Flexible Packaging Market Outlook:
Flexible Packaging Market size was valued at USD 289.56 billion in 2025 and is likely to cross USD 480.72 billion by 2035, expanding at more than 5.2% CAGR during the forecast period i.e., between 2026-2035. In the year 2026, the industry size of flexible packaging is assessed at USD 303.11 billion.
The growth of the market can primarily be attributed to the growing demand for cosmetics, boosting the demand for eCommerce sales, and the utilization of all types of products by people across the globe to maintain their skin and hair. As per the estimations, in the United States alone about USD 50 billion is spent on cosmetics every year with USD 240 to USD 300 for one month. Cosmetic manufacturers love flexible packaging, as it helps to pack liquid forms of products without spillage or leak issues. Creams, lotions, oils, and spray tan liquids are packed using flexible packaging, which reduces cost and occupies less space in warehouse and on salon counters. Additionally, flexible packaging helps to minimize carbon emissions into the environment, making it ecofriendly and a consumer preference.
Global flexible packaging market trends such as the growing consumption of ready-to-drink beverages are projected to influence the growth of the market positively over the forecast period. The total sales volume of ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages increased by 38 percent from 2018 to 2022 in the United States. Moreover, the constantly rising demand for beauty products and the escalating inclination of men toward personal grooming are further expected to hike the growth of the market over the forecast period. For instance, around USD 500 billion of revenue was generated by the beauty & personal care segment alone in 2022 across the globe. Such factors are anticipated to hike the growth of the market over the forecast period.
Key Flexible Packaging Market Insights Summary:
Regional Highlights:
- Asia Pacific flexible packaging market will hold over 44.8% share by 2035, driven by growing demand for food, beverages, and healthcare expenditure.
Segment Insights:
- The digital printing segment in the flexible packaging market is expected to secure a significant share by 2035, driven by the cost-efficiency and quality output of digital printing.
- The pharmaceuticals segment in the flexible packaging market is forecasted to achieve noteworthy growth during 2026-2035, fueled by increased use of flexible packaging to protect medicines.
Key Growth Trends:
- Growing Demand for Flexible Packaging in Pharmaceuticals with the Rising Need to Prevent Damage
Major Challenges:
- Growing Demand for Flexible Packaging in Pharmaceuticals with the Rising Need to Prevent Damage
- Increasing Sales of Personal Care Products
Key Players: ProAmpac Intermediate, Inc., Amcor Limited, Printpack, Inc., Bemis Company, Inc., Huhtamäki Oyj, Berry Global Inc., Glenroy, Inc., Mondi plc, DS Smith plc, Sealed Air Corporation.
Global Flexible Packaging Market Forecast and Regional Outlook:
Market Size & Growth Projections:
- 2025 Market Size: USD 289.56 billion
- 2026 Market Size: USD 303.11 billion
- Projected Market Size: USD 480.72 billion by 2035
- Growth Forecasts: 5.2% CAGR (2026-2035)
Key Regional Dynamics:
- Largest Region: Asia Pacific (44.8% Share by 2035)
- Fastest Growing Region: Asia Pacific
- Dominating Countries: China, United States, Germany, Japan, India
- Emerging Countries: China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Vietnam
Last updated on : 10 September, 2025
Flexible Packaging Market Growth Drivers and Challenges:
Growth Drivers
- Growing Demand for Flexible Packaging in Pharmaceuticals with the Rising Need to Prevent Damage- As of 2021, the global medicines spending was estimated to spend nearly USD 1.5 trillion. Flexible packaging is highly required in the pharmaceutical industry since it can preserve medicines and drugs, which is very helpful in the distribution procedure. Flexible packaging can be molded into any shape, making it quite suitable to pack tablets and capsules. Hence, such a higher utilization is expected to push the growth of the flexible packaging market over the forecast period.
- Increasing Sales of Personal Care Products – There has been rise in the sale of personal care products followed by the increasing concern of people on personal care that also includes oral care products for the oral hygiene. Therefore, it is predicted to boost the market’s growth. In 2022, the total revenue generated by the personal care segment was anticipated to be nearly USD 10 billion across the globe.
- Higher Demand and Distribution of Ready-to-Eat Food with Long Hours of Work Time - The ready-to-eat meals was valued at more than USD 140 billion in the year 2023 around the world.
- Remarkable Increment in the Net National Income Which Increases the Spending Capacity of People on Shopping- As per the report published by the World Bank, the adjusted net national income worldwide hit approximately USD 8,000 per capita in 2020.
- Spiking Utilization of Flexible Packaging in the Automotive Industry to Replace Metal and Reduce the Weight of Vehicles- For instance, in 2021-22, the global total sales of the passenger cars were estimated to be more than 55 million.
Challenges
- Presence of Alternatives in the Market
- Less Availability of Recycling Infrastructure Facilities - The recycling facilities for flexible packaging are very limited and require experienced personnel to manage the recycling units. Many countries still lack these facilities, which limits the market growth. As per the data of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, only 9% of the world’s total plastic packaging waste is recycled successfully as of 2022.
- Disrupted Supply-Chain due to COVID-19
Flexible Packaging Market Size and Forecast:
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
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Base Year |
2025 |
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Forecast Period |
2026-2035 |
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CAGR |
5.2% |
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Base Year Market Size (2025) |
USD 289.56 billion |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2035) |
USD 480.72 billion |
|
Regional Scope |
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Flexible Packaging Market Segmentation:
Printing Technology Segment Analysis
The global flexible packaging market is segmented and analyzed for demand and supply by printing technology into digital, flexography, rotogravure, and others. Among all the three segments, the digital segment is estimated to garner a significant market share by 2035 owing to the easy printing procedure, precise use of ink, flexibility of the printing machine structure with high speed, and quality printing. The flexible packaging uses digital technology, as it offers a clear and vibrant finish that aids manufacturers. This printing process provides a rich print and a full range of tonal values. Digital printing is gaining huge popularity owing to its low cost, short-run, and sustainable properties. Applications of digital printing include newspaper supplements such as color magazines, catalogs, illustrated images, books, calendars, and advertising material. There were over 7400 magazine consumers in the U.S. in 2020, increasing from 7300 in 2019.
End-user Segment Analysis
The global flexible packaging market is segmented and analyzed for demand and supply by the end-user industry into food & beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and others. Out of which, the pharmaceuticals segment is projected to witness noteworthy growth over the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be accounted to the increasing demand for and utilization of flexible packaging in the pharmaceutical industry. The packaging of medicines is really important to protect the products from loss or damage caused during handling and transport. Medicines must be protected from weather changes, including humidity, heat, and cold. Flexible packaging is extremely flexible and customizable, so it can be tailored to fit the needs of manufacturers. The material used in the manufacturing of flexible packages is high-grade material pouches and stand-up bags which are approved by Food and Drug Administration.
Our in-depth analysis of the global market includes the following segments:
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By Type |
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By Material
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By Printing Technology |
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By End-User Industry |
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Vishnu Nair
Head - Global Business DevelopmentCustomize this report to your requirements — connect with our consultant for personalized insights and options.
Flexible Packaging Market Regional Analysis:
APAC Market Insights
Asia Pacific region is likely to hold over 44.8% market share by 2035, driven by growing demand for food, beverages, and healthcare expenditure. For instance, in 2019, the health expenditure of China was estimated to hit nearly USD 500 per capita, while for India, it was estimated to be approximately USD 60 per capita. Such factors are estimated to hike the growth of the market during the forecast period. The increasing demand for ready-to-eat food is very high, as many people work around the clock with less time to cook. Additionally, the healthcare industry uses flexible packaging as it can withstand the sterilization process, which includes agents of ethylene oxide and gamma radiation. The easy-to-open feature of tamper evident stickers helps healthcare workers to slide or unzip the packages. Clear package printing is crucial in the medical sector to read the components, manufacturing, and expiration dates of the product. All these factors are estimated to drive market growth during the forecast period.
Flexible Packaging Market Players:
- ProAmpac Intermediate, Inc.
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
- Amcor Limited
- Printpack, Inc.
- Bemis Company, Inc.
- Huhtamäki Oyj
- Berry Global Inc.,
- Glenroy, Inc.
- Mondi plc
- DS Smith plc
- Sealed Air Corporation
Recent Developments
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Amcor Limited latest technology to focus on reducing the weight in packaging. Amcor Rigid Packaging has designed and developed lightweight technology, Quantum, that was able to reduce about 50% of weight from the packaging.
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ProAmpac Intermediate, Inc., a leading company in material science and flexible packaging to receive a certificate from Biodegradable Product Institute (BPI). The certificate has been provided to the company for its ProActive Compostable CPM-2000 which is a paper-based laminate for dry fruits.
- Report ID: 4644
- Published Date: Sep 10, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
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