Low-density Polyethylene Packaging Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Films & Wraps, Bags & Sacks, Bottles & Droppers, Caps & Closures, and Others), By End Use (Food & Beverages, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Electricals & Electronics, Consumer Goods, Pharmaceuticals, E-commerce, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The global low-density polyethylene packaging market size was valued at USD 19.20 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 20.09 billion in 2023 to USD 28.58 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.17% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the low-density polyethylene packaging market with a market share of 32.08% in 2022. Moreover, the low-density polyethylene packaging market in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 6.63 billion by 2032, driven by the growing demand for packaging materials, especially for food and beverage containers and consumer products.

LDPE stands for low-density polyethylene, which is lightweight & flexible plastic and can be squeezed without breaking or compromising its original structure. Low-density polyethylene packaging is, therefore, a packaging solution manufactured with LDPE polymers and is gaining popularity due to its highly flexible, corrosion-resistant, and extremely durable properties. LDPE is broadly used to produce various containers, bottles, films, and plastic bags. The rise in the demand for stretch & shrink film packaging among several end-use industries is one of the major factors positively impacting the market growth.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Excellent Growth in the E-commerce and Pharmaceutical Sector Contributed to the Market Growth amid the Pandemic

The unexpected occurrence of COVID-19 devastated numerous end-use industries across the globe. The emergence of the novel coronavirus did not cause any long-lasting impact on the LDPE manufacturing sector. The pandemic accelerated the use of plastic packaging owing to a rapid increase in e-commerce transactions globally. Along with the increased e-commerce sales, the demand for product packaging with Low-density Polyethylene packaging was rising. Moreover, as the pharmaceutical industries flourished during the pandemic, the demand for LDPE polymers for packaging boosted. Such polymers were widely used to manufacture films and bags that can be used for packaging PPE kits, enriched the overall market growth. The continuous growth of e-commerce & pharmaceutical industries are thus estimated to drive market development in the post-pandemic era.

LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE PACKAGING MARKET TRENDS

Increasing Adoption of R-LDPE for Product Packaging is Booming the Market Growth

Rising adoption & utilization of Recycled LDPE (R-LDPE) by manufacturers is evolving as a key trend and is estimated to bolster the low-density polyethylene packaging market growth. The recycled LDPEs are effective in reducing the amount of pollution caused by producing new products from scratch. It requires less energy than manufacturing new products from scratch. Recycled LDPE is also crucial in conserving the resources to make new products. It comprises the oil and gas that are used to produce plastic. Using recycled LDPE for manufacturing flexible bottles, lids, milk cartons, and other products is encouraging the market growth of low-density polyethylene packaging. Moreover, as the R-LDPE possesses high elasticity and is available in an extremely translucent form, several end-use industries find it an ideal solution for product packaging, further booming the market growth.

LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE PACKAGING MARKET GROWTH FACTORS

Escalating Demand for Low-density Polyethylene Packaging Due to its Substantial Features Drives Market Growth

The global low-density polyethylene packaging market is experiencing astonishing demand from consumers & manufacturers owing to the excellent properties offered by the resin. The low density offered by the material results in low tensile strength, making it very flexible for the packaging of products. The high flexibility of the material is perfect for applications, such as plastic bags, films & other packaging. The packaging is also durable, impact-resistant, highly chemical-resistant, economical, and cost-effective. It is soft, transparent, glossy, and highly resistant to moisture, tearing, and chemicals.

Such crucial characteristics result in the manufacturing of several packaging products, such as bags, sacks, bottles, stretch films, containers, and others, further driving the demand from firms & consumers. It is shock-proof, so the rising demand from electrical & electronic sectors fosters the market growth. Low-density polyethylene packaging is analyzed to be the most inexpensive material for manufacturing plastic films, and increasing utilization of such films in consumer goods and personal care industries contributes to the market growth.

Striking Demand from Food & Beverage & Pharmaceutical Sectors Contributes to the Market Growth

LDPE is a low-cost, waterproof material resistant to many acids and bases and has extensive usage in packaging due to its easy-to-mold feature. LDPE is the best in developing films & wraps for packaging due to its strong and flexible nature, resulting in high demand from the food & beverage sectors. Packaging of products with LDPE is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), further contributing to the augmenting demand from food & beverage manufacturers. Food & beverage manufacturers widely use it to develop squeezable food bottles, bread & frozen food bags, shrink wraps, bottle caps, and lids.

The single-use drink cartons are also designed with the use of LDPE, and the rising demand for ready-to-drink products among consumers is encouraging the growth of the global market. In addition, LDPE is also a popular material in pharmaceutical packaging due to its durable, flexible & corrosion-resistant properties. LDPE bags are ideal for the packaging of pharmaceutical and drug products. Such bags are also highly reliable in controlling the moisture from pharma and drug packaging products and protecting them for a prolonged time. Henceforth, due to such features, pharmaceutical manufacturers have a high demand for low-density polyethylene packaging, further driving the market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Rising Substitutes and Strict Government Regulations on Plastic Usage Impede Market Growth

Although LDPE material is one of the majorly used polyethylene for product packaging, the threat of substitution from other resins, such as LLDPE, HDPE, and ULDPE, is rising. The threat of such substitutes, as they are stiff, durable, and resistant to several chemicals, is thus estimated to restrict the market growth and limit the usage of LDPE for packaging. On the other hand, the growing pollution in the land and water due to the high usage of waste plastic bags is certainly threatening the lives of animals living on earth and in water. It is further posing a threat to human life. It has further resulted in the plastic ban in several parts of the world. Many government bodies and manufacturers have implemented single-use plastic ban initiatives and eliminated the use of plastic material for product packaging. Such initiatives are thus expected to hamper the market growth. In addition, the rising environmental regulations regarding the utilization of LDPE are also analyzed to restrict the market growth in the coming years.

LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE PACKAGING MARKET SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Product Type Analysis

Augmenting Demand of Bags & Sacks by Varied End-Use Sectors Aids the Segmental Growth

Based on the product type, the market is segmented into films & wraps, bags & sacks, bottles & droppers, caps & closures, and others.

The bags & sacks segment holds the largest market share and is projected to burgeon during the projected period. Low-density polyethylene resins are majorly utilized in developing plastic bags and sacks for food packaging and the manufacturing of utility bags. Bags & sacks manufactured with LDPE boast low tensile strength and are very lightweight, owing to which they have gained traction among varied end-use sectors such as consumer goods, food & beverages, e-commerce, and others. Several restaurants & culinary establishments primarily utilized LDPE bags & sacks to package food items. Moreover, the garment bags manufactured with LDPE material are in high demand, which, in turn, nurtures the segment’s growth.

By End Use Analysis

Flexibility of LDPE Material for Packaging Thrives its Usage in the Food & Beverages Sector

Based on the end use, the market is segmented into food & beverages, personal care & cosmetics, electricals & electronics, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and others.

The food & beverages segment is the leading end use segment and expected to flourish over the projected timeframe. LDPE can withstand high stretching, making it extremely useful for applications, such as plastic bags, bin bags, and other plastic films. Films and wraps developed with LDPE are further used by food & beverage manufacturers to package fruits & vegetables, beverages, cured meat products, and others. The rising usage of such packaging solutions by the food & beverage sector thus contributes to the segment growth.

REGIONAL LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE PACKAGING MARKET ANALYSIS

The market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East & Africa.

The Asia Pacific region dominates the global low-density polyethylene packaging market share. The region is analyzed to continue its dominance over the forecast period. The flourishing pharmaceutical, food processing, manufacturing, FMCG, healthcare sector, and auxiliary industries in emerging nations such as China, India, and other Asia Pacific countries drive the market growth in this region. Additionally, the increasing frequency of lifestyle-related disorders, such as diabetes & blood pressure among consumers, is spurring demand for injections and medicines, which, in turn, fuels the adoption of product packaging with LDPE in the pharmaceutical sector in Asia Pacific. The growing consumer electronics sector in the region will also foster market growth.

North America is the second dominating region of the market. The market growth in this region is attributed to the ongoing expansion of the plastics & packaging industries and the easy availability of LDPE polymers in the U.S.

Europe is anticipated to experience noteworthy growth over the forecast period. The expansion of the e-commerce sector, which drives online shopping trends in countries, such as Germany, Italy, France, and others, contributes to the market growth in the region.

Latin America is growing steadily due to the augmenting demand for LDPE products, such as films, wraps, and bottles from the food & beverage industries. The Middle East & Africa region will attain moderate growth due to the rising demand from the pharmaceutical sector.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Leading Companies are Focusing on Innovative Packaging Solutions to Create Significant Growth Opportunities

The global market is highly fragmented and competitive. Key market players are introducing modern packaging techniques in the packaging industry to remain dominant in the market. Mondi, Constantia Flexibles, Alpla, Coveris, Amcor, and Berry Global Inc. are some of the leading companies in the global market. Other market participants are constantly focusing on offering innovative packaging solutions. These major players in the market are constantly focusing on expanding their customer base & market segments across the regions and innovation.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED IN LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE PACKAGING MARKET:

• Mondi (U.K.)


• Alpla (Austria)


• Constantia Flexibles (Austria)


• Coveris (U.K.)


• Amcor (Switzerland)


• Berry Global Inc. (U.S.)


• Sealed Air (U.S.)


• Origin Pharma Packaging (U.K.)


• Silgan Holdings, Inc. (U.S.)


• Ströbel GmbH (Germany)


• LDPE Bags (India)


• Interplast (Turkey)


• ZipperBag Co. Ltd. (Thailand)


• Humi Pak (Malaysia)


• Stream Peak International (Singapore)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• June 2023 – LyondellBasell and AFA Nord, a leading recycler of agricultural film, introduced a new joint venture, known as LMF Nord GmbH, to construct a mechanical recycling plant in Northern Germany that can convert linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) & low-density polyethylene waste into high-quality recycled plastic materials which can be suitable for flexible packaging.


• June 2021 – Polysack, a manufacturer of plastic film for flexible packaging & high-shrink labels, partnered with Flessofab & launched a series of sustainable stand-up pouch packaging. The pouches are made from a blend of different polymers, such as an outer layer with biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET) & an inner layer with low-density polyethylene.


• June 2020 – Sirane declared the launch of new LDPE-recyclable pouches. The pouches are significant in offering oxygen barriers essential for food safety & shelf life and throw up recyclability challenges. The range can also be recycled where LDPE recycling streams are available.


• October 2019 – Dow introduced new resins developed with 70 percent recycled plastic. The new resin comprises a low-density polyethylene through which recycled plastic shrink film is incorporated without forgoing the material quality & functionality in the final application.


• October 2019 – Borealis & Henkels partnered to develop several unique circular solutions for flexible consumer packaging. One of its key products includes a flexible pouch developed with 35% post-consumer recycled low-density polyethylene.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides a detailed market analysis and focuses on key aspects such as key players, competitive landscape, product/service types, market segmentation, porter’s five forces analysis, and leading end uses of the product. Besides, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the above factors, the report encompasses several factors that contributed to the market's growth in recent years.

Report Scope and Segmentation