The ASEAN flexible plastic packaging market is projected to expand from USD 5.78 billion in 2025 to USD 9.97 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.6%. This growth trajectory is being shaped by shifting consumer preferences towards convenience, increased urbanization, and the rise of organized retail and e-commerce across Southeast Asia.
Countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand are witnessing robust demand from food, beverage, and personal care industries that rely heavily on flexible packaging for its durability, lightweight nature, and cost-efficiency. The 2024 market value stood at USD 5.53 billion, with a Y-o-Y increase of 5.4% projected in 2025.
A key industry voice underscoring the market’s direction is Fisk Johnson, CEO of SC Johnson, who stated in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, “Plastic is one of the most useful, versatile and cost-effective materials developed in the last century.
But we must recognize its growing role as a global pollutant, and we need urgent solutions to reduce its environmental impact.” His comment reflects the growing urgency among packaging companies to innovate with sustainable materials, especially in regions like ASEAN where environmental regulations on single-use plastics are tightening.
Flexible plastic packaging continues to gain ground due to its strong presence in the food and beverage sector. Products like high-barrier films, pouches, and sachets are increasingly being adopted by manufacturers seeking to improve shelf life and reduce logistics costs. With consumers in ASEAN markets embracing on-the-go lifestyles, flexible packaging meets the need for convenience while allowing for customized branding and superior shelf appeal.
Sustainability is now at the forefront of product development strategies. Manufacturers are investing in recyclable mono-material laminates, compostable bioplastics, and reusable pouch formats. Regional governments have begun enforcing plastic bans and extended producer responsibility frameworks. As a result, companies operating in this sector are aligning their innovation pipelines with circular economy principles, embedding sustainability into design, production, and end-of-life strategies.
Backed by regulatory pressure, technological advancements, and evolving consumer expectations, the ASEAN flexible plastic packaging market is positioned for a transformative decade, characterized by both rapid growth and heightened accountability.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025) | USD 5.78 billion |
| Industry Size (2035) | USD 9.97 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.6% |
The below table presents the expected CAGR for the ASEAN flexible plastic packaging market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2025 to 2035. In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2024 to 2034, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 5.0%, followed by a higher growth rate of 6.2% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 5.0% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 6.2% (2024 to 2034) |
| H1 | 4.8% (2025 to 2035) |
| H2 | 6.4% (2025 to 2035) |
Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2024 to H2 2035, the CAGR is projected to decrease slightly to 4.8% in the first half and increase to 6.4% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed a decrease of 20 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed an increase of 20 BPS.
The ASEAN flexible plastic packaging market is growing rapidly, led by Modified Atmospheric Packaging and films and wraps. MAP boosts product freshness, while films and wraps offer versatility. Rising demand for shelf-life extension and integrity maintenance is driving industry momentum across food, healthcare, and consumer goods sectors.
Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP) is expected to lead the packaging type segment, capturing 46.3% of the market share by 2035. MAP is widely utilized in the food and beverage industry to preserve product freshness by modifying the atmosphere inside the packaging to extend shelf life. This method reduces spoilage and enhances the safety of perishable goods without the need for preservatives, which aligns with consumer demand for fresher, more natural products.
The adoption of MAP in the ASEAN region is driven by the rising consumption of packaged food and increasing awareness of food safety. MAP packaging is particularly popular for fresh produce, dairy products, and meat, where shelf life extension and product preservation are critical.
In addition to food, MAP is being explored in pharmaceuticals and electronics to protect sensitive goods during transportation and storage. As the demand for sustainable and cost-effective packaging grows, MAP is expected to maintain its dominant position in the ASEAN flexible plastic packaging market.
Films and wraps are anticipated to hold a 34.9% market share in 2035 in the product type segment of the flexible plastic packaging market. These products are favored for their flexibility, light weight, and ability to be customized to fit a wide range of applications, including food packaging, industrial goods, and consumer products. Films and wraps are ideal for packaging snacks, beverages, frozen foods, and personal care products, making them highly versatile and cost-effective.
The growth of e-commerce and the increasing need for protective and functional packaging solutions are key drivers of the demand for films and wraps. Their ability to provide moisture and oxygen barriers, while maintaining product integrity and freshness, is a significant advantage in food and consumer goods packaging. As industries increasingly focus on reducing packaging waste, biodegradable and recyclable film and wrap solutions are gaining popularity.
The growing trend toward sustainable packaging solutions, coupled with innovations in film materials and packaging technology, will contribute to the continued dominance of films and wraps in the ASEAN flexible plastic packaging market.
Adoption of Flexible Plastic Packaging in the ASEAN Food Industry
Flexible plastic packaging is lightweight, inexpensive, and convenient. Thus, it is the appropriate selection for the food industry of ASEAN. As an illustration, Indofood and Mondelez International are already utilizing flexible pouches for ready-to-eat items and snack. It will enable easy transportation of the products while also increasing its shelf life. Now, the customer prefers convenience with sustainability. Therefore, recyclable materials and new design innovations drive demand for flexible plastic packaging across the region.
Growth of Flexible Packaging in ASEAN’s E-commerce Sector
Flexible plastic packing is becoming increasingly used in the ASEAN e-commerce market. Shipping solutions in such packaging are light in weight, cheap, and durable. Companies like Lazada and Shopee now use flexible pouches and wraps for packing apparels to electronics.
An additional factor that has boosted the usage trend of flexible plastic packaging is the boom in online grocery shopping, since such packaging shields perishables and reduces the cost of logistics significantly. There's further likely to be technological innovation within the sector, as demand for green, biodegradable packaging increases.
Challenges in Adopting Sustainable Packaging Solutions
While flexible plastic packaging provides many benefits, the ASEAN market is showing an increasing concern over the environmental impact. Indeed, there is a push towards biodegradable and recyclable packaging options. However, a lack of complete recycling infrastructure holds back flexible packaging.
Moreover, the higher cost of sustainable materials is also a deterrent to widespread adoption, particularly for small-scale businesses. Glass or metal packaging for certain products remains the preferred option for consumers in premium segments because brand image and luxury perception are going to play a major role. Bridging the gap between cost and sustainability remains one of the main focuses of the industry.
The ASEAN flexible plastic packaging industry recorded a CAGR of 4.4% during the historical period between 2020 and 2024. The growth of the flexible plastic packaging industry was positive as it reached a value of USD 5,536.4 million in 2024 from USD 4,660.4 million in 2020.
There is growth in the sales of flexible plastic packaging. This calls for light, strong, and recyclable flexible packaging solutions that consumers are demanding. Rising awareness on waste reduction means companies and consumers alike are keen on environmentally friendly alternatives as compared to such materials. This shift opens up opportunities towards sustainable flexible packaging in food, personal care, and e-commerce markets.
It will increase because sustainability is going to stay one of the prime concerns of consumers and manufacturers in the region. In addition, advancements in material science and recycling technologies are going to make flexible packaging all the more desirable. A reduction in the use of single-use plastics and consumers' demand for green products are going to further fuel the market.
This more sustainable and intensely adopted product will allow flexibility in the kind of packaging preferred while remaining core business for the packaging industry - therefore with both economic and environmental benefits.
Tier 1 company leaders are characterized by high production technology and a wide product portfolio. These market leaders are distinguished by their extensive expertise in manufacturing and reconditioning across multiple packaging formats and a broad geographical reach, underpinned by a robust consumer base. They provide a wide range of series including reconditioning, recycling, and manufacturing utilizing the latest technology and meeting the regulatory standards providing the highest quality. Prominent companies within Tier 1 include Berry Global, Inc., Amcor plc, Sonoco Products Company, Mondi Group, Sealed Air Corporation.
Tier 2 companies are characterized by a strong presence overseas and strong market knowledge. These market players have good technology and ensure regulatory compliance but may not have advanced technology and wide ASEAN reach. Prominent companies in Tier 2 include Prepack Thailand Co., Ltd., Constantia Flexibles GmbH, AR Packaging Group, SCIENTEX, HEXACHASE GROUP.
Tier 3 includes the majority of small-scale companies operating at the local presence and serving niche markets. These companies are notably oriented towards fulfilling local market demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment. They are small-scale players and have limited geographical reach. Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized market, denoting a sector characterized by a lack of extensive structure and formalization when compared to organized competitors.
Key players operating in the flexible plastic packaging market are investing in the development of innovative sustainable solutions and also entering into partnerships. Key flexible plastic packaging providers have also been acquiring smaller players to grow their presence to further penetrate the flexible plastic packaging market across multiple regions.
Key Players of the Flexible Plastic Packaging Industry
| Report Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Total Market Size (2025) | USD 5.78 billion |
| Projected Market Size (2035) | USD 9.97 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.6% |
| Base Year for Estimation | 2024 |
| Historical Period | 2020 to 2024 |
| Projections Period | 2025 to 2035 |
| Quantitative Units | USD million for value |
| Product Types Analyzed (Segment 1) | Pouches, Bags & Sacks, Tubes, Sleeve Labels, Films & Wraps |
| Materials Analyzed (Segment 2) | Oil Base Polymers, Bio-Plastics |
| Packaging Types Analyzed (Segment 3) | VSP (Vacuum Skin Packaging), MAP (Modified Atmospheric Packaging), General Barrier |
| End Uses Analyzed (Segment 4) | Food, Beverages, Personal Care, Homecare, Pharmaceuticals, Industrial Packaging, Consumer Packaging, Others |
| Sub-Regions Covered | Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Singapore, Rest of ASEAN |
| Key Players Influencing the Market | Prepack Thailand Co., Ltd., Berry Global, Inc., Amcor plc, Sonoco Products Company, Mondi Group, Sealed Air Corporation, Constantia Flexibles GmbH, AR Packaging Group, SCIENTEX, HEXACHASE GROUP |
| Additional Attributes | Total market size in dollar sales and CAGR, top-selling materials and formats, leading end-use industries by dollar sales, country-wise demand in ASEAN, competitor market share, sustainability regulations, and e-commerce packaging trends. |
The ASEAN flexible plastic packaging industry is projected to witness CAGR of 5.6% between 2025 and 2035.
The ASEAN flexible plastic packaging industry stood at USD 5,536.4 million in 2024.
The ASEAN flexible plastic packaging industry is anticipated to reach USD 9.97 billion by 2035 end.
Vietnam sub-region region is set to record the highest CAGR of 6.4% in the assessment period.
The key players operating in the ASEAN flexible plastic packaging industry include Berry Global, Inc., Amcor plc, Sonoco Products Company, Mondi Group, Sealed Air Corporation.
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ASEAN Flexible Plastic Packaging Market
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