Global Flexible Packaging Materials Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2030

Global Flexible Packaging Materials Market,  By Material Type (Plastic, Paper, Recycled Cellulose Fiber, Aluminium Foil, Paper boards, PET films, Bioplastics, Inorganic Coated PET Film, Condiments, Polyethylene, BOPET, Polyamide, Polystyrene, Others), Technology (Flexography, Rotogravure, Digital, Other), Packaging Type (Bags and pouches, Films, Bag-in-Box, Bags and Trays, Squeezable Bottles, Roll stock, Stick packs, Wraps, Bliste, Tubes, Liquid packaging), Application (Consumer Packaging, Industrial Packaging), End user (Food and Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Household and Personal Care, Tobacco Products, Industrial and Chemical Products, Oil and Lubricants) – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2030.

Flexible Packaging Materials Market Analysis and Size

Production lines worldwide have changed significantly over the past few decades due to the introduction of automation and robotics. Through fierce competition and an increased emphasis on reducing turnaround times, automation has grown in importance for manufacturers worldwide. Today all the goods are packaged using various materials, including plastic, paper, and even metal, depending on the item. One of the essential types of packaging is converted packaging. Rising urbanization, modernization, and globalization are driving market value growth. The high growth of the thermoforming technology segment in the upcoming years is attributed to the rising focus on sustainable packaging and the resulting increase in demand for lightweight and converted packaging. The rising consumption of baked goods is still driving the adoption of flexible plastic packaging solutions to increase shelf life. Market players are creating cutting-edge solutions to meet consumer demand as bakeries now produce a wider variety of bread and more items. About 80% of bakery products are sold in flexible packaging.

Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the flexible packaging materials market, valued at USD 176.92 million in 2022, will reach USD 254.97 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.674% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2030. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, geographically represented company-wise production and capacity, network layouts of distributors and partners, detailed and updated price trend analysis and deficit analysis of supply chain and demand.

Flexible Packaging Materials Market Scope and Segmentation  

Market Definition

In flexible packaging, the best qualities of plastics and films are combined. These flexible packaging options provide a workable solution through their reasonably priced production costs. Flexible packaging is important in the supply chains of many different industries, including consumer goods, electronics, cosmetics, and medical supplies. Flexible packaging boosts the value and marketability of both food and non-food products by integrating the best characteristics of paper, film, plastic, and aluminum foil to provide a wide range of protective capabilities while using the least amount of material possible.

Flexible Packaging Materials Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Increasing consumption of ready to eat food surges the demand for flexible packaging

The consumption of packaged and ready-to-eat food has increased, and millennials' changing habits have benefited the packaging industry. The food processing sector have allowed for the creation of new types of packaged food products. Longer shelf-life domestic and imported goods are changing consumer purchasing patterns and promoting market expansion. The development of packaging that is tear-resistant, food-safe and -fresh, safe for delivery and storage, and shields the environment from light, moisture, temperature, and gas is another goal of manufacturers. Flexible packaging materials hide the smells of the contents while extending the shelf life of perishable goods. By eliminating the need for labelling and other packaging requirements, these products are anticipated to propel the market forward during the forecast period.

• Growing e-commerce demand increases the packaging industry needs

An increase in online sales volume and the penetration of automated food manufacturing plants, which necessitate the use of new packaging systems for obstacle-free packaging of finished goods, are anticipated to accelerate market growth. In light of several factors, including rising consumer demand, modernized materials, the creation of energy-efficient materials, and the rising adoption of flexible packaging materials, the market for flexible packaging materials is expanding. As the retail industry and e-commerce expand, the market for flexible packaging materials will experience new growth opportunities.

Opportunities

• Adoption of sustainable and new flexible packaging solutions

The innovative shift toward sustainable packaging, motivated by growing environmental concerns, will positively impact market growth.  In view to its numerous energy and environmental benefits, the packaging industry is moving toward flexible packaging. Manufacturers have been compelled to create environmentally friendly packaging options that are safe and secure owing to growing concerns about the use of biodegradable plastics for flexible packaging and its effects on the environment. Manufacturers are looking into sustainable packaging options that use fewer resources and energy during production, require less money for transportation, and give products a longer shelf life to ease cost pressure and preserve the integrity of product packages, which will create demand and expansion in market.

Restraints/Challenges

• High use of capitalization can limit the market growth

For operations such as wrapping, automated labeling, palletizing materials, and significant others, integrated packaging machinery production and import activities necessitate higher capital costs. Such factors hamper the development of the packaging machinery sector as a whole. Customs duties negatively impact the overall expansion of the packaging machinery industry levied in developing nations.

• Outdated machineries constraints the market growth

Modern infrastructure is necessary for the process of recycling plastic packaging waste. It is a laborious process that requires in-depth knowledge. However, these recycling facilities are not available everywhere in the world. The issue of inadequate recycling infrastructure continues, even in developed nations. Unlike the majority of the facilities are outdated and unable to adapt to changing waste streams. The current machinery is inadequate to handle such waste in the trend of packaging waste, even though paper waste has decreased. In contrast, plastic waste has increased, which further restrained the market.

This flexible packaging materials market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the flexible packaging materials market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an analyst brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions.

Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Recent Developments

• In 2022: The acquisition of a flexible packaging facility in the Czech Republic was announced by Amcor PLC. Amcor can better meet the strong demand and customer growth across its flexible packaging network in Europe thanks to the site's advantageous location. Additionally, the company furthered its strategy to quicken the organic growth momentum of its flexible business in Europe in lucrative segments with this acquisition.
• In 2022 - The United States expanded producer responsibility laws and implemented legislation to reduce plastic pollution. California must recycle 30% of all plastic packaging by January 2028, 40% by January 2030, and at least 65% by January 2032, according to SB 54. In addition, SB 54 mandates a 25% source reduction of single-use plastic waste compared to levels in 2023, which means that by 2032, the industry must have ceased the distribution of an amount of plastic that is equal to 25% of the amount of plastic packaging that was made available in California in 2023, measured by unit count and weight.
• In 2022 - Amcor announced the addition of new, eco-friendly High Shield laminates to its pharmaceutical packaging line. The new low-carbon packaging options help pharmaceutical companies achieve their recyclability objectives while satisfying industry demands for high barriers and performance. These new High Shield technologies offer possibilities for sachet, stick, and strip pharmaceutical packaging made of paper- and polyolefin-based materials that are more environmentally friendly. The innovative material structure makes it possible for pharmaceutical companies to be recyclable per local expectations, which helps them stand out from the competition.

Global Flexible Packaging Materials Market Scope

The flexible packaging materials market is segmented on the basis of material type, technology, packaging type, and application. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyse meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Material Type

• Plastic
• Polyethene (PE)
• Polypropylene
• Bi-orientated Polypropylene (BOPP)
• Cast polypropylene (CPP)
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH)
• Paper
• Recycled Cellulose Fiber
• Aluminium Foil
• Paper boards
• PET films
• Metalized PET Film
• Bioplastics
• Inorganic Coated PET Film
• Condiments
• Polyethylene
• BOPET
• Polyamide
• polystyrene
• Others

Technology

• Flexography
• Rotogravure
• Digital
• Other
• Screen
• Offset
• Letter press printing

Packaging Type

• Bags and Pouch
• Stand up pouch
• Vacuum pouch
• Retort pouches
• Gusseted bags
• Wicketed bags
• Films
• Bag-in-Box
• Bags and Trays
• Squeezable Bottles
• Roll stock
• Converted roll stocks
• Stick packs
• Wraps
• Blisters
• Tubes
• Laminated Tubes
• Liquid packaging

Application

• Consumer Packaging
• Industrial Packaging

End user

• Food and Beverages
• Juices and Aerated Beverages
• Carbonated Beverages
• Bakery and Confectionery
• Milk Powder
• Baked Goods
• Snack Foods
• Dried Mixed
• Condiments
• Spices
• Dairy products
• Sea food
• Meat
• Frozen Food
• Poutry
• Vegetables and Fruits
• Shelf Stable Food
• Others
• Candy & Confections
• Pharmaceuticals
• Household and Personal Care
• Tobacco Products
• Industrial and Chemical Products
• Oil and Lubricants

Flexible Packaging Materials Market Regional Analysis/Insights

The flexible packaging materials market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, material type, technology, packaging type, and application user as referenced above.

The countries covered in the flexible packaging materials market report are U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, Germany, France, Italy, U.K., Belgium, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, United Arab Emirate, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa

Asia-Pacific dominates the market and will continue to flourish its trend of dominance during the forecast period. The main reason for the regional dominance is that the need for packaging has been rising as a result of population growth, rising income levels, urbanization, lifestyle changes, increased internet usage, and rapid economic growth.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.

Competitive Landscape and Flexible Packaging Materials Market Share Analysis

The flexible packaging materials market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to flexible packaging materials market.

Some of the major players operating in the flexible packaging materials market are:

• Amcor plc (Australia)
• Dow (U.S.)
• Bemis Manufacturing Company(U.S.)
• Westrock Company. (U.S.)
• Sealed Air (U.S.)
• DS Smith (U.K)
• Huhtamaki(Finland)
• Berry Global Inc.(U.S.)
• Genpak, LLC (U.S.)
• Union Packaging And Technology Company Limited (U.S.)
• Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany)
• Tetra Pak Group (Switzerland)
• Coesia S.p.A. (Italy)
• Marchesini Group S.p.A. (Italy)
• OPTIMA packaging group GmbH (Germany)
• Videojet Technologies, Inc. (U.S.)
• Signode Industrial Group LLC . (U.S.)
• ISHIDA CO.,LTD (Japan)
• GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft (Germany)