Flexible Paper Packaging Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis By Packaging Type (Wraps, Bags and Sacks, Envelopes, Pouches, Sachets, and Others), By End-User (Food and Beverages, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Pharmaceutical, Consumer Goods, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Flexible paper packaging is a lightweight, cost-effective solution used to protect, package, and increase the product's shelf life. The environmentally-friendly and high-efficiency nature contributes to expanding the flexible paper packaging market worldwide. The increasing popularity of frozen and ready-to-eat food products also drives market growth. Potential benefits such as innovation and customization in the packaging, enhanced product life, and improved product efficiency lead to increasing demand for flexible paper packaging in several industries. Key developments from manufacturers also cushion the market growth.

• For instance, in August 2022, SunDance USA, a leading manufacturer of printed packaging in the Southeastern U.S., introduced new super-green paper pouch packaging, which is 100% recyclable and biodegradable.

The rising utilization of flexible paper packaging in healthcare, personal care, food & beverages, and consumer goods industries, coupled with the increasing disposable incomes, boosts the global flexible paper packaging market. Further, the rising inclination toward flexible paper packaging than other plastic packaging solutions also aids market growth. The growing awareness regarding sustainable packaging and the increasing usage of flexible paper packaging to reduce product waste and increase shelf life also contributes to market growth. The stringent government regulations on the use of plastic products are anticipated to enhance the market in the forthcoming years.

Lack of recyclability is the key factor that hinders the growth of the global flexible paper packaging market. Flexible paper packaging products are less durable than rigid packaging products, which is also expected to hamper market growth. The product damage during storage and transit may be challenging to replace and repair, thus impacting the growth of the global flexible paper packaging market worldwide.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE FLEXIBLE PAPER PACKAGING MARKET

The emergence of the novel coronavirus led to a long-term effect on many industries worldwide. The prolonged lockdowns imposed by government bodies worldwide impacted the flexible paper packaging market. The disruptions in the supply chain led to a rapid decrease in the production of flexible paper packaging. The outbreak also created difficult situations for the manufacturers. However, the growing environmental concerns and the demand for healthy food products will boost market growth in the upcoming years.

SEGMENTATION

KEY INSIGHTS

The report will cover the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the Flexible Paper Packaging Market


• Key Industry Trends


• Regulatory Landscape for the Flexible Paper Packaging Market


• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

ANALYSIS BY PACKAGING TYPE

Based on packaging type, the market is segmented into wraps, bags and sacks, envelopes, pouches, sachets, and others. Pouches hold the largest share of the global flexible paper packaging market. Pouches are versatile, lightweight, and can be transported easily. It thus increases their demand in many end-use industries, further dominating the market growth.

ANALYSIS BY END-USER

Based on end-user, the market is segmented into food and beverages, personal care and cosmetics, pharmaceutical, consumer goods, and others. Food & beverages are the leading end-user segment of the flexible paper packaging market. Wide utilization of the packaging of wine & liquor bottles, premium chocolates, greeting cards, and business cards, along with the rising popularity of ready-to-eat food items and frozen foods, lead to the segment’s growth.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The flexible paper packaging market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is the leading region of the global flexible paper packaging market. The dominance can be attributed to the collective technological developments, growing investment in R&D activities, and rising environmental concerns in the North American region. Asia Pacific is the second dominating region owing to the increasing e-commerce industry. Moreover, the growing focus on sustainability trends coupled with the government initiatives to ban plastics in India & China also fuels regional growth. The European flexible paper packaging market will rapidly grow due to the region's growing food & beverages and beauty & cosmetics industries. The increasing demand for smaller pack size products and higher disposable incomes boost Latin America's flexible paper packaging market. The Middle East and Africa market will experience moderate growth due to the augmenting demand for ready-to-eat food products.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

The report will include profiles of key players such as Amcor Plc, Sonoco Products Company, International Paper Company, Packaging Corporation of America, DS Smith Packaging Limited, WestRock Company, Mondi Plc, Sealed Air Corporation, Sabert Corporation, Sappi Limited, Georgia-Pacific LLC, and KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation, among others.

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• May 2022 - Brook + Whittle, a leading provider of shrink sleeves, pressure-sensitive labels, and flexible packaging, announced the acquisition of the Diamond Flexible Packaging Company. Diamond is a premium converting & flexible packaging company which offers custom-printed bags and pouches for several end-use industries. With the acquisition, the wide web printing capabilities of Brook + Whittle will be strengthened rapidly.


• January 2022 - Amcor launched a new platform of paper-based packaging products: AmFiberTM. AmFiberTM is an innovative solution to provide European snacks and confectionery to customers with a recyclable package that delivers a high barrier from oxygen and moisture.


• August 2021 - Huhtamaki declared the acquisition of the leading sustainable, flexible packaging supplier, Elif. With the acquisition, Elif will be integrated into Huhtamaki’s flexible packaging business segment.


• December 2020 - Mondi launched a new paper EcoWicketBag for Drylock Technologies' baby diaper ranges, which brings sustainable paper-based packaging that is a sustainable alternative to plastic diaper packaging.