North America Healthcare Flexible Packaging Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material, By Product (Seals/Lids & Labels, Pouches & Bags), By Application, By End-use, By Country, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The North America healthcare flexible packaging market size was estimated at USD 10.53 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% from 2025 to 2030. One of the primary drivers is the increasing demand for convenience, which has become a significant trend in both food and healthcare sectors. As consumer behaviors shift toward seeking out user-friendly and easily accessible packaging solutions, particularly with the rapid expansion of e-commerce, the healthcare packaging industry has responded by prioritizing flexibility and functionality. This evolution enhances the consumer experience and addresses the urgent need for quick access to essential medical products.

Innovations such as tamper-evident seals and ergonomic designs have elevated the safety and convenience of healthcare packaging. These advancements cater specifically to the healthcare sector’s stringent requirements for reliable and secure packaging options. By focusing on enhancing product safety and ease of use, manufacturers can better meet the needs of healthcare providers and patients alike. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will play a crucial role in driving adoption and shaping the future of healthcare packaging.

In addition, sustainability initiatives are gaining traction as both consumers and regulatory bodies demand more eco-friendly packaging solutions. Companies in this market are increasingly investing in recyclable materials and innovative designs that minimize environmental impact. This shift toward sustainable practices aligns with consumer expectations and prepares companies to comply with evolving regulatory standards aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainability in the packaging industry. As a result, the focus on eco-friendly alternatives is expected to contribute significantly to market expansion.

The aging population in North America represents a critical driver for the healthcare flexible packaging market. An increasing number of elderly individuals translates to higher healthcare spending and an elevated demand for medical products. This demographic shift necessitates the development of effective flexible packaging solutions that safeguard product integrity and ensure patient safety. By addressing the specific needs of this growing population segment, the market is well-positioned for continued growth as it adapts to the increasingly complex demands of modern healthcare.

Material Insights

Plastic dominated the market and accounted for a share of 67.1% in 2024 due to its versatility, lightweight characteristics, and strong barrier properties. Plastics effectively protect against moisture and sunlight, extending product shelf life while providing cost-effective solutions for various healthcare applications, thus making them a preferred choice among manufacturers in the sector.

The paper segment is expected to grow lucratively over the forecast period as healthcare providers place a higher priority on sustainability and recyclability. Paper packaging presents a biodegradable alternative that meets regulatory requirements, while ensuring product safety and integrity in medical applications. This eco-friendly option aligns with industry trends towards greener packaging solutions.

Product Insights

Pouches & bags led the market and accounted for a share of 37.8% in 2024. These flexible packaging solutions can accommodate various sizes and shapes, featuring resealability and tamper-evident designs. Such attributes make them particularly suitable for packaging pharmaceuticals and medical devices, catering to both manufacturer and consumer needs.

The stick packs segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 11.0% over the forecast period, owing to their portability and single-serve convenience. Especially popular for packaging powdered medications or supplements, stick packs facilitate easy dosing, enhance patient adherence, and minimize waste. This trend reflects a growing consumer preference for efficient and practical packaging solutions in healthcare settings.

Application Insights

Non-sterile application held the largest market share of 77.0% in 2024 as it serves a wide range of products that do not require sterilization, including over-the-counter medications and personal care items. The reliance on packaged goods for safety and convenience is driving growth in this segment.

Sterile application is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 5.8% over the forecast period due to its critical role in ensuring the safety and integrity of essential medical products. Sterile packaging, which is vital for surgical instruments, implants, and pharmaceuticals, complies with stringent regulatory standards to prevent contamination, thus guaranteeing patient safety within the healthcare environment.

End-use Insights

Pharmaceutical & biological packaging dominated the market and accounted for a share of 47.6% in 2024, driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and advancements in drug formulations. This sector necessitates specialized packaging solutions that maintain drug efficacy while incorporating patient-friendly features such as dosage accuracy and extended shelf life. 

Medical packaging is projected to grow rapidly over the forecast period as it encompasses a broad array of products essential for effective healthcare delivery. Innovations in medical packaging enhance safety, compliance, and efficiency, addressing the escalating needs of hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare settings in an evolving medical landscape.

Country Insights

U.S. Healthcare Flexible Packaging Market Trends

The U.S. healthcare flexible packaging market dominated the North America healthcare flexible packaging market with a revenue share of 88.0% in 2024. The country boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure, elevated levels of medical expenditure, and an escalating demand for innovative packaging solutions that prioritize product safety and effectiveness. The U.S. leadership in pharmaceutical and medical device development further underscores the necessity for dependable packaging options, positioning the country as a key influencer in shaping industry trends and standards across the region.

Mexico Healthcare Flexible Packaging Market Trends

The healthcare flexible packaging market in Mexico is expected to grow at the fastest rate of 10.4% over the forecast period. This rapid advancement can be attributed to various factors, including increased investments in the healthcare sector, heightened consumer awareness of health and safety issues, and a surging demand for packaged medical products. Furthermore, Mexico’s strategic geographical positioning and its emerging role as a manufacturing hub for medical devices significantly support this growth trajectory. As companies increasingly seek to leverage the rising demand for flexible packaging solutions, Mexico is likely to evolve into a pivotal player within the North American healthcare flexible packaging market.

Key North America Healthcare Flexible Packaging Company Insights

Some key companies operating in the market include Amcor plc; CCL Industries; Mondi; Constantia Flexibles GmbH; among others. Companies are prioritizing the development of advanced materials and sustainable packaging solutions to meet regulatory standards and consumer demands through strategic mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships.

• CCL Industries specializes in high-quality labels, folding cartons, and secondary packaging. The company prioritizes compliance with stringent regulatory standards, ensuring safety, durability, and innovative, customizable options for clients.

• Glenroy, Inc. produces high-quality pouches and bags, focuses on sustainability and innovation, and offers eco-friendly materials that improve product protection and shelf life, aligning with the healthcare sector’s evolving needs.

Recent Developments

• In November 2024, Nelipak Corporation opened its first North American flexible packaging production site in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, enhancing local capabilities and supporting growing customer demand for healthcare packaging solutions.

• In July 2024, Mondi launched FlexiBag Reinforced, an innovative, recyclable packaging solution featuring enhanced mechanical properties, tailored for the pet food industry and promoting sustainability through reduced virgin plastic use.

• In January 2024, Amcor announced a significant expansion of its North American thermoforming capacity in Oshkosh, enhancing support for growing healthcare customer demand across medical, pharmaceutical, and consumer health sectors.

North America Healthcare Flexible Packaging Market Report Scope

North America Healthcare Flexible Packaging Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at regional and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the North America healthcare flexible packaging market report based on material, product, application, end-use, and country:

• Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Plastic

    • PVC

    • PP

    • PET

    • PE

    • Others

  • Paper

  • Aluminum

  • Others

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Seals/Lids & Labels

  • Pouches & Bags

    • Flat

    • Stand-up

  • Stick Packs

  • Sachets

  • Wraps

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Sterile

  • Non-sterile

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Pharmaceutical & Biological

  • Medical

  • Others (Implant, Biological)

• Country Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • U.S.

  • Canada

  • Mexico