Flexible Packaging Market Size

The global flexible packaging market size was valued at $275.98 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $376.23 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period.

Flexible Packaging Market Overview 

Flexible packaging is a contemporary packaging technique characterized by its cost-effectiveness and adaptability. Utilizing pliable materials, this method offers greater versatility compared to traditional rigid packaging. While relatively new, it has rapidly gained traction due to its efficiency and economic advantages. Flexible packaging encompasses a diverse range of products, including pouches, bags, sachets, roll stocks, and wraps. These are crafted from various flexible materials such as metal, plastic, and paper, catering to the specific needs of each product. Industries requiring versatile packaging solutions, particularly those in the food & beverage, personal care, and pharmaceutical sectors, can significantly benefit from the implementation of flexible packaging.

Flexible Packaging Market Dynamics 

• The flexible packaging market has a promising growth potential due to several factors which includes the increasing use of flexible packaging products in the medical & pharmaceutical sectors and increasing e-commerce activities and food delivery services.

• Additionally, increasing preferences of consumers for flexible packaging over rigid packaging and the rise demand for convenient packaging are the prominent factors driving the growth of the market.

• However, increasing concerns regarding the environment and problems associated with recycling are restraining the market growth.

• On the contrary, increase of nano-food packaging is creating opportunities for market growth.

By Material, Paper Segment Emerge as the Dominant Segment in the Flexible Packaging Market

The paper segment emerges as the leading segment in the flexible packaging market during the forecast period owing to the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, driving the utilization of paper in this diverse application. Manufactured from wood pulp, paper excels in its lightweight properties, demonstrating high tear resistance, optimal thickness, and superior strength. Notably, the highly oriented fibers within its structure create a coarse texture, contributing to enhanced protection compared to many commonly used packaging materials. Moreover, its biodegradable nature facilitates simple disposal or recycling, further bolstering its environmental credentials.

By Geography, Asia Pacific is Projected to Show Strong Presence in the Global Market during the Forecast Period

The Asia Pacific is expected to show robust presence during the forecast period due to the increasing domestic demand for flexible packaging, primarily driven by the growing urbanization in China and India, which stand out as leading consumers of packaged foods. Packaged food items such as noodles and snacks constitute the primary application for flexible packaging in this region. Among the materials used, flexible metal is preferred due to its efficacy in preserving food, cost-effectiveness, and convenience. China notably dominated the market share in 2023, buoyed by stringent government regulations aimed at reducing packaging waste and promoting sustainability in packaging practices. For instance, the introduction of Regulation GB 23350-2021 by China's State Administration for Market Regulation in September 2021 mandates cosmetic and food companies to revamp their product packaging to comply with sustainability standards outlined in the regulation, which is slated to take effect in September 2023.

Key Target Audience: 

• Packaging Manufacturers

• Food and Beverage Companies

• Pharmaceutical Companies

• Consumer Goods Manufacturers

• E-Commerce Companies

• Government Regulatory Bodies

• Packaging Material Suppliers

• Environmental Organizations

List of the Key Players Profiled in the Report Includes:

• FlexPak Services 

• Amcor plc

• Mondi Group

• Huhtamaki Flexible Packaging

• Sonoco Products Company

• Berry Global Inc

• Novolex

• Sigma Plastics Group

• Transcontinental Inc.

• Coveris

• DS Smith

• Bischof+Klein SE & Co. KG

Recent Developments: 

• In April 2023, Amcor has initiated its inaugural commercial purchase of certified-circular polymers utilizing ExxonMobil's Exxtendo technology for advanced recycling. These polymers will be utilized in packaging intended for the Australian and New Zealand market. With this order, Amcor becomes the pioneering flexible packaging company to introduce certified-circular plastics in this region. This move aligns with the increasing consumer preference for plastic circularity and facilitates the partial replacement of fossil-based feedstock.

Market Segmentation: 

The research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry analysis with size, share, and forecast for the below segments:

Market by, Material: 

• Plastic

• Paper

• Metal

• Bioplastics

Market by, Product: 

• Pouches

• Retort Pouch

• Refill Pouch

• Bags

• Films & Wraps

• Strech & Shrink Labels

• Other Products

Market by, Application:

• Food & Beverage

• Pharmaceutical

• Cosmetics

• Other Applications

Market by, Geography: 

The flexible packaging market report also analyzes the major geographic regions and countries of the market. The regions and countries covered in the study include:

• North America (The United States, Canada, Mexico), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis

• Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis

• Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of Asia Pacific), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis

• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Rest of South America), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis

• Middle East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis

Scope of the Report:

The report oGlobal Flexible Packaging Market: Industry Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast up to 2030o by Diligence Insights provides a detailed analysis of the present market and future outlook with market estimates and forecasts for all specified segments, encompassing both global and regional perspectives as outlined within the research framework. The study includes historical market data for the years 2022, 2023 and offers revenue estimations for 2024, and project forecasts spanning from 2025 to 2030. It places significant emphasis on the examination of market trends, key industry participants, supply chain developments, technological advancements, pivotal milestones, and prospective strategies. Comprehensive market assessments are carried out across major geographic regions, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa. As such, this report constitutes a valuable resource for current industry stakeholders, newcomers to the field, and potential investors.

The study offers an in-depth market analysis, drawing insights from industry experts across the value chain. A special focus has been made on 25 countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, China, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, among others. The market data has been meticulously collected through extensive primary interviews and comprehensive secondary research. Market size determination is rooted in the revenue generated from sales across all the specified segments and sub-segments as defined within the research scope. The market sizing analysis includes both top-down and bottom-up approaches for data validation and accuracy measures.

The report offers insights into the following aspects:

• Analysis of major market trends, factors driving, restraining, threatening, and providing opportunities for the market.

• Analysis of the market structure by identifying various segments and sub-segments of the market.

• Understand the revenue forecast of the market for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.

• Analysis of opportunities by identification of high-growth segments/revenue pockets in the market.

• Understand major player profiles in the market and analyze their business strategies.

• Understand competitive developments such as joint ventures, alliances, mergers and acquisitions, and new product launches in the market.