Flexible green packaging market to grow

With a compound annual growth rate of 6.24%, the flexible green packaging market is gaining momentum as the packaging industry undergoes a shift to sustainable alternatives. According to a Towards Packaging report, the market is projected to reach USD 54.29-billion by 2034.

The growing demand for flexible green packaging is attributed to factors including environmental awareness, government regulations, industry demand, and technological innovation. 

Today, consumers are increasingly preferring products packaged that minimises harm to ecosystems. In addition, stricter laws globally limit single-use plastics and non-recyclable materials, pushing companies to innovate. In particular, the food and beverage industry is adopting green packaging to reduce waste.

Breakthroughs in material science have led to compostable films, bio-based plastics, and recyclable mono-material packaging that do not compromise on functionality or shelf life. WhatPackaging? readers will recall the efforts of researchers at IIT Madras to develop agriculture waste-based packaging materials. WhatPackaging? readers will also recall the efforts of Arijit Ghorai and Hoyong Chung of the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University-Florida State University College of Engineering (FAMU-FSU), who demonstrated that the combination of lignin and carbon dioxide can produce a new type of polyurethane that is sustainable and not harmful to the environment.

Current market trends indicate that brands are increasingly preferring materials derived from natural sources like cornstarch and cellulose, which decompose without toxic residues. Additionally, the shift to single-material films (such as polyethylene) simplifies recycling and reduces contamination, enhancing circularity.

Another trend indicates that plastics sourced from renewable resources like sugarcane or corn are gaining popularity due to their reduced carbon footprint and comparable durability. Furthermore, lighter packaging designs lower transportation emissions and cut material use without compromising on protection. 

Other market trends include the integration of technologies like QR codes and freshness indicators, improving consumer interaction, recycling compliance, and transparency. Governments worldwide are enforcing stringent packaging standards to minimise plastic pollution, accelerating the green packaging movement. And finally, eco-conscious consumers are increasingly rewarding companies committed to sustainability.

Despite advances, the flexible green packaging market faces hurdles, including recycling infrastructure, cost concerns, and performance limits.

Many regions lack the facilities to recycle flexible green materials, limiting their circular use. In addition, eco-friendly materials pose a challenge for small and medium-sized businesses. Finally, some green packaging alternatives may not yet match traditional plastics in barrier protection or durability, restricting their application.

As these challenges are being overcome through technologies and expanding infrastructure, flexible green packaging will become a cornerstone of responsible business practices and eco-friendly lifestyles. 

This article is based on a report by Towards Packaging.