Flexible Packaging Market To Reach $440.88 Billion By 2033

Flexible Packaging Market Growth & Trends

The global flexible packaging market size is expected to reach USD 440.88 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 5.3% from 2026 to 2033, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. This market growth is owing to the growing importance of increasing food shelf life and growing adoption of sustainable and cost-effective packaging by end-users.

The shelf life of food products depends on factors such as storage conditions, packaging material, and exposure to microorganisms, oxygen, light, and moisture. The flexible packaging consists of plastic films with high barrier properties. The high-barrier properties efficiently block the transmission of moisture, light, and oxygen from contacting sensitive foods. Furthermore, the reseal closure products featured flexible packaging that allow users to securely close the bags or pouches, ensuring the freshness of the packaged food products over several uses.

In addition, flexible packaging consumes less energy compared to rigid packaging during manufacturing and transportation. According to the Flexible Packaging Association, 50% less energy is required to produce a flexible pouch compared to a rigid container of a similar size. In addition, flexible packaging weighs lighter compared to rigid packaging, thus resulting in less fuel consumption during transportation. According to the Flexible Packaging Association, one truckload of flexible pouches can hold the same amount of product as 26 truckloads of rigid containers.

The industry players are adopting several strategies including partnerships, expansions, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, new product launches, and partnership agreements to increase the customer base and individual market share. For instance, in May 2023, Amcor plc inked an agreement to acquire New Zealand-based automated protein packaging machines manufacturer, Moda Systems. This acquisition is expected to provide Amcor plc with a new option related to equipment in automated protein products packaging, making it the only flexible packaging manufacturer to own high-speed rotary equipment for packaging fresh meat.

 Request a free sample copy or view report summary: Flexible Packaging Market Report

Flexible Packaging Market Report Highlights

• The rapid growth of e-commerce sector globally creates opportunities for flexible packaging manufacturers to cater to the specific needs of online retail businesses. Companies that develop packaging solutions to protect products during transit, reduce damage, and improve unboxing experiences can gain a competitive advantage in the e-commerce market

• The growing number of medical device manufacturers and ongoing research on new packaging materials is driving the market for medical flexible packaging. The strong healthcare infrastructure coupled with growing healthcare spending in the public sector is expected to have a positive impact on market demand

• The pouches segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period 2026 to 2033. This is owing to the pouches being resealable and a cost-effective alternative to metal, cardboard, and glass containers for packaging solutions

• Food & beverage was the largest application segment, accounting for 55.0% of global volume share in 2025. Growing demand for packaged foods, including ready-to-eat meals, frozen meals, snack foods, and cake mixes, is expected to force flexible packaging manufacturers to increase production capacity, thus augmenting market for flexible packaging demand over the forecast period

• Asia Pacific recorded a higher market share in 2025 owing to factors such as rising population, rising income levels, and changing lifestyles are expected to drive consumption of the packaged food cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products resulting in increased demand for flexible packaging solutions

• Several key companies are collaborating to strengthen their market positions in the flexible packaging industry. For instance, in June 2023, Coveris acquired Poland-based D.K. LAMIN, a manufacturer of flexible packaging laminated films and converted products. With an emphasis on value-added medical packaging, home and personal care food, and pet food, D.K. LAMIN's experience and product offerings integrate with Coveris' existing product portfolio, particularly complementing its pet food growth goal

Flexible Packaging Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global flexible packaging market based on type, material, application, and region:

Flexible Packaging Material Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

• Plastics

  • Polyethylene (PE)

  • Polypropylene (PP)

  • Polyamide (PA)

  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

  • Polystyrene (PS)

  • Others

• Paper

• Metal

• Bioplastics

Flexible Packaging Type Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

• Bags

• Pouches

• Rollstock

• Films & Wraps

• Others

Flexible Packaging Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

• Food & Beverages

• Pharmaceutical

• Personal Care & Cosmetics

• Others

Flexible Packaging Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

• North America

  • U.S.

  • Canada

  • Mexico

• Europe

  • Germany

  • UK

  • France

  • Italy

  • Spain

• Asia Pacific

  • China

  • India

  • Japan

  • Australia

• Latin America

  • Brazil

  • Argentina

• Middle East & Africa

  • Saudi Arabia

  • South Africa

List Of Key Players in the Flexible Packaging Market

• Amcor plc

• Mondi

• Huhtamaki

• Sealed Air

• DS Smith

• Constantia Flexibles

• ProAmpac

• Winpak LTD.

• Cosmo Films

• Coveris

• American Packaging Corporation

• Inteplast Group

• Graphic Packaging International, LLC

• Bischof+Klein SE & Co. KG

• Südpack

• Glenroy, Inc.