Market Size of North America Shrink and Stretch Film Industry
Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
Market Size (2024) | USD 5.13 Billion |
Market Size (2029) | USD 6.16 Billion |
CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 3.73 % |
Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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North America Shrink & Stretch Film Market Analysis
The North America Shrink and Stretch Film Market size is estimated at USD 5.13 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 6.16 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.73% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
- Stretch and shrink films are polythene films made with advanced engineering used for packaging items. These films have unique chemical properties that differentiate them in terms of flexibility and stretchability. Stretch films are thin polythene films that are flexible and elastic and are used to wrap around pallet loads, whereas shrink films are thin films wrapped around a single product or commodity and require heat to pack. These films help keep items from spoiling due to air and moisture, improving the quality of packed goods.
- Shrink sleeve labels refer to 360-degree printed labels that typically use heat in the application process to conform to the product's shape to which the label is applied. Shrink sleeve labels are printed on either side of plastic or polyester film material. The durability of the shrink sleeves makes them ideal for products that encounter moisture or friction.
- With various brands increasing their focus on 2025 sustainability goals, exploring more sustainability options is becoming increasingly central to meeting their pledges. Many bottled beverage producers choose recycle-ready polyethylene (PE) shrink film over corrugate and paperboard because it uses less energy and lowers greenhouse emissions in the distribution channel without compromising run speeds and machinability.
- Amcor stated that PE shrink is one of the most recycled types of plastic films in the United States, collected through the 18,000 in-store drop-off locations in North America. Expanding efforts to close the loop on a circular economy with post-consumer recycled (PCR) content can achieve additional sustainability benefits while providing the same versatility and performance as standard PE shrink films.
- The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the market has been positive in industries, such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, among others, owing to increased demand. With the factories shutting down during the initial outbreak of the pandemic, beauty brands were forced to find domestic packaging alternatives and temporarily switched to shrink sleeve labels. Overall, the shrink and stretch sleeve is expected to witness growth in the region during the post-pandemic period. Various end-user industries are sticking to shrink and stretch films as they offer shorter lead times, reduced costs, lower minimums, and lesser inventory.
- In September 2021, Clysar introduced Clysar EVO-C confidential shrink film for its family of recyclable shrink films pre-approved for the store drop-off label by the How2Recycle program during PACK EXPO Las Vegas. Clysar EVO-C film is a unique opaque security and shipping material that offers UV-blocking properties and can significantly reduce packaging volume and weight while protecting from light degradation. It is ideal for demanding e-commerce, mailing, distribution, and packaging applications.
North America Shrink & Stretch Film Industry Segmentation
Stretch and shrink films are polyester or plastics that wrap the entire perimeter of a product and conform to the unique geometry of any package. The North American shrink and stretch film market is segmented by product type (hoods, wraps, and sleeve labels), material (LDPE and LLDPE, PVC, and PET), application (food and beverage, consumer goods, pharmaceutical, and material handling), and geography.
Product Type | |
Hoods | |
Wraps | |
Sleeve Labels |
Material | |
LDPE and LLDPE | |
PVC | |
PET | |
Other Materials (PS, etc.) |
Application | |
Food and Beverage | |
Consumer Goods | |
Pharmaceutical | |
Material Handling | |
Other Packaging Types |
Geography | |
United States | |
Canada | |
Mexico |
North America Shrink and Stretch Film Market Size Summary
The North American shrink and stretch film market is experiencing steady growth, driven by the increasing demand for efficient packaging solutions across various industries. These films, made from advanced polythene materials, offer unique properties such as flexibility and stretchability, making them ideal for wrapping pallet loads and individual products. The market is benefiting from the rising focus on sustainability, with many companies opting for recycle-ready polyethylene films to meet environmental goals. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated demand, particularly in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors, as businesses sought domestic packaging alternatives. Innovations in the market, such as Clysar's EVO-C film and Cortec's compostable stretch films, are enhancing the versatility and sustainability of packaging solutions.
The market is moderately consolidated, with key players like Amcor, Berry Global Inc., and Innovia Films driving competition through product innovations and strategic acquisitions. The demand for shrink and stretch films is also fueled by the growing e-commerce sector, where these films are used for packaging and protecting goods during distribution. Regulatory developments, such as Canada's mandate for recycled content in plastic packaging, are shaping the market landscape, encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices. Industry events, like the AMI's International Stretch & Shrink Film conference, facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among stakeholders, further propelling market growth. Overall, the North American shrink and stretch film market is poised for continued expansion, supported by technological advancements and a strong emphasis on sustainability.
North America Shrink and Stretch Film Market Size - Table of Contents
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1. MARKET DYNAMICS
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1.1 Market Overview
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1.2 Market Drivers
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1.2.1 Ability to Conform to Any Size and Shape and Provide the Necessary Protection
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1.2.2 The Need for Tamper-evident Protection to Drive Market Growth
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1.3 Market Challenges
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1.3.1 Growing Demand for Stand-up Pouches in the Beverage Sector and Elaborate Nature of the Overall Recycling Process
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1.4 Market Opportunities
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1.5 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
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1.6 Impact of COVID-19 on the Shrink and Stretch Film Market
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2. MARKET SEGMENTATION
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2.1 Product Type
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2.1.1 Hoods
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2.1.2 Wraps
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2.1.3 Sleeve Labels
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2.2 Material
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2.2.1 LDPE and LLDPE
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2.2.2 PVC
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2.2.3 PET
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2.2.4 Other Materials (PS, etc.)
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2.3 Application
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2.3.1 Food and Beverage
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2.3.2 Consumer Goods
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2.3.3 Pharmaceutical
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2.3.4 Material Handling
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2.3.5 Other Packaging Types
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2.4 Geography
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2.4.1 United States
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2.4.2 Canada
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2.4.3 Mexico
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North America Shrink and Stretch Film Market Size FAQs
How big is the North America Shrink and Stretch Film Market?
The North America Shrink and Stretch Film Market size is expected to reach USD 5.13 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 3.73% to reach USD 6.16 billion by 2029.
What is the current North America Shrink and Stretch Film Market size?
In 2024, the North America Shrink and Stretch Film Market size is expected to reach USD 5.13 billion.