The Future of Global Flexible Packaging to 2026

Table of Contents Key Facts and Figures

The global flexible packaging market is estimated at 31.5 million tonnes in 2021, with the market having increased from 26.9 million tonnes in 2016 – an annual average growth rate of 3.3%. The global market is forecast to grow by an annual average growth rate of 3.4% to 37.5 million tonnes in 2026.

Our exclusive content

Flexible packaging volume and value projections and the trends driving its growth
Evaluation of technology behind technical developments in the flexible packaging industry
Regional trends of the flexible packaging market and how regulatory changes are influencing the demand
Impact of COVID-19 on the flexible packaging industry

This report investigates into a number of factors that are expected to influence the flexible packaging market over the next five years including economic and demographic changes, sustainability and regulatory factors, technology advances, end-use trends, packaging substrate trends and regional trends. Some of the trends within these areas that will be examined include aging population, the war on single-use plastics, smart packaging and e-commerce.

What will you discover?

Qualitative and quantitative market forecasts by process technology, end-use and region
Expert analysis of market development factors and broad economic influences on the flexible packaging industry to identify key drivers of growth
Impact of sustainability regulatory developments
Market and supply chain issues and opportunities

What methodology is used?

This report is based on extensive primary and secondary research. Primary research consisted of targeted interviews with packaging material suppliers, converters and experts drawn from key markets. This was supported by secondary research in the form of extensive literature analysis of published data, official government statistics, domestic and international trade organisation data, company websites, industry reports, trade press articles, presentations, and attendance at trade events.

Who should buy this report?

Materials suppliers
Packaging converters
Brand owners and packaging buyers
Packaging and filling machinery manufacturers
Private and public-sector, industry consultants, investors and analysts

About the author

Georgy Cameron is a market analyst with Smithers and joined the team in December 2018. In her previous role, she specialised in providing clients with bespoke reports on industry trends and current and future market conditions. Since joining Smithers, Georgy has written and published market reports such as, The Future of Flexible Packaging to 2024, Active and Intelligent Packaging to 2025, The Future of Packaging to 2030, and has also carried out numerous other consulting projects.

Name The Future of Global Flexible Packaging to 2026

Date 5/1/2021

Price $6500.00

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Resources:

Executive Summary
Introduction and methodology
- Introduction
- Objectives
- Scope
- Material type
- Packaging type
- End-use
- Geographic region
- Definitions
- Data
- Methodology
Market Overview
- Introduction
- Key drivers and trends
  - Economic and demographic trends
  - COVID-19
  - Economic recession
  - Population growth
  - Aging population
  - Urbanisation
  - Single-person living
  - On-the-go consumption
  - Consumer shopping patterns
  - Healthy living trends
- Sustainability and regulatory trends
  - Minimising food waste
  - Single-use plastics
  - Food waste
Technology advancements
- Introduction
- Downgauging
- Format switching
- Barrier solutions
- Bioplastics
- Smart packaging
Substrate market and forecasts
- Introduction
- Flexible plastics
  - Bi-orientated Polypropylene (BOPP)
  - Cast Polypropylene (CPP)
  - Bi-orientated Polyamide (BOPA)
  - Bi-orientated Polyester Film (BOPET)
  - Polyethene (PE)
  - Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
  - Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH)
- Regenerated Cellulose Fibre (RCF)
- Aluminium Foil
- Paper
End-use market and forecasts
- Introduction
- Food
  - Fruit and vegetables
  - Meat, poultry and fish
  - Frozen food
  - Chilled food
  - Ready meals
  - Dried food
  - Savoury snacks
  - Confectionery
  - Baked goods
  - Cheese and dairy
  - Tea and coffee
  - Other food
- Beverages
- Pet food
- Cosmetics and toiletries
- Pharmaceuticals and medical
- Tobacco
- Other non-food
Geographical markets and forecasts
- Introduction
- Western Europe
  - France
  - Germany
  - Italy
  - Spain
  - UK
  - Other Western Europe
- Eastern Europe
  - Russia
  - Poland
  - Other Eastern Europe
- North America
  - US
  - Other North America
- South and Central America
  - Brazil
  - Other South and Central America
- Asia-Pacific
  - Japan
  - China
  - India
  - Other Asia-Pacific
- Middle East and Africa
  - Turkey
  - Other Middle East and Africa

List of Figures

Figure 0.1 - Global Consumer/Industry Breakdown
Figure 0.2 - Global Consumer Packaging Consumption (%)
Figure 0.3 Global forecast of consumer flexible packaging consumption by region, 2016-2026 ('000 tonnes)
Figure 0.3 Global forecast of consumer flexible packaging consumption by substrate, 2016-2026 ('000 tonnes)
Figure 0.3 Global forecast of consumer flexible packaging consumption by end-use, 2016-2026 ('000 tonnes)
Figure 2.1 Percentage of global population over 60
Figure 2.2 Global Urbanisation Percentage

List of Tables

Table 0.1 Transition table of economic and demographic changes, 2021 - 2026
Table 0.2 Transition table of technology advances, 2021 - 2026
Table 0.3 Transition table of brand and retailer changes, 2021 – 2026
Table 0.4 - Global Forecast of Flexible Packaging Consumption by Material Type, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 1.1 Definitions
Table 2.1 Key Drivers and Trends
Table 2.2 Global population by region (million) 2015-2025
Table 4.1 Global: Forecast Flexible Packaging Consumption by sector and by material, 2016-2026 ($ million, current prices to 2019, constant 2019 prices & exchange rates for 2021 & 2026)
Table 4.2 - Global: Forecast Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 4.3 - Global: Forecast Share of Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (%)
Table 4.4 - BOPP: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 4.5 - CPP: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 4.6 - BOPA: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 4.7 - BOPET: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 4.8 - PE: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 4.9 - PVC: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 4.10 - EVOH: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 4.11 - RCF: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 4.12 - Paper: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.1 - Global: Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-Use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.2 - Food: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.3 - Fruit & Vegetables: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.4 - Meat, Fish & Poultry: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.5 - Frozen Food: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.6 - Chilled Food: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.7 - Ready Meals: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.8 - Dried Food: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.9 - Savoury Snacks: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.10 - Confectionary: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.11 - Baked Goods: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.12 - Cheese & Dairy: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.13 - Tea & Coffee: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.14 - Other Food: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.15 - Beverages: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.16 - Pet Food: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.17 - Cosmetics & Toiletries: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.18 - Pharmaceuticals & Medical: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.19 - Tobacco: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 5.20 - Other Non-Food: Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.1 -Global Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.2 - Global Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Region, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.3 - Western Europe Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Region, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.4 - Western Europe Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Region, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.5 - Western Europe Flexible Packaging Total Sales by sector and material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.6 - Western Europe Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.7 - Western Europe Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-Use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.8 - France Flexible Packaging Total Sales by sector and material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.9 - France Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.10 - France Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.11 - Germany Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.12 - Germany Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.13 - Germany Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.14 - Italy Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.15 - Italy Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.16 - Italy Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.17 - Spain Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.18 - Spain Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.19 - Spain Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.20 - UK Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.21 - UK Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.22 - UK Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.23 - Other Western Europe Total Flexible Packaging Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.24 - Other Western Europe Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.25 - Other Western Europe Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.26 - Eastern Europe Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by National Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.27 – Eastern Europe Flexible Packaging Total Sales by National Market, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.28 - Eastern Europe Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.29 -Eastern Europe Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.30 - Eastern Europe Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-Use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.31 - Russia Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.32 - Russia Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.33 - Russia Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-Use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.34 - Poland Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.35 - Poland Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.36 - Poland Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.37 - Other Eastern Europe Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.38 - Other Eastern Europe Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.39 - Other Eastern Europe Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.40 - North America Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by National Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.41 - North America Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.42 - North America Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.43 - North America Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.44 - North America Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-Use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.45 - US Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.46 - US Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.47 - US Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-use Market, 2016-2026 ('000 tonnes)
Table 6.48 - Other North America Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.49 - Other North America Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.50 - Other North America Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.51 - South and Central America Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by National Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.52 - South and Central America Flexible Packaging Total Sales by National Market, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.53 - South and Central America Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.54 - South and Central America Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.55 - South and Central America Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-Use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.56 - Brazil Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.57 - Brazil Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.58 - Brazil Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.59 - Other South and Central America Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.60 - Other South and Central America Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.61 - Other South and Central America Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.62 – Asia-Pacific Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by National Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.63 - Asia-Pacific Flexible Packaging Total Sales by National Market, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.64 - Asia-Pacific Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.65 - Asia-Pacific Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.66 - Asia-Pacific Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-Use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.67 - Japan Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.68 - Japan Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.69 - Japan Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.70 - China Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.71 - China Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.72 - China Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.73 - India Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.74 - India Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.75 - India Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.76 - Other Asia-Pacific Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.77 - Other Asia-Pacific Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.78 - Other Asia-Pacific Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.79 - Middle East and Africa Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by National Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.80 - Middle East and Africa Flexible Packaging Total Sales by National Market, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.81 - Middle East and Africa Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.82 - Middle East and Africa Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.83 - Middle East and Africa Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-Use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.84 - Turkey Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.85 - Turkey Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.86 - Turkey Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.87 - Other Middle East and Africa Flexible Packaging Total Sales by Sector and Material, 2016-2026 ($ million)
Table 6.88 - Other Middle East and Africa Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by Substrate, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)
Table 6.89 - Other Middle East and Africa Consumer Flexible Packaging Consumption by End-use Market, 2016-2026 (‘000 tonnes)