Flexible Plastic Pouch Market Size and Share Forecast Outlook From 2024 to 2034
The global Flexible Plastic Pouch Market size is estimated to stand at USD 66.1 billion in 2024. The market is projected to exceed a valuation of USD 129 billion by 2034, registering a moderate CAGR of 6.9%.
Flexible Plastic Pouch Market Overview:
- Flexible plastic pouch demand is on the rise since it is cost-effectiveness compared to traditional rigid packaging options.
- Various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care, are increasingly adopting flexible plastic pouches due to their versatility and practicality. Therefore, there is likely to be more than a 1.95X surge in the sales of flexible plastic pouches by 2034.
- The global trends in the flexible plastic pouch industry spotlight the increasing demand for convenient and sustainable packaging solutions.
| Attributes |
Details |
| Flexible Plastic Pouch Market Size (2024) |
USD 66.1 billion |
| Flexible Plastic Pouch Market Forecasted Size (2034) |
USD 129 billion |
| Projected Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
6.9% |
Key Growth Drivers for the Flexible Plastic Pouch Market
On-the-go Lifestyle Spurs Surge in Flexible Plastic Pouches! Growing consumer desire for lightweight and easy packaging options that fit their increasingly hectic lifestyles is driving the flexible plastic pouch market.
- Increasing urbanization and changing lifestyles are leading to a rise in demand for on-the-go packaging solutions, where flexible printed plastic pouches excel due to their lightweight and portable nature.
- The demand for packaged food is growing at a CAGR of 4.3%. This increased demand is primarily due to rising health consciousness and rising per capita income, which in turn has increased demand for pouches.
Flexible Pouches Lead the Charge in Environmental Innovation! Sustainability concerns are pushing companies to adopt recyclable and eco-friendly materials, further fueling the demand for flexible plastic pouches.
- Growing environmental consciousness is driving up demand for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives in the pouch packaging industry and flexible packaging solutions. This includes recyclable materials, bio-based polymers, and biodegradable substitutes.
- Biodegradable pouches are getting popular recently. These recyclable pouch materials naturally decompose over time, lessening their environmental effect. Starch, cellulose, PLA, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and other biopolymers are examples of biodegradable packaging alternatives.
Innovative Bioplastic Pouches Gain Traction with Government Backing! Flexible plastic pouches with enhanced safety features and recyclability are becoming a growing trend due to regulatory regulations and standards that push for safer and more sustainable pouch packaging solutions.
- In January 2020, students at the Indian Institute of Technology unveiled an innovative bioplastic that got support from the Indian government. It encourages the use of composite films, collapsible pouches, and bag-in-box packaging.
- The waste generated by businesses in the flexible packaging industry has led government agencies, consumers, and environmental groups to denounce the sector.
Flexible Plastic Pouches Redefine eCommerce Packaging! The rise of retail channels and eCommerce, which require space-saving and long-lasting packaging solutions for shipment and storage, is further driving the flexible plastic pouch market.
- An online product is handled at least three times more frequently than one in a typical retail setting. With its additional strength and resilience to breakage, spill resistance, and capacity to hold numerous goods together, flexible pouch packaging is a great choice for online retailers.
- In certain categories of products, goods can be shipped safely without requiring an overbox, a corrugated box sealed within another corrugated box to survive handling challenges in eCommerce. Flexible pouches are helpful in this situation. For brand owners, this is crucial since more packaging usually means a bigger environmental impact.
Flexible Packaging Booms with Technological Advancements! Flexible packaging is becoming increasingly desirable for multiple products due to improvements in barrier qualities and shelf life brought about by technological advancements.
- Multi-layered flexible pouch manufacturing is one noteworthy breakthrough. It blends various materials to provide the ideal barrier qualities and increase the shelf life of packaged goods while maintaining their freshness and quality,
- With features like QR codes or RFID tags, smart packaging technologies have entered the market and allow customers to access details about the goods, such as their provenance, legitimacy, and sustainability credentials. This also allows customers to verify items in order to prevent counterfeiting.
Factors Restraining the Revenue Growth of Flexible Plastic Pouches
Within the flexible plastic packaging market, pouches are one of the fastest-growing areas. On the other hand, strict laws governing flexible plastic packaging can limit the market. Adherence to laws is crucial, as even the slightest flaw in packing has the potential to taint the product and impact the makers' revenues.
Food and beverage, personal care, and healthcare product packaging have to have certain qualities, such as being light- and moisture-resistant and being portable. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the European Commission, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are among the regulatory authorities that oversee flexible plastic packaging.
In the packaging business, rigid containers and poly bags are used as pouch alternatives. The food and beverage, personal care, and pharmaceutical sectors all use rigid containers, which include bottles, jars, cans, and containers.
Rigid containers are quite popular in many sectors because of their great robustness, impact strength, and barrier qualities. This could pose a serious challenge to pouch packaging market expansion.
Sales Trend Analysis from Historical Data Compared to Outlook for 2024 to 2034
From 2019 to 2023, the flexible plastic pouch market showed promising growth, boasting an 8.0% CAGR. During this time, advancements in packaging technology and shifting consumer preferences towards convenience and sustainability fueled the surge in demand for flexible plastic pouches.
| Historical CAGR (2019 to 2023) |
8.0% |
| Forecasted CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
6.9% |
The market for flexible plastic pouches is expected to exhibit a lower CAGR compared to the historical period.
Despite the anticipated decrease in growth rate, the flexible plastic pouches market global forecast anticipates robust progression driven by expanding industrial pouch applications in the market across healthcare, personal care, and pet food fields, which are poised to fuel demand.
Despite the decreased CAGR, manufacturers are likely to continue to innovate to fulfill the more stringent restrictions put on them by regulatory agencies around waste management and packaging materials.
Pouches for packaging alcohol have become increasingly common recently. The growing popularity of pouches in alcohol packaging can be attributed to their cost-effectiveness, flexibility, small size, and ability to retain flavor and quality. They also provide aesthetic appeal.
Pouches possess contamination and oxygen barrier qualities, which are essential for maintaining the product's freshness for longer. At the moment, wine, spirits, and beer are packaged extensively in flexible plastic pouches.
South Africa, Australia, and the United States are the main markets for this type of alcohol packaging. This is expected to have a highly positive impact on the global demand for flexible plastic pouches.
Top Market Dynamics and Industry Trends in Flexible Plastic Packaging
- An evolving trend in the flexible plastic pouch market indicates growing levels of hygiene awareness are driving up consumer demand for clean food, which is driving up the adoption of flexible plastic pouches.
- The printing capabilities of customizable plastic pouches provide brands with opportunities for enhanced branding and marketing strategies.
- Consumer tastes are changing in favor of portion control and smaller pack sizes, which is matched by the adaptability and flexibility of flexible plastic pouches.
Analysis of Regional Demand for Flexible Plastic Pouches
The North America flexible plastic pouch market stands out as a dominant force. The exponential rise in eCommerce and online shopping in recent times has fueled the flexible plastic pouch packaging market expansion.
Europe flexible plastic packaging industry is witnessing continuous and steady growth in demand for flexible plastic pouches. Despite the region's stricter position on plastic consumption, Europe continues to be one of the top consumers of plastic packaging, particularly flexible plastic packaging.
The Asia Pacific flexible plastic pouch industry is likely to progress significantly. Two key factors anticipated to drive the market are the large-scale availability of raw materials and the rapid advancement of flexible plastic packaging technology.
| Country |
United States |
| Forecasted CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
7.1% |
| Market Size by 2034 |
USD 22.9 billion |
| Country |
United Kingdom |
| Forecasted CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
7.8% |
| Market Size by 2034 |
USD 5.1 billion |
| Country |
China |
| Forecasted CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
7.7% |
| Market Size by 2034 |
USD 20.2 billion |
| Country |
Japan |
| Forecasted CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
8.1% |
| Market Size by 2034 |
USD 13.9 billion |
| Country |
South Korea |
| Forecasted CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
8.2% |
| Market Size by 2034 |
USD 7.8 billion |
Flexible Plastic Pouches Ride High on Booming Packaging Sales in the United States
Demand for flexible plastic pouches in the United States is set to rise with an anticipated CAGR of 7.1% through 2034. Key factors influencing these pouches’ demand include:
- Sales of flexible plastic packaging in the United States are soaring, especially when it comes to food and beverages, which account for a whopping 90% of packaging use. Around 19% of packaging in the United States is made of flexible packaging, as reported by Perfect Packaging, cited by The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA).
- Online shopping and eCommerce have grown exponentially in the United States in the past decade. Features like pouch sealing technology, resealable closures, and easy-open tear strips are frequently seen in flexible plastic packaging. Customers can find it easier to obtain the things they have purchased because of this.
United Kingdom's Embrace of Sustainable Packaging Boosts Flexible Plastic Pouch Sales
The United Kingdom flexible plastic pouch market is expected to surge at a CAGR of 7.8% through 2034. The topmost dynamic forces supporting the market extension in the country include:
- The country is renowned for creating and implementing sustainable alternatives. Flexible plastic packaging, such as pouches, is becoming more popular as the consumer packaging industry moves toward more environmentally friendly methods.
- Businesses are focusing on using environmentally friendly materials to create their packaging solutions. In September 2021, the release of 'Generation 2.0' samples of high-barrier flexible packaging solutions intended for recycling was announced by BOBST and its partners.
Flexible Plastic Pouch Adoption Grows in China amidst Food Industry Boom
The China flexible plastic pouch market is forecasted to inflate at a CAGR of 7.7% through 2034. Prominent factors backing up the market growth are:
- The market is expanding at a faster pace due to rising consumer demand for convenient food packaging. Because of the government's rapid proliferation of food outlets and lowering of tariffs on frozen food imports, China's demand for flexible resealable plastic pouches is poised to rise even more.
- Leading companies in the pouch packaging industry are gaining market share by creating breakthroughs in the field of flexible plastic packaging. In August of 2023, Dow and Mengniu, a well-known dairy producer in China, introduced a mono-material PE yogurt pouch. The product introduction aims to increase recycling rates in China and support a circular economy there.
Generic Medicine Boom Drives Japan's Flexible Plastic Pouch Market Growth
Sales of flexible plastic pouches in Japan are estimated to record a CAGR of 8.1% through 2034. The primary factors bolstering the flexible pouch market size are:
- As of September 2021, the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW Japan) reported that the volume share of generics in the prescribed medicines business in Japan was around 79%. As a result, positive growth contributions to the market are anticipated from these discoveries.
- The top businesses are concentrating on new product development to maintain their competitiveness in what appears to be a rather crowded industry. Leading flexible packaging producer ZACROS unveiled M MONOSOLUTIONS™, a line of mono-material flexible packaging, in December 2021. The MONOSOLUTIONS™ series product range consists of spout pouches, Flowpack PL, and sachets.
South Korea's Ban on Single-use Items Boosts Flexible Pouch Market Growth
The market in South Korea is likely to exhibit a CAGR of 8.2% through 2034. Reasons supporting the growth of flexible plastic pouch market in the country include:
- The government of South Korea declared a ban on single-use items in November 2022. It also disclosed its intention to establish the first sophisticated plastic recycling cluster in the world in November 2023. Flexible plastic pouch demand is predicted to rise significantly as a result of these triggers.
- Plastic pouch innovations are one strategy used by the best companies in this profitable sector. Borealis presented a novel high-barrier flexible pouch for dry food made of PP mono-material in May 2023 at PRSE 2023. This pouch is entirely compatible with the mechanical recycling of polypropylene.
Flexible Plastic Pouch Industry Analysis by Top Investment Segments
As far as the type of flexible plastic pouch is concerned, the bags and pouches segment is likely to dominate through 2034, registering a CAGR of 6.6%.
Similarly, the food and beverage segment is expected to dominate the revenue share of flexible plastic pouches in terms of end use, with a projected CAGR of 6.5% through 2034.
| Segment |
Forecasted CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
| Bags and Pouches |
6.6% |
| Food and Beverage |
6.5% |
Bags and Pouches Secure a Stronghold in the Flexible Plastic Pouch Industry
The bags and pouches segment is anticipated to lead the way, holding an impressive flexible plastic pouch market share. Here are a few key factors that contribute to its acceptance:
- Bags and pouches offer easy handling and convenience for consumers
- The flexible plastic pouches are lightweight and portable which makes them convenient for on-the-go lifestyles.
- The adaptability of flexible plastic bags and pouches is increased by their availability in multiple sizes and forms that fit a broad range of products.
- Continuous plastic pouch innovations and sustainable pouch packaging attract consumers and drive segment growth.
- Flexible plastic pouches for products are a favored option for businesses since they are frequently less expensive to manufacture.
Food and Beverage Industry Claims the Crown in the Flexible Plastic Pouch Market
The food and beverage end-use industry takes the top spot in the flexible plastic pouch industry, a trend substantiated by factors such as:
- Flexible plastic pouches are a great packaging option for food packaging items because of their low weight, flexibility, and capacity to withstand contaminants.
- Consumer convenience in the food and beverage industry is increased by flexible plastic pouches, which provide user-friendly packaging.
- Stretchable plastic bags contribute to the shelf life, flavor, and quality preservation of food and drink by keeping them fresh longer.
- Pouches are useful for encapsulating convenience foods, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals that fit into the busy lifestyles of today's consumers.
Leading Suppliers in the Flexible Plastic Pouch Sector
Flexible plastic pouch market players employ diverse strategies to gain a competitive edge. Some concentrate on product innovation, launching eco-friendly or more practical pouches.
Others prioritize cost leadership by providing competitive prices to draw in consumers who are cost-conscious. In order to increase their market share, businesses are also utilizing digital platforms and broadening their global reach in their marketing and distribution methods.
Recent Developments
- Parkside, a flexible packaging solutions expert, confirmed the launch of their brand-new, cutting-edge mono-polymer laminated film in March 2023. The novel laminate, made of polypropylene substrates, can be used in various packaging formats, such as flow wraps, bags, sachets, stick packs, pillow packs, and pouches.
- In January 2023, Scotts Miracle-Gro introduced an innovative container for its concentrated lawn and garden products: a flexible pouch. This innovation is motivated by macro-level developments regarding refillable/reusable packaging in the CPG market.
- Mondi and Henkel collaborated to introduce a 100% biodegradable mono-material refill pouch for Pril in February 2022. The two businesses collaborated to develop a packaging solution that allows plastic bottle refilling using flexible pouches for Henkel's hand dishwashing solutions. This helps Henkel achieve its environmental goals of 50% less virgin plastic derived from fossil fuels by 2025 and 100% recyclable or reused packaging.
Notable Players in the Business Landscape
- Amcor Plc.
- Berry Global Group, Inc.
- Mondi Group
- Sealed Air Corporation
- Sonoco Products Company
