North America Flexible Packaging Market Size (2024 - 2029)

North America Flexible Packaging Market Analysis

The North America Flexible Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 50.64 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 61.23 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.87% during the forecast period (2024-2029). In terms of shipment volume, the market is expected to grow from 10.5 million tons in 2024 to 12.40 million tons by 2029, at a CAGR of 3.48% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Increased Demand for Convenient Packaging Drives Market Growth:

The North America Flexible Packaging Market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for convenient packaging solutions. This surge is largely due to evolving consumer behaviors and the rapid expansion of e-commerce. For instance, supermarket and grocery store sales in the U.S. reached USD 810.28 billion in 2022, up from USD 747.84 billion in 2021, underscoring the rising demand for packaged goods. The flexible packaging industry is responding with innovative solutions that offer portability, extended shelf life, and user-friendliness.

• Popularity of stand-up pouches: Stand-up pouches are increasingly popular due to their lightweight, lower production costs, and ease of use for both manufacturers and consumers.
• High demand in frozen foods: The frozen food sector is a major driver of flexible packaging demand, requiring high-performance barrier properties to prevent freezer burn and prolong shelf life.
• E-commerce sales growth: The U.S. e-commerce sector generated USD 277.582 billion in Q2 2023, highlighting the need for effective, protective packaging for online retail products.

Changing Demographics and Lifestyle Factors Shape Market Trends:

Demographic shifts and lifestyle changes are reshaping the flexible packaging market. Consumers today prioritize health, convenience, and sustainability, prompting new packaging innovations.

• Consumer preferences: A study by the Flexible Packaging Association found that 60% of consumers are willing to pay more for packaging that offers easy storage, resealability, and extended shelf life.
• Aging population: The growing elderly demographic is driving demand for easy-to-open packaging solutions, pushing advancements in adhesives and packaging design.
• Urbanization and convenience: Rapid urbanization and fast-paced lifestyles are fueling the demand for on-the-go packaging formats, particularly portion-controlled solutions that enhance convenience.

Sustainability Initiatives Drive Innovation and Market Growth:

Sustainability has become a critical focus in the flexible packaging industry. Companies are investing in eco-friendly materials and recyclable packaging to align with consumer preferences and regulatory demands.

• Circular economy initiatives: In September 2023, the Canada Plastics Pact (CPP) announced a five-year plan aimed at boosting the circular economy for flexible plastic packaging across Canada.
• New recyclable products: In August 2023, Amcor introduced its curbside-recyclable AmFiber Performance Paper packaging in North America, designed to meet repulpability standards for curbside recycling.
• Water-resistant packaging: JBM Packaging's launch of HydroBlox, a recyclable and water-resistant packaging paper, is an example of how sustainability drives product development in the industry.
• Technological Advancements and Market Expansions Fuel Growth:

The flexible packaging market is seeing increased investment in new technologies and capacity expansions, fostering innovation and growth.

• Mono-material packaging development: TC Transcontinental Packaging invested USD 60 million in developing recyclable flexible plastic solutions, such as a new film line to produce biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPE) in North America.
• Facility expansion: Accredo Packaging completed a USD 10 million expansion in Texas, adding 83,000 square feet of space to support sustainable flexible packaging production.
• Smart packaging: Technologies like RFID tags, QR codes, and sensors are increasingly being integrated into flexible packaging to enhance traceability, improve quality control, and drive consumer engagement.
• Market Consolidation and Strategic Acquisitions Shape Industry Landscape:

Mergers and acquisitions are becoming increasingly common as companies seek to expand their portfolios and market reach.

Recent acquisitions: Sonoco acquired Graphic Packaging Corporation's flexible packaging division for USD 105 million in September 2023, doubling its presence in the flexible packaging market.

• SEE's acquisition of Liquibox: In February 2023, SEE completed the USD 1.15 billion acquisition of Liquibox, accelerating the growth of its CRYOVAC brand in fluids and liquids packaging.
• Future Outlook: Innovation and Sustainability at the Forefront:

The North American flexible packaging market is on the cusp of significant changes, driven by sustainability, innovation, and evolving consumer demands.

• Circular economy focus: Collaborative efforts across the value chain are increasingly geared towards establishing more sustainable approaches to flexible packaging.
• Digital printing expansion: High-quality digital printing technologies are enabling customizable, cost-effective packaging solutions, further enhancing the sector's growth.
• E-commerce impact: The continued rise of e-commerce will drive ongoing demand for protective and efficient packaging solutions.
• Tech adoption: Companies are expected to increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, using technologies to improve traceability, reduce waste, and optimize logistics within their supply chains.

North America Flexible Packaging Industry Segmentation

Flexible packaging is a means of packaging products made of non-rigid materials, allowing for more economical and customizable options. Flexible packaging can easily change shape during filling or use.

The North American flexible packaging market is segmented by material type (plastics [polyethene (PE), bi-orientated polypropylene (BOPP), cast polypropylene (CPP), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH]), paper, and aluminum foil), product type (pouches, bags, films, and wraps), end-user industry (food [frozen & chilled food, meat, poultry & fish, fruits & vegetables, bakery & confectionary, dried & ready meals, pet food], beverages, tobacco, and cosmetics & personal care), and country (United States, Canada). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.