution for flexible packaging products, designed to mitigate one million tons of waste. In May 2023, Ineos Group Limited, a UK-based chemicals company, introduced Recyclable Flexible Film. Comprising over 50% recycled plastic waste, this ultra-thin, rigid film contributes to sustainable packaging practices. The film is particularly aimed at flexible packaging for the transportation of food and other goods, boasting low-carbon attributes. Additionally, it aids in extending the shelf life of food products, benefiting consumers.

PPC Flexible Packaging LLC, a prominent US-based packaging company specializing in creative flexible films, completed the acquisition of Plastic Packaging Technologies, LLC, in October 2022, for an undisclosed amount. This strategic move enhances PPC's portfolio of flexible packaging solutions and introduces innovative packaging formats for sectors such as food and beverage, healthcare, and specialty consumer markets in North America. Plastic Packaging Technologies, LLC, is recognized for its expertise in flexible film printing, pouch conversion, and the development of cutting-edge packaging concepts, including prototypes. The acquisition positions PPC to offer a broader range of innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers in the competitive packaging landscape.

Major companies operating in the flexible plastic packaging market include Constantia Flexibles International GmbH, Amcor Ltd., Berry Global Inc., Clondalkin Group Holdings BV, ProAmpac Holdings Inc., Coveris Flexibles UK Ltd., Bemis Company Inc., Bischof + Klein SE & Co KG, Aluflexpack AG, Cosmo Films Ltd., C-P Flexible Packaging, Novolex Holdings LLC, Swisspac USA, Ultimate Packaging Pty Ltd., Mondi Group PLC, Sonoco Products Company, Sealed Air Corporation, TC Transcontinental Inc., Huhtamaki Oyj, WestRock Company, DS Smith PLC, Silgan Holdings Inc., Uflex Ltd., Winpak Ltd., Glenroy Inc., Printpack Inc., Schur Flexibles Group, Huhtamaki PPL Ltd., Novolex Holdings Inc., InterFlex Group Europe Ltd., American Packaging Corporation

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the flexible plastic packaging market in 2023. The regions covered in the flexible plastic packaging market share report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa.

The countries covered in the flexible plastic packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, and USA.

The flexible plastic packaging market includes revenues earned by entities from different products such as snacks, beverages, vegetables, and others and includes polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride.The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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