Global flexible packaging market poised for significant growth

Flexible packaging has historically gained traction due to its lightweight, cost-effective, and high-performance attributes, replacing traditional materials in various sectors. However, rising environmental concerns and stringent regulatory pressures are compelling brand owners to explore more sustainable alternatives, including fibre-based and recyclable mono-material flexible plastic packaging.

The report defines flexible packaging broadly, encompassing the manufacturing, supply, and conversion of materials such as plastics, paper, and aluminium foil, used individually or in combination for primary retail food packaging and a wide array of non-food applications. These applications include beverages, pet food, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, toiletries, household care products, and tobacco.

A significant challenge highlighted in the report is the low collection and recycling rate of consumer flexible packaging globally, primarily due to the complexity of multi-layer and multi-material structures. This underscores the urgent need for innovation and infrastructure development to support a more circular economy.

The study is considered essential reading for packaging raw material suppliers, converters, manufacturers, retailers, and brand owners. It addresses key questions surrounding brand owners' approaches to transitioning from plastic- to paper-based solutions, the impact of current sustainability trends on flexible packaging use, and how developing economies are responding to these trends compared to advanced economies. Furthermore, it delves into the reasons behind flexible packaging's historical success in replacing traditional packaging formats.