United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2024 - 2029 |
| Historical Data Period | 2019 - 2022 |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 2.72 % |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Analysis
The United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Market size in terms of shipment volume is expected to grow from 5.08 Million tonnes in 2024 to 5.81 Million tonnes by 2029, at a CAGR of 2.72% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
- Flexible plastic packaging allows more economical and customizable options for packaging products. It is particularly useful in industries requiring versatile packaging, such as the food and beverages, personal care, and pharmaceutical industries. It has grown popular due to its high efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Government agencies in the region fund projects to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption, which can present a positive outlook in the market.
- The US Department of Energy (DOE) announced it would invest USD 13.4 million in funding to produce plastic with low energy consumption and minimum carbon dioxide emissions. This investment is focused on addressing metal waste recycling challenges. Since flexible packaging consumes less material than rigid packaging, it requires less production energy and helps reduce carbon emissions. Such initiatives will assist in promoting the development of bioplastic as a sustainable material for flexible plastic packaging and highlight flexible packaging as an economical substitute for rigid packaging.
- The need to integrate technology with packaging is driven by rising demand for packaging materials with improved barrier qualities, product innovation, and increasing supply chain digitization. The growth of the food ingredients market in the region is driven by the growth of the food and beverage industry, increasing consumption of dairy and frozen dairy products, and increased focus on demand for processed and packaged foods. Flexible plastic packaging is the common packaging material. The growing demand for portable and suitable food packaging is driving the use of flexible plastic packaging across various industries.
- Pouch packaging is rapidly gaining popularity as it is a highly convenient and portable solution. Many of today’s shoppers prefer flexible, stand-up pouches over traditional, rigid packaging. Consumers drove the demand for stand-up pouches (snacks, beverages, baby food, or industrial oils and lubricants) exponentially over the past decade. Specific innovations in the packaging type further drive the market's sustainability.
- For instance, in November 2023, ProAmpac, a US-based packaging and material science, introduced a sustainable alternative to traditional retort options called ProActive PCR retort pouches. These pouches are designed to reduce the use of new plastics and incorporate up to 30% post-consumer recycled material by weight. This aims to assist brands and retailers in achieving their circular economy objectives. The ProActive PCR retort pouches are specifically tailored for products like shelf-stable ready-to-eat proteins that require exceptional barrier properties and heat resistance.
- The market players are investing in new product development to satisfy customers' rising needs. For instance, in August 2023, TC Transcontinental Packaging, the Packaging segment of TC Transcontinental, announced an investment of USD 60 million toward developing advanced mono-material recyclable flexible plastic packaging solutions, providing high-performance polyethylene films with more heat resistance.
- The regional players are acquiring various packaging firms to expand their market presence. For instance, in February 2023, SEE announced that it completed the acquisition of Liquibox for a purchase price of USD 1.15 billion on a money and debt-free basis. This strategic investment unites two players in the flexible packaging industry and aligns with both companies' high-performance growth. Liquibox innovates and manufactures bag-in-box sustainable fluids and liquid packaging, dispensing products for fresh food, beverage, consumer goods, and industrial end-markets. This acquisition accelerates SEE’s fastest-growing segment, the CRYOVAC brand Fluids and Liquids business. CRYOVAC technology, scale, and market access provide significant synergies.
United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Trends
Increasing Demand for Pouch Packaging among Various End-user Industries
- Pouches play a pivotal role in the food and beverages, cosmetics, baby food, pharmaceuticals, and energy drinks segments in the United States. Driven by a growing consumer preference for convenience and their adoption by small and medium enterprises, the flexible plastic packaging market, especially pouches, is set for significant growth. The demand for pouch packaging has surged across various industries, buoyed by technological advancements and evolving consumer tastes.
- The US food and beverage segment, encompassing fast food chains, organic foods, soft drinks, health supplements, and confectionaries, is a primary driver of the nation's plastic pouch packaging. According to the National Confectioners Association report, confectionary sales in the United States hit USD 48 billion in 2023, with projections soaring to USD 61 billion by 2028.
- Convenience and protection are essential drivers for pouch packaging's popularity. Their versatility in size, from small to large, makes them ideal for the cosmetic industry, especially for products tailored to the travel and tourism markets. Additionally, with 92% of United States consumers prioritizing freshness in their purchases, stand-up pouches with explicit films are gaining significant traction, as highlighted by polymer packaging.
- Also, innovations and product developments are reshaping the pouch packaging landscape. With time-starved consumers favoring microwave-friendly options for quick meals, manufacturers are responding by introducing pouches with advanced functional attributes. A prime example is Kraft Heinz's 2023 launch of a pouch that crisps up a microwaved grilled cheese. This move, featuring their patented 360Crisp technology, showcases the company's commitment to pioneering innovations in its product lineup.
- The United States is seeing a rise in demand for sustainable packaging driven by consumers and manufacturers. Manufacturers are increasingly moving toward circular economic models, boosting the growth of eco-friendly pouch packaging. This shift is helping eco-friendly pouches and affecting the broader flexible plastic packaging market.
- Amcor Group GmbH, a leading sustainable packaging manufacturer, teamed up with Stonyfield Organic, a top organic yogurt producer, and Cheer Pack North America, known for its spouted pouches. They created the first all-polyethylene (PE) spouted pouch. This new design replaces Stonyfield Organic's old multilayered packaging and is now used for its YoBaby refrigerated yogurt, marking a significant step toward sustainability.
Flexible Plastic Packaging Demand Surges as Consumer Lifestyle Shifts
- Consumer products, from food to cosmetics, are increasingly turning to flexible packaging, driven by a demand for convenient, portable solutions. This shift is mainly due to the rising popularity of packaging that aligns with the fast-paced urban lifestyle.
- As consumers seek lightweight, easy-to-use packaging, vendors are pivoting to innovative solutions to stay competitive in the evolving retail landscape. Embracing materials like flexible pouches meet these demands and offer significant energy-saving advantages.
- Also, the trend toward smaller, microwavable portions is gaining traction, especially as single-person households become more prevalent. This shift has bolstered convenience store retailing and heightened the need for more convenient packaging solutions.
- Supermarkets and hypermarkets, recognizing the demand for convenience in today's fast-paced world, increasingly offer easily transportable options. In the food industry, ready-to-eat meals, often housed in plastic pouches, are witnessing remarkable growth. These pouches cater to various products, from fully cooked meals to those that can be reheated with hot water, a heater, or even enjoyed cold.
- Highlighting this trend, data from the US Census Bureau reveals a notable increase in supermarket and grocery store sales, reaching USD 846.38 billion in 2023, up from USD 823.68 billion in 2022. Such robust sales underscore the growing appetite for flexible packaging in the nation.
- Illustrating this market momentum, in January 2024, Accredo Packaging Inc., a leading sustainable packaging manufacturer, completed its fourth expansion at its Texas headquarters, investing a substantial USD 10 million. Adding 83,000 square feet of office space, this expansion underscores the company's commitment to producing recyclable, compostable, and sustainable packaging materials, catering to diverse markets like snacks, confectionery, and baked goods.
United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Industry Overview
The United States flexible plastic packaging market is fragmented. The major players in the market include Berry Global Group, Proampac LLC, Novolex Holdings Inc., Sonoco Products Company, Amcor Group GmbH, C-P Flexible Packaging, American Packaging Corporation, and Sealed Air Corporation. The players in the market are focusing on offering innovative and sustainable flexible plastic packaging solutions to cater to the growing demand.
In April 2024, American Packaging Corporation announced the launch of RE Design for Recycle flexible packaging technology for pet food products. The new technology includes compost, circular, renewable content designs, and additional designs for recycled film and paper options. This would help the company meet industry guidelines for recyclability.
In November 2023, ProAmpac LLC announced the launch of ProActive PCR Retort pouches made using post-consumer recycled (PCR) material. The launch of this product helps the company cater to retailers and brands looking for innovative solutions and meeting circular economy goals.
United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Leaders
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Berry Global Group
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Proampac LLC
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Novolex Holdings Inc.
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Sonoco Products Company
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Amcor Group GmbH
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Market News
- January 2024: Amcor Group GmbH announced the expansion of its North American thermoforming capabilities in the healthcare market. The addition of state-of-the-art automated thermoforming equipment will help the company cater to the growing demand from customers in the pharmaceutical, medical, and consumer health sectors.
- December 2023: Myplas USA, the US subsidiary of South African firm Myplas, announced the opening of a recycling facility for flexible films used for shrink wrap, pallet wrap, etc. The new facility can recycle nearly 90 million pounds of end-of-life plastic annually. This would help the company lead toward circular economy goals.
United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Study Assumption and Market Defination
- 1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET INSIGHTS
- 4.1 Market Overview
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4.2 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 4.2.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.2.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
- 4.2.3 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.2.4 Threat of Substitutes
- 4.2.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
- 4.3 Industry Value Chain Analysis
5. MARKET DYNAMICS
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5.1 Market Drivers
- 5.1.1 Increasing Consumption of Frozen Food Products Drives the Demand
- 5.1.2 Rising Demand for Lightweight Barrier Packaging Solution
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5.2 Market Restraints
- 5.2.1 Regulations over the Usage of Plastic Material
6. TRADE SCENARIO
- 6.1 EXIM Data Based on Product Type and Plastic Resins
- 6.2 Trade Analysis (Top Five Import-Export Countries, Price Analysis, and Key Ports, among others)
7. PRICING TREND ANALYSIS
- 7.1 Plastic Resins (Current Pricing and Historic Trends)
- 7.2 Product Type (Key Packaging Formats)
8. MARKET SEGMENTATION
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8.1 By Material Type
- 8.1.1 Polyethene (PE)
- 8.1.2 Bi-oriented Polypropylene (BOPP)
- 8.1.3 Cast Polypropylene (CPP)
- 8.1.4 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- 8.1.5 Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH)
- 8.1.6 Other Material Types
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8.2 By Product Type
- 8.2.1 Pouches
- 8.2.2 Bags
- 8.2.3 Films and Wraps
- 8.2.4 Other Product Types
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8.3 By End-user Industry
- 8.3.1 Food
- 8.3.1.1 Baked Food
- 8.3.1.2 Snacked Food
- 8.3.1.3 Meat, Poultry, and Sea Food
- 8.3.1.4 Candy/Confections
- 8.3.1.5 Pet Food
- 8.3.1.6 Other Food (Dairy Products, Frozen Food, and Fresh Produces such as Fruits and Vegetables, etc.)
- 8.3.2 Beverage
- 8.3.3 Personal Care and Cosmetics
- 8.3.4 Other End-user Industry (Pharmaceutical, Medical, Construction, Industrial Application, and Consumer Electronics Packaging Industries)
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8.4 By Country
- 8.4.1 United States
- 8.4.2 Canada
9. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
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9.1 Company Profiles*
- 9.1.1 Berry Global Group
- 9.1.2 Proampac LLC
- 9.1.3 Novolex Holdings Inc.
- 9.1.4 Sealed Air Corporation
- 9.1.5 Sonoco Products Company
- 9.1.6 American Packaging Corporation
- 9.1.7 C-P Flexible Packaging
- 9.1.8 ePac Holdings LLC
- 9.1.9 PPC Flex Company Inc.
- 9.1.10 Flex Films (USA) Inc. (Uflex Limited)
- 9.1.11 Printpack Inc.
- 9.1.12 Sigma Plastics Group Inc.
- 9.1.13 Amcor Group GmbH
- 9.1.14 Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH
- 9.1.15 Winpak Co. Limited
- 9.1.16 Mondi PLC
- 9.1.17 Transcontinental Inc.
10. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
11. FUTURE OUTLOOK
** Subject To AvailablityUnited States Flexible Plastic Packaging Industry Segmentation
The study on the US flexible plastic packaging market tracks demands in terms of revenue for flexible plastic packaging by material. It tracks the market size for respective end-user types. The US flexible plastic packaging market estimates include all the costs associated with flexible plastic packaging manufacturing, from raw material procurement to end-user industries. The estimates exclude the cost of the content that is or is to be packed inside the flexible plastic packaging. The scope of the flexible plastic packaging market is limited to B2B demand. Market numbers have been arrived at using bottom-up and top-down approaches for segmentation, and volume has also been considered.
The US flexible plastic packaging market is segmented by material (polyethylene [PE], bi-oriented polypropylene [BOPP], cast polypropylene [CPP], polyvinyl chloride [PVC], ethylene vinyl alcohol [EVOH], and other material types), product type (pouches, bags, films and wraps, and other product types), and end-user industry (food [baked food, snacked food, meat, poultry, and seafood, candy/confections, pet food, and other food], beverage, personal care and cosmetics, and other end-user industries). The report offers market forecasts and volume (tonnes) sizes for all the above segments.
| By Material Type | Polyethene (PE) | |
| Bi-oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) | ||
| Cast Polypropylene (CPP) | ||
| Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | ||
| Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) | ||
| Other Material Types | ||
| By Product Type | Pouches | |
| Bags | ||
| Films and Wraps | ||
| Other Product Types | ||
| By End-user Industry | Food | Baked Food |
| Snacked Food | ||
| Meat, Poultry, and Sea Food | ||
| Candy/Confections | ||
| Pet Food | ||
| Other Food (Dairy Products, Frozen Food, and Fresh Produces such as Fruits and Vegetables, etc.) | ||
| By End-user Industry | Beverage | |
| Personal Care and Cosmetics | ||
| Other End-user Industry (Pharmaceutical, Medical, Construction, Industrial Application, and Consumer Electronics Packaging Industries) | ||
| By Country | United States | |
| Canada |
United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Research FAQs
How big is the United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Market?
The United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Market size is expected to reach 5.08 million tonnes in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 2.72% to reach 5.81 million tonnes by 2029.
What is the current United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Market size?
In 2024, the United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Market size is expected to reach 5.08 million tonnes.
Who are the key players in United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Market?
Berry Global Group, Proampac LLC, Novolex Holdings Inc., Sonoco Products Company and Amcor Group GmbH are the major companies operating in the United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Market.
What years does this United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Market size was estimated at 4.94 million tonnes. The report covers the United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
United States Flexible Plastic Packaging Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 United States Flexible Plastic Packaging market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. United States Flexible Plastic Packaging analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2024 to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
