Snack Flexible Packaging Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

Snack Flexible Packaging Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Snack Flexible Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 7.06 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 9.36 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.80% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Flexible packaging utilizes less material and energy during production, leading to substantial cost savings for manufacturers. It can wrap items efficiently and requires less storage space, leading to increased demand in the market.

Key Highlights

• Emerging trends such as innovative packaging and digital printing propel the market growth, offering creative solutions for consumer engagement, such as serialized QR codes, which show the demand for technological advancements. Due to the lightweight design of flexible packaging, transportation costs and fuel usage can be minimized, supporting the adoption of flexible packaging in snacks and potato chip packaging in the studied geographies.
• The demand for snacks in Middle Eastern countries is increasing in line with the growth of tourism and high per capita disposable income. This is supported by the expansion of potato chips and other snack brands in the region, which would create a market growth opportunity for flexible packaging solution providers.
• For instance, in July 2023, PepsiCo. Inc. announced that it completed its plan to acquire Tasali Snack Foods, the leader of the Saudi Arabian salty snack market, from Savola Snack Foods. This would support the business growth of Pepsico's potato chip distributions in the Middle East and can generate the demand for flexible packaging in the potato chip manufacturing plants in the market studied.
• In April 2024, the Federal Statistical Office, a federal authority in Germany, reported that the Production value of potato chips and sticks in Germany has been increasing significantly, which would support the demand for flexible packaging over the forecast period in the market studied.
• Increasing environmental concerns about most crisp snack packages ending up in landfills are driving the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions for potato snacks. Companies like British Crisp are at the forefront, introducing innovative paper packaging that keeps crisps fresh and can be recycled like newspapers. Challenges such as moisture control and sealing have historically complicated using paper bags for snack packaging. However, British Crisp Co. has addressed these issues. In March 2024, it launched the first fully recyclable paper crisp packet, providing an environmentally friendly and scalable alternative to plastic snack bags.

Snack Flexible Packaging Market Trends

Pouches and Bags Holds Major Market Share

• Pouch packaging, crafted from barrier film or foil and often featuring spouts and caps, offers a flexible solution for product storage. This packaging method is increasingly favored because it is specifically designed to preserve the freshness of various snacks.
• Snacking items have experienced sustained demand driven by shifting consumer preferences due to an increasing interest in new, flavorful, and healthier snacking options offered by manufacturers. According to the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BEML), per capita consumption of potato products in Germany rose significantly, from 33.1 Kg in 2016-2017 to 37.9 Kg in 2022-2023. As snack products predominantly utilize composite packaging bags, OPP film, PET film, aluminized film, and LDPE film will raise the demand for flexible packaging-based pouches and bags in the market.
• Brands increasingly opt for pouch and bag packaging, drawn by the advantages these solutions offer over traditional alternatives. These modern packaging methods cater to new brand developments and revitalize existing packaging strategies.
• In March 2024, SÜDPACK and SN Maschinenbau collaborated to develop a recyclable film solution for stand-up pouches equipped with spouts. These spouts are reclosable, making them ideal for liquid or pasty foods, including fruit purees, hot-filling, and pasteurization. According to SÜDPACK, pouches utilize films derived from polypropylene polymers, classifying them as recyclable. The PP spouts, featuring MENSHEN LoTUS technology, can be seamlessly attached to the pouches by precisely coordinating heat distribution and conductivity.

Europe Holds Significant Market Share

• Europe has witnessed a considerable rise in the export of potato chips during the pandemic, and after a drop in 2021, it is gaining momentum. According to the HM Revenue and Customs, after a significant decline in 2021, the export value of potato chips from the United Kingdom has been gradually increasing. In 2023, exports were valued at GBP 62.7 million (USD 82.82 million), up approximately 11% compared to 2021. This growth has driven the country's demand for flexible packaging.
• To address the increasing demand for snacks, manufacturers are forming partnerships with packaging solution providers. In May 2023, TNA Solutions collaborated with Burts Snacks Ltd, a premium snack manufacturer, to enhance production capacity at Burts' Plymouth, UK facility. With the implementation of TNA's high-speed seasoning and packaging system, Burts is capable of meeting the growing demand for locally sourced potato crisps with the highest quality.
• The key manufacturers of snacks in the country are adopting new packaging for snacks, focusing on sustainability initiatives. For instance, in April 2024, PepsiCo. launched new paper outer bags for all Snack A Jacks multipacks. This new packaging is recyclable in home recycling bins and can be collected at kerbside alongside other paper packaging. It will be made available for Snack A Jacks Salt & Vinegar, Sour Cream & Chive, and BBQ flavors starting May 2024.
• In September 2023, PepsiCo. started using new multipack packaging for its Snack A Jacks range. Packs on shelves in Tesco stores across the United Kingdom will now use 86% less plastic on their outer packaging than the previous multipack design. Such initiatives are encouraging snack manufacturers to adopt new packaging to achieve sustainability, branding, and convenience in their offerings, supporting market growth.

Snack Flexible Packaging Industry Overview

The snack flexible packaging market is fragmented, featuring major players like Amcor PLC, Mondi Group, Hotpack Packaging Industries LLC, Huhtamaki Flexibles UAE, Constantia Flexibles GmbH, and numerous smaller local entities. Driven by a rising appetite for snacks and a push for sustainable packaging, the adoption of flexible packaging solutions has surged. Key players in the market are increasingly leveraging partnerships, prioritizing R&D, and championing innovation as part of their competitive strategies. Looking ahead, we anticipate that the intensity of competitive rivalry will remain elevated throughout the forecast period.

• May 2024: Uflex Limited announced its participation in DRUPA 2024, the leading global trade fair for print and packaging innovations. UFlex is set to unveil its latest advancements and solutions spanning engineering, packaging films, flexible packaging, chemicals, printing cylinders, and holography. These innovations enhance efficiency and promote sustainability within the printing and packaging sector.
• March 2024: ProAmpac and Gelpac, recognized leaders in producing multiwall paper and poly-woven packaging products, announced a definitive agreement. Under this agreement, ProAmpac will acquire Gelpac from a consortium of investors led by NAMAKOR Holdings, which includes Groupe W Investissements and CDPQ. Gelpac aligns with ProAmpac’s mission to deliver high-performance, sustainability-focused flexible packaging solutions to clients in the United States and Canada.

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