Flexible Paper Packaging Market Size Worth USD 99.14 Billion in 2032 | Emergen Research
Emergen Research
8 min read
Emergen Research
Rising demand for lightweight paper packaging is one of the major factors driving flexible paper packaging market revenue growth
Vancouver, Jan. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global flexible paper packaging market size reached USD 66.10 Billion in 2022 and is expected to register a revenue CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period, according to latest analysis by Emergen Research. Increasing consumption of frozen food items, growing adoption of lightweight paper packaging, rapidly inclining number of technological innovations in flexible paper packaging, and rising demand for sustainable recyclable food product packaging are some of the key factors driving market revenue growth.
Flexible packaging includes roll stock, bags, pouches, liners, wraps, and other flexible items as products for packaging and are useful in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care which is driving market revenue growth. The major benefits of flexible paper packaging are its flexibility in packaging products of different shapes and sizes including irregular shaped products and consumption of less space than conventional and rigid packaging. It requires less storage space and facilitates easy transportation. In addition, it utilizes less energy and labor in the packaging of the products hence boosting market revenue growth.
The recent advancement of digital printing is significantly boosting market revenue growth owing to increased speed in delivery of end products compared to the conventional intaglio printing. This also reduces the production and transportation time and helps in production of packages for new inventories. Also, digital printing allows faster modification in the digital printing pattern without added costs and high-cost settings. It also allows different packaging of the product, offering discounts and reductions in the prices of the products.
Major companies are developing digital printing solutions for flexible paper packaging which is increasing adoption of the product thus driving market revenue growth. For instance, on 28 August 2023, Sappi and Xeikon, designing, developing, and supplying web-fed digital color presses for label and packaging applications announced their partnership towards developing direct printing on paper-based materials with increasing the flexible packaging's capacity for recycling. XEIKON entered into the paper-based flexible packaging industry with the Xeikon TX500 and dry toner solution, TITON. This resulted in high number of launches of such recyclable flexible packaging products composed using paper by leading market companies.
Inadequate availability of raw materials for production of flexible paper to be used in packaging industry is the key factor hampering market revenue growth. In addition, shortage of workforce in this industry is also limiting market revenue growth.
Revenue in USD Billion and CAGR in % from 2023 to 2032
Report coverage
Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends
Segments covered
Paper Type, Packaging Type, Embellishing Type, Printing Technology, End-Use, and Region
Regional scope
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country scope
U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Benelux, Rest of Europe, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Rest of APAC, Brazil, Rest of LATAM, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Turkey, Rest of MEA
Key companies profiled
Amcor plc, Sonoco Products Company, Mondi, Sealed Air, Huhtamaki, Coveris, DS Smith, Sabert Corporation, Wihuri Group, WestRock Company, International Paper, Smurfit Kappa, Stora Enso Oyj, Nordic Paper, PG Paper Company, McNairn Packaging, Billerud AB, NIPPON PAPER INDUSTRIES CO., LTD., Gulf Paper Manufacturing Company, and Rengo Co., Ltd.
Customization scope
10 hours of free customization and expert consultation
Major Companies and Competitive Landscape
The global flexible paper packaging market is fairly fragmented, with many large and medium-sized players accounting for the majority of market revenue. Major players are deploying various strategies, entering into mergers & acquisitions, strategic agreements & contracts, developing, testing, and introducing more effective solutions. Some major players included in the global flexible paper packaging market report are:
Amcor plc
Sonoco Products Company
Mondi
Sealed Air
Huhtamaki
Coveris
DS Smith
Sabert Corporation
Wihuri Group
WestRock Company
International Paper
Smurfit Kappa
Stora Enso Oyj
Nordic Paper
PG Paper Company
McNairn Packaging
Billerud AB
NIPPON PAPER INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
Gulf Paper Manufacturing Company
Rengo Co., Ltd.
Strategic Development
On 11 May 2023, Mondi, the sustainable packaging and paper producer announced the plans of an upgrade and modernization of the Dynäs pulp and paper plant in Sweden as part pf its flexible packaging business. The objectives of this initiative was to increase productivity, improve the mill's overall environmental performance, and continue to satisfy consumer demand for sustainable paper-based packaging options.
On 5 May 2023, Mondi announced the commencement of production of a recyclable paper bag solution for roll-up mattresses. Mondi developed Protector Bag ExpandForm, an expandable paper bag solution for securely rolling up mattresses using its kraft paper. Protector Bag ExpandForm is a flexible, recyclable packaging replacing standard plastic packaging.
The kraft paper segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2022. Rising demand for kraft paper bags as they are non-toxic, odorless, and highly sustainable with low carbon footprints which is the key factor driving the revenue growth of the segment. These papers are developed in a way to keep up with the government environmental protection standards and have high strength, as a result, kraft papers are used in groceries. Also, major companies are producing sustainable kraft paper products which is driving revenue growth of the segment. For instance, on 11 May 2023, Billerud announced the launch of a machine-glazed kraft paper specifically designed and approved for the wrapping of kitchen and toilet paper rolls. The paper reaches the optimal point for sustainability, recyclable, renewable, and biodegradable while withstanding rough treatment as any Polyethylene plastic hence boosting revenue growth of the segment.
The wraps segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2022. Rising demand for paper wraps as they are used as food packaging material for food items such as chocolates which is a key factor driving revenue growth of the segment. In addition, flexible paper packaging allows for innovative and attractive designs which help brands to create visually appealing packaging, contributing to increased brand visibility and consumer interest hence boosting revenue growth of the segment.
The Food & beverages segment accounted for largest revenue share in 2022. The main advantages of flexible paper packaging for food and beverages are their convenient usage owing to the lightweight with added benefits such as zip locks and increased longevity of food products which is a key factor driving revenue growth of the segment. It also helps to maintain safety of food items by blocking of damaging Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, moisture, grease, contamination and oxygen. These benefits are resulting in increasing adoption by major companies for launching flexible packaging solutions using paper for mitigating the rising demands of the consumer. For instance, on 8 December 2022, Koehler announced the launch of Koehler NexPure OGR, a sustainable packaging paper that is resistant to oil and grease. This paper is used to package items including sandwiches, burritos, fries, and wraps hence contributing to revenue growth of the segment.
The flexible paper packaging market in North America accounted for the largest revenue share in 2022. Revenue growth of the flexible paper packaging market in this region is growing owing to the latest advancements in technology for flexible paper packaging for applications such as confectioneries and bakery items. Rising consumption of frozen food in countries such as U.S. is also driving demand for flexible paper packages owing to their less space utilization. For instance, on 31 January 2023, the American Frozen Food Institute stated the increase in sales of frozen food in U.S. up to the year 2022 at retail stores to be USD 19.4 billion.
Emergen Research has segmented global flexible paper packaging market on the basis of paper type, packaging type, embellishing type, printing technology, end-use, and region:
Paper Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2019-2032)
Kraft Paper
Parchment Paper
Greaseproof Paper
Sulfite Paper
Glassine Paper
Packaging Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2019-2032)
Pouches
Rollstock
Shrink Sleeves
Wraps
Others
Embellishing Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2019-2032)
Hot Coil
Cold Coil
Others
Printing Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2019-2032)
Rotogravure
Flexography
Digital Printing
Others
End-Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2019-2032)
Food and Beverages
Retail and Consumer Products
Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
Beauty and Personal Care
Agriculture
Others
Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2019-2032)
North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
Germany
France
U.K.
Italy
Spain
Benelux
Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
China
India
Japan
South Korea
Rest of APAC
Latin America
Brazil
Rest of LATAM
Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
South Africa
Turkey
Rest of MEA
About Emergen Research
Emergen Research is a market research and consulting company that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. Our solutions purely focus on your purpose to locate, target, and analyze consumer behavior shifts across demographics, across industries, and help clients make smarter business decisions. We offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across multiple industries, including Healthcare, Touch Points, Chemicals, Types, and Energy.
