Form-Fill-Seal (FFS) Films Market Outlook

Global form-fill-seal films market is expected to be valued at USD 26875.8 million in 2023 and to reach a valuation of USD 44196.57 million by 2033. The demand for form-fill-seal films is estimated to grow at a steady 5.1% CAGR.

he demand for sustainable packaging solutions is growing rapidly, as consumers become more environmentally conscious. FFS films are an attractive option for sustainable packaging because they can be made from recyclable materials, such as polyethylene and polypropylene.

Additionally, FFS films can be made thinner and stronger, which reduces the amount of material needed to create the packaging. This results in a more sustainable solution that also reduces packaging costs.

The food packaging industry is one of the largest consumers of FFS films. With the growing demand for processed food and ready-to-eat meals, the demand for FFS films in this industry is expected to continue to grow. In addition, the increasing popularity of online grocery shopping has created new opportunities for FFS film manufacturers.

Many online grocery retailers are looking for packaging solutions that can protect products during shipping and handling, and FFS films are a popular choice because of their durability and versatility.

Emerging economies such as India, China, and Brazil are experiencing rapid urbanization and industrialization, which is driving the demand for packaged products. This is creating new opportunities for FFS film manufacturers to expand their businesses in these regions.

The growing middle class in these countries is also driving demand for premium packaged products, which require high-quality and innovative packaging solutions.

FFS film manufacturers are investing in research and development to create new and innovative packaging solutions. This includes the development of films that are thinner and stronger, as well as films with improved barrier properties to protect products from moisture, oxygen, and other environmental factors.

For example, manufacturers are using advanced coatings and laminates to improve the barrier properties of FFS films, which helps to extend the shelf life of products.

Attributes Details
Form-Fill-Seal (FFS) Films Market CAGR (2023 to 2033) 5.1%
Form-Fill-Seal (FFS) Films Market Size (2023) USD 26875.8 million
Form-Fill-Seal (FFS) Films Market Size (2033) USD 44196.57 million

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2018 to 2022 Form-Fill-Seal (FFS) Films Market Outlook In Comparison to 2023 to 2033 Forecasts

Breakdown of Market Growth During the Forecast Period:

Year Volume Growth Rate (%)
Volume Growth Rate (%) 4.47%
Sales Growth Rate (%) 4.1%
Year Volume Growth Rate (%)
Volume Growth Rate (%) 4.82%
Sales Growth Rate (%) 4.5%
Year Volume Growth Rate (%)
Volume Growth Rate (%) 5.2%
Sales Growth Rate (%) 4.8%
Year Volume Growth Rate (%)
Volume Growth Rate (%) 5.1%
Sales Growth Rate (%) 4.7%

Short term (2023 to 2025): Busy lifestyles and on-the-go consumption habits are driving demand for packaged food and beverages that are easy to prepare and consume.

FFS films provide a convenient and efficient solution for products such as single-serve snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and drinks. Additionally, FFS films are flexible and can be customized to fit a variety of product shapes and sizes, making them ideal for a wide range of applications.

Medium term (2025 to 2028): The food and beverage industry is the largest market for FFS films, accounting for the majority of the demand. As the industry expands, there is a growing need for automated packaging solutions that can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase production capacity. FFS films are widely used in the food and beverage industry for products such as snacks, baked goods, pet food, dairy products, and drinks.

Long term (2028 to 2033): The development of new technologies and machinery for the production of FFS films is driving innovation in the form-fill-seal films market. Improvements in automation, speed, and accuracy are increasing production efficiency and reducing waste.

Additionally, the development of new materials and additives is improving the quality and performance of FFS films, such as films that are puncture-resistant, heat-sealable, and have enhanced oxygen and moisture barriers.

How is Increasing Consumption of Packaged Food Driving Form-Fill-Seal Films Sales?

Packaged foods and ready-to-eat meals have become a popular choice among working professionals due to their busy schedules, and this trend is only going to increase in the future. As a result, the demand for packaging that can keep these foods fresh for longer is on the rise. Form-fill-seal films are an ideal solution for this requirement.

Form-fill-seal films provide excellent barrier properties against moisture, oxygen, and light, ensuring that food products stay fresh for longer. These films eliminate the need for preservatives, which can harm the nutritional value of food and also affect its taste and aroma.

Additionally, these films are suitable for packaging various products, such as seafood, meats, bakery, dairy, poultry, condiments, soups, and sauces, and can be used in both horizontal and vertical form-fill-seal machines.

FMI predicts that the growing preference for packaged food products are expected to continue to drive sales of FFS films through 2033. With the increasing demand for convenience, and the need for packaging that can keep food fresh for longer, the form-fill-seal films market is poised for steady growth.

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Will Rising Demand for Sustainable Packaging Solutions Influence Sales of Form-Fill-Seal Films?

Stringent government regulations implemented to curb emissions caused by manufacturing and disposal of plastic products are compelling consumers and manufacturers to opt for recyclable packaging formats.

After recycling, form-fill-seal films can be used again to produce new plastic products. Form-fill-seal films bags are not discarded as residual waste and are collected as valuable raw material. To meet the sustainability objective, manufacturers are launching innovative products to improve sales of form-fill-seal films. For instance:

  • SealedAir CRYOVAC® brand’s form-fill-seal films offer optimal food safety, space-saving, reduces carbon footprint, and end-of-life material recovery.
  • In April 2021, Trio World Company developed Trioloop, an FFS flat film made from 80% recycled polyethylene, where 65% is PCR, and 15% is PIR material. The company’s FFS flat film is 100% recyclable, offering superior quality, ensuring strong pallet stability, and reducing downtime.

Country-wise Insights

How Will the Form-Fill-Seal Films Market Expand Across the USA?

North America is expected to hold a share of USD 4512.8 million by the end of 2023, with the United States at the forefront. The demand for form-fill-seal films is likely to increase at a rate of 4.2% during the forecast period in contrast to the rate of 3% during the historical period.

The United States is one of the largest markets for form-fill-seal films, with a well-established packaging industry and a large consumer base.

According to the Flexible Packaging Association, flexible packaging is lightweight than other materials, reducing waste and source. The form-fill-seal films are considered the most preferred flexible packaging solution as they offer multi-functional benefits such as lightweight, high product-to-package ratio, and product protection.

Shifting consumer preference for recyclable packaging in food and consumer goods is pushing manufacturers to launch new and improved flexible packaging solutions. In response to this, USA-based Indevco Plastics has launched polyethylene form-fill-seal films with up to 50% recycled (PCR & PCR) resins, environment-friendly water-based inks, and 100% recyclable form-fill-seal films.

These developments are indicative of lucrative growth prospects for manufacturers operating in the form-fill-seal films market in the USA.

Why is Demand for FFS Films Rising in Germany?

The European market is expected to grow at a rate of 3.8% during the forecast period, much faster than the historical growth rate of 2.8%.

The form-fill-seal films market in Germany is expected to hold 1/5 of the Europe FFS films market share in 2023. Form-fill-seal films extend the shelf life of the products and provide high visibility of ingredients, making them stand out on shelves and attractive to customers.

According to Plastics Europe, plastics packaging protects and preserves perishable foods hygienically and helps reduce waste and maintains nutritional value and taste. FFS films enhance the product’s shelf life and provide good heat-sealing strength to the product, making them a suitable packaging choice for consumer goods and food products.

Increasing demand for convenient and ready-to-eat meals in Germany is anticipated to continue pushing sales of FFS films over the assessment period

How will Expansion of Ecommerce Sector Propel Demand for FFS Films in India?

In 2023, India is estimated to account for 40.6% of FFS films sales in South Asia. According to the Indian Flexible Packaging and Folding Carton Manufacturers Association, the Indian packaging industry is setting new business trends. The expansion of the e-commerce sector, and emergence of new digital retail platforms are spurring demand for innovative and sturdy packaging solutions.

Apart from this, increasing demand for convenience foods and rising concerns regarding food contamination is compelling manufacturers to launch innovative FFS films. For instance:

  • Max Specialty Films Limited has developed “Max Shield,” a revolutionary antimicrobial BOPP film that eliminates 99.9% of microbes such as fungus, bacteria, yeast, viruses, mold, etc., that contact the film.

Increasing demand for innovative, flexible and durable packaging is likely to continue pushing sales of form-fill-seal film in India over the forecast period.

Will China Emerge as an Attractive Form-Fill-Seal Films Market?

Emergence of e-commerce and increasing reliance on online retail are spurring demand for effective packaging solutions in China.

Form-fill-seal films are contamination-free, leak-resistant and protect food ingredients from environmental impact. Consumers are more concerned about taste and freshness of food products. This, in turn, is propelling demand for FFS films in China.

How Will FFS Films Sales fare Across Australia?

Form-fill-seal films have high visibility and strong product protection during transportation. These films are a prime solution for the automatic packaging of various food products.

According to the Food Packaging Forum, the Australian government has announced a national plastic plan in April, 2021, and outlined an approach to increase plastics recycling to find an alternative for plastic and reduce the environmental impact. This is expected to continue pushing sales of FFS films in Australia through 2033.

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Category-wise Insights

Applications of FFS Films for Sachets and Pouches to Gain Traction

The sachets and pouches segment is expected to dominate the FFS films market during 2023 to 2033, accounting for more than half of the total value share and projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7%. Cost-effective and sustainable, flexible bags and pouches are an ideal packaging solution for snacks and ready-made food packs.

Form-fill-seal films provide excellent protection against light, oxygen, and moisture while improving overall toughness and sealing properties. Pouches and sachets made from FFS films keep food fresh for longer and offer an aesthetically pleasing finish. Additionally, these films provide an integrated solution, with all processes done in one compact system. The film is cut from a continuous reel based on the product's size and volume, filled, and sealed before dispatch, making them an ideal format for automatic packaging of consumer goods and food products.

Pouches made from FFS films are lightweight, easy to use, and sturdy, facilitating mess-free dispensing. They are also easy to carry, making them ideal for consumers on-the-go and e-commerce. These pouches protect ingredients against spillage and contamination, making them a popular choice for consumers. As a result of these factors, sales of FFS films in the pouch and sachets segment are projected to continue rising through 2033.

Why is Polyethylene (PE) the Most Preferred Material Choice for FFS Films?

Polyethylene (PE) Form-Fill-Seal (FFS) films are expected to dominate the market, with a projected CAGR of 4.1% through 2033, and a 51.5% market share in 2023. These films are the epitome of reliability and safety, making them ideal for a range of products, including frozen food, bakery, confectionery, seafood, and ready meals.

The use of high-quality polypropylene in Form-Fill-Seal packaging films is crucial for high-speed automatic filling line processes where puncture and tear resistance are crucial factors. Products made using polyethylene Form-Fill-Seal films boast a longer shelf life, are easy to handle, and convenient to open. These films provide high-load stability during handling, storage, and transport. With fantastic printing quality, high clarity, and suitability for robust filling processes, polyethylene Form-Fill-Seal films are the preferred choice of packaging material.

Demand for FFS Films in the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Sector to Remain High

The healthcare and pharmaceutical segment is anticipated to hold a form-fill-seal films market share of 15% in 2023. Pharmaceutical products demand unparalleled protection against external environmental impact. Temperature fluctuations can compromise the efficacy of substances, rendering them unsafe and ineffective. Enter Form-Fill-Seal (FFS) films - the most robust and secure packaging solution for medical and pharmaceutical products. With their high puncture resistance, excellent barrier protection, and extended shelf life, FFS films are ideal for safeguarding pharmaceutical products.

When it comes to medicine packaging, FFS films stand out as a safe and sterile option. Their tight-fitting ensures optimal protection, making them the go-to packaging solution for pharmaceutical products.

Additionally, FFS films play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of medicinal products during transport. Acting as a shield, FFS films provide safe, secure, and reliable shipping, protecting the products from any environmental impact.

Considering the importance of safety and reliability in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry, the demand for form-fill-seal films is projected to continue rising. According to Future Market Insights (FMI), sales of FFS films in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector are expected to increase steadily through 2033, highlighting the growing demand and significance of these films in the industry.

Competitive Landscape

Leading players iperating in the global form-fill-seal films market are focusing on research and development to launch sustainable and recyclable packaging formats to improve the sales of form-fill-seal films. Apart from this, players are investing in strategic collaborations, mergers and acqusitions to expand their global footprint. For instance:

  • In July 2021, ProAmpac acquired Ultimate Packaging, a pioneer in flexographic printing based in the United Kingdom. With this acquisition, ProAmpac aims to strengthen its market position in food flexible packaging, expand its portfolio of sustainable solutions, and extend its market approach across the United Kingdom.
  • In July 2020, Mondi Plc partnered with meat producer Hütthaler to develop a new recyclable mono-material film for meat and sausage products that can provide barrier protection to the food and extend its shelf life.

Key Segments

By Material Type:

  • Polyethylene (PE)
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Others

By Layer Structure:

  • Monolayer Films
  • Multilayer Films

By Application:

  • Sachets & Pouches
  • Bags & Sacks
  • Others

By End-Use:

  • Food
    • Meat, Poultry & Seafood
    • Dairy Products
    • Fruits & Vegetables
    • Bakery & Confectionery
    • Others
  • Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
  • Agriculture & Allied Products
  • Building & Construction
  • Others

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • Middle East and Africa
  • East Asia
  • South Asia
  • Oceania

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the estimated market size of Form-Fill-Seal FFS in 2023?

A CAGR of 5.1% is projected for the industry through 2033.

What is the current market valuation?

Market revenue is expected to reach USD 26,875.8 million by 2023.

What is the expected market size in 2033?

A market of USD 44,196.57 million is expected to be achieved by 2033.

Which application segment to lead the market?

A 4.7% CAGR is expected by 2033 for the sachets and pouches segment.

What is North America's expected share in 2023?

North America is likely to generate 4.2% revenue in 2023.

Table of Content
  • 1. Executive Summary
  • 2. Market Overview
  • 3. Market Background
  • 4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
  • 5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Material Type
    • 5.1. Polyethylene (PE)
    • 5.2. Polypropylene (PP)
    • 5.3. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
    • 5.4. Aluminium Foil
    • 5.5. Other Material Types
  • 6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Layer Structure
    • 6.1. Monolayer Films
    • 6.2. Multilayer Films
  • 7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End-Use
    • 7.1. Food
      • 7.1.1. Meat, Poultry & Seafood
      • 7.1.2. Dairy Products
      • 7.1.3. Fruits & Vegetables
      • 7.1.4. Bakery & Confectionery
      • 7.1.5. Other Foods
    • 7.2. Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
    • 7.3. Agriculture & Allied Products
    • 7.4. Building & Construction
  • 8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
    • 8.1. North America
    • 8.2. Latin America
    • 8.3. Europe
    • 8.4. Asia Pacific
    • 8.5. MEA
  • 9. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
  • 10. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
  • 11. Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
  • 12. Asia Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
  • 13. MEA Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
  • 14. Key Countries Market Analysis
  • 15. Market Structure Analysis
  • 16. Competition Analysis
    • 16.1. Sealed Air Corporation
    • 16.2. Mondi Plc
    • 16.3. Cosmo Films Ltd.
    • 16.4. Coveris Holdings S.A.
    • 16.5. Retal Industries Ltd.
    • 16.6. ProAmpac Intermediate, Inc.
    • 16.7. Flair Flexible Packaging Corporation
    • 16.8. KHS Gruppe
    • 16.9. Robert Bosch GmbH
    • 16.10. Bischof-Klein SE & Co. KG
    • 16.11. Indevco Plastics Longview, LLC
    • 16.12. BP Plastics Holding Bhd
    • 16.13. Thrace Polyfilms S.A
    • 16.14. Nordfolien GmbH
    • 16.15. Oerlemans Packaging BV
  • 17. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
  • 18. Research Methodology
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