Flexible Paper Packaging Market Forecasts to 2028 – Global Analysis By Printing Technology (Digital Printing, Flexography, Rotogravure), Packaging Type (Wraps, Shrink Sleeves, Rollstock, Pouches), Grade, Application, and By Geography

Flexible Paper Packaging Market Forecasts to 2028 – Global Analysis By Printing Technology (Digital Printing, Flexography, Rotogravure), Packaging Type (Wraps, Shrink Sleeves, Rollstock, Pouches), Grade, Application, and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Flexible Paper Packaging Market is accounted for $63.47 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $86.38 billion by 2028 growing at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period. Flexible package is a container or package composed of elastic or easily yielding substances that can be easily altered in shape when filled or closed. They should be used to preserve, advertise, and distribute a wide range of items in consumer and institutional products, as well as in industrial applications. Flexible packaging is made out of a variety of materials such as paper, foil, and plastic film, and it usually comes in the form of a bag, liner, film, lidding, overwrap, sleeve, pouch, rollstock, or wrap. Flexible paper packaging is lighter in weight, more cost-effective, and uses less material than other types of packaging, hence the market for it is likely to develop significantly in the future.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Advantages associated with flexible printing

Paper packaging materials can be reused and recycled as compared to other materials such as metals and plastics. Paper packaging is, therefore, one of the most environmentally friendly and affordable packaging forms. The growing demand for flexible paper packaging is due to increasing consumer awareness of the harmful environmental effects of plastics. The flexible paper packaging allows for high-quality and high-impact graphics so that a brand can do 360-degree branding instead of being limited to the size of a label. With flexible paper packaging, a manufacturer can attain all regulation-required information and have plenty of space for product features and benefits along with eye-catching graphics.

Restraint:

Unsustainable pulp and paper operations

The forest practices that are associated with some pulp and paper operations have caused devastation for the world’s most ecologically important species. Paper packaging products are subject to a variety of deforestation regulations. A regulatory environment that is unfavorable is expected to impede growth and development. Furthermore, environmental concerns are caused by the deforestation to acquire raw material and dioxin release in paper production. Unsustainable pulp and paper operations have led to the conversion of high conservation value forests and illegal harvesting. This remains a challenge for the flexible paper packaging market, where there are constant efforts to achieve sustainability goals.

Opportunity:

Increased shelf life of the product

Flexible packaging needs fewer resources and energy for packaging; hence, flexible packs are available at low costs, thereby rendering them cost-effective compared to other forms of packaging. Flexible paper packaging can be done in the least packaging possible, thereby lowering product warehousing and shipping expenses while maintaining or improving product protection. Flexible paper packaging uses fewer natural resources, less energy in manufacturing, and creates fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Flexible paper packaging reduces product waste and increases product shelf life; for instance, mushrooms, potatoes, and onions packaged in flexible paper packaging ripen at a slower pace by absorbing excess moisture and keeping them dry.

Threat:

Recyclability issues

Paper is far more biodegradable than plastic and can be recycled very easily. On contrary, it often ends up in landfills, where its degradation rate slows down while it takes up more space than the same weight of plastic. In addition, the paper-based flexible packaging is often laminated with various materials such as plastic/aluminum or coated with resin, thus becoming non-recyclable. Multi-layer packaging in a combination of layers such as paper-plastic-metal results in challenges for material separation thereby negatively impacts the market growth

The hot coil segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The hot coil segment is estimated to have a lucrative growth. Hot foil embellishment is utilized across a wide range of industry sectors, but account for the highest share in the food and beverages (particularly confectionary such as premium chocolate, wine and liquor bottles and other premium foods), cosmetics, electronics, banknotes, business cards and greeting cards and artwork.

The food and beverages segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The food and beverages segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR growth during the forecast period due to the rising demand for flexible paper packaging as changing lifestyles and busy schedules of the working population. The primary functions of food & beverage packaging are the reduction of food loss and increasing the shelf-life of food products. Food products are the largest consumer’s flexible plastic packaging owing to their convenience and portability.

Region with highest share:

North America is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period due to the growing number of beverage manufacturers and the presence of key players in the region. Driving the domestic pharmaceutical industry along with favorable Government policy has played a significant role, with demand for the product. Moreover, in the U.S. consumers prefer packaging which is light and aesthetically appealing. This will increase the growth rate of the flexible paper packaging industry over the forecast period.

Region with highest CAGR:

Asia Pacific is projected to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period. The growing inclination for flexible paper packaging in APAC is mainly driven by India, China, and ASEAN countries, which are experiencing substantial growth in the construction industries. The growth of these industries is backed by the high disposable income, increasing public and private sector investments, growing economy, and increasing population.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Flexible Paper Packaging Market include Amcor Limited, Mondi Group, Sonoco Products Company, Sealed Air Corporation, Huhtamaki OYJ, Sappi Global, DS Smith, Coveris Holding SA, Sabert, and Wihuri.

Key Developments:

In October 2021, DS Smith extended its partnership for another three years with Tesco, the supermarket chain. Together, the companies focused on enhancing the quality of material for recycling along with minimizing carbon emissions. Moreover, the company aimed to develop source-separated recycling streams as well as leverage delivery vehicles to carry recyclables in the company’s recycling service units.

In September 2021, Coveris entered into a partnership with Brigl & Bergmeister, a manufacturer of paper. Through this partnership, the company aimed to introduce a sustainable packaging solution, PaperBarrier Seal featuring a sealable paper coating and fully recyclable for minimizing packaging and product waste although providing the same functions and product safety offered by the alternative packaging solutions.

Printing Technologies Covered:
• Digital Printing
• Flexography
• Rotogravure

Packaging Types Covered:
• Wraps
• Shrink Sleeves
• Rollstock
• Pouches

Embellishing Types Covered:
• Cold Coil
• Hot Coil

Grades Covered:
• Clay Natural Kraft Paper
• Coated Recycled Paper
• Coated Unbleached Kraft Paper
• Glassine & Greaseproof
• Label Paper
• MET-PET Paper
• Parchment Paper
• Solid Bleached Sulfate Paper
• Uncoated Recycled Paper
• Vegetable Paper

Applications Covered:
• Beauty & Personal Care
• Food and Beverages
• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
• Homecare
• Industrial
• Logistics
• Spirits

Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2025, and 2028
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:
All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:
• Company Profiling
Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances