Comparing 11 vendors in Flexible Plastic Packaging Market across 74 criteria.
ContendersMarket Leaders 
Emerging CompaniesInnovators 
Amcor
CCL
Constantia Flexibles
Coveris
Sealed Air
TC Transcontinental
Berry Global
Mondi
Sonoco
Huhtamaki
Printpack
Access Research To
- Expand Total Addressable Market
- Formulate Go To Market Plans
- Build Competitive Right to Win
- Identify Top Customers to Grow
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POWERED BY MARKETSANDMARKETS
Apr 20, 2024
The Flexible Plastic Packaging Companies Quadrant is a comprehensive industry analysis that provides valuable insights into the global market for Flexible Plastic Packaging. This quadrant offers a detailed evaluation of key market players, technological advancements, product innovations, and emerging trends shaping the industry. MarketsandMarkets 360 Quadrants evaluated over 60 companies of which the Top 11 Flexible Plastic Packaging Companies were categorized and recognized as the quadrant leaders.
According to the Flexible Packaging Association, flexible packaging is any package or any part Of a package whose shape can be readily changed. Common examples of flexible packaging include bags, pouches, shrink films, tubes, sleeves, and carded packaging. Flexible packaging is a means Of packaging products through non-rigid materials, which provides more economical and customizable options.
The flexible plastic packaging market refers to the industry that produces and supplies packaging materials made from various types Of plastic that can easily bend, twist or stretch. Flexible plastic packaging material refers to a type Of packaging material that is made from thin, pliable plastic films or sheets. These films can be easily shaped and molded into various forms, such as pouches, bags, wrappers, or liners, to suit the specific packaging needs of different products. Flexible plastic packaging is highly versatile, lightweight, and durable. It often provides excellent barrier properties against moisture, oxygen, light, and other external factors that can affect the quality and shelf life of the packaged contents. It is commonly used in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, and other industries, where it helps to protect and preserve products, reduce waste, and enhance convenience and portability for consumers.
The 360 Quadrant efficiently maps the packaging based on criteria such as revenue, geographic presence, growth strategies, investments, channels of demand, and sales strategies for the market presence of the Flexible Plastic Packaging quadrant. While the top criteria for product footprint evaluation included Product Type, Sustainable Initiatives, Product Features and Functionality, Product Applications, Product Industry Verticals, Packaging Type (Pouches, Bags, Roll Stock, Films & Wraps, Others), Printing Technologies (Flexography, Rotogravure, Digital Printing, Others), and Material (Paper, Plastic, Metal).
Key trends highlighted in 360 Quadrants:
- The global flexible plastic packaging market was valued at USD 182.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 264.9 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2022 to 2030. The flexible plastic packaging market is poised for substantial expansion in the coming years, driven by a surge in the need for packaged food and beverages, the flourishing e-commerce sector, and continuous advancements in packaging technology. The market is also propelled by a rising demand for packaging solutions that are lightweight, convenient, and cost-effective across various industries such as pharmaceuticals, personal care, and food & beverages.
- Another prominent factors that is driving the growth of flexible plastic packaging companies is the rising trend of online ordering for daily essentials and fresh food, further fueling the demand for flexible plastic packaging. Key factors contributing to the growth of this market include the optimization of packaging material usage, cost-effectiveness, extended shelf life, heightened demand from diverse end-use sectors, and the ongoing upswing in e-commerce sales.
- Based on the application, the personal care & cosmetic segment is projected to be the fastest growing segment at a CAGR of 5.75% over the forecast period. The increasing consumer spending, the launch of new brands in the field, growing e-commerce, availability of affordable products, are some of the major reasons for the expected growth of this segment. The market was followed by the pharmaceuticals & healthcare segment.
- The key flexible plastic packaging companies have been focusing on broadening their product portfolio. For instance, in September 2022, Amcor PLC revealed a strategic venture with ePac Flexible Packaging, a prominent provider of top-tier flexible packaging materials. This collaboration is set to augment Amcor PLC's stake in ePac Holdings LLC. Furthermore, in May 2022, Amcor PLC diversified its product range by introducing High Shield laminates into its pharmaceutical packaging portfolio. These laminates deliver elevated barrier properties and performance, meeting the stringent requirements of pharmaceutical companies.
- Based on printing technology, the flexography segment accounted for the highest share of the market, followed by rotogravure. Digital printing is also observed to be the one of the most rapidly growing printing technologies, enabling companies to create highly customized and flexible designs, thereby making it a fast growing segment.
- The ability of flexible plastic packaging to reduce the amount of packaging waste without compromising the safety and hygiene of food products has led to a rise in demand for it. In 2022, the food segment accounted for 53%, the largest share of the flexible plastic packaging market.
- The high demand for the plastic segment is attributed to its excellent barrier protection, lightweight nature, flexibility in design, and cost-effectiveness. Due to these properties, this segment held the largest share (78%) in 2022. Additionally, the use of bioplastics is gaining popularity in the developed markets of North America and Europe. Flexible plastic packaging companies have started adopting this trend and have started incorporating new products aligned to it.
- In terms of regional analysis, the Asia Pacific region dominated the market in 2022, accounting for nearly a share of 40% in terms of value. This growth is majorly attributed to the higher consumer spending and manufacturing of packaging materials in developing economies. The North American market is also expected to witness a growth driven by the technological advancements in the food, beverage, and healthcare industries.
- Notable flexible plastic packaging companies like Amcor (Switzerland), Berry Global (USA), Mondi PLC (UK), Constantia Flexibles Group (Austria), and Sealed Air (USA) are the top players in the flexible plastic packaging market. However, due to high fragmentation, these top five players account only for 12% of the overall flexible plastic packaging market.
- The global market for flexible plastic packaging is highly competitive and flexible plastic packaging companies are focused on market consolidation by adopting organic and inorganic growth strategies such as partnerships and launches. For instance, in February 2023, Sealed Air acquired flexible packaging firm Liquibox for USD 1.15 billion. The deal was aimed to expedite the growth of SEE’s CRYOVAC fluid and liquid packaging brand.
- Another notable activities by these flexible plastic packaging companies includes examples such as - In January 2023, Amcor completed the acquisition of MDK, a Chinese firm specializing in medical device packaging. This strategic move is poised to enhance Amcor's position as a leader in the Asia Pacific medical packaging sector, with a particular focus on catering to the markets in China, India, and Southeast Asia. Additionally, in December 2022, Amcor Limited entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Licella Holdings, signaling their joint investment in advanced plastic recycling facilities in Australia. This collaboration underscores Amcor and Licella's shared commitment to fostering a local circular economy for soft plastics in Australia and aligns with Amcor's overarching goal of achieving 30% recycled content across all its products by 2030.
The Full List
The Full List
| Company | Headquarters | Year Founded | Holding Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amcor | Southbank, Australia | 1896 | Public |
| Berry Global | Evansville, USA | 1967 | Public |
| CCL | Toronto, Canada | 1951 | Private |
| Constantia Flexibles | Vienna, Austria | 2004 | Private |
| Coveris | Vienna, Austria | 2013 | Private |
| Huhtamaki | Espoo, Finland | 1920 | Public |
| Mondi | Weybridge, UK | 1967 | Public |
| Printpack | Atlanta, USA | 1956 | Private |
| Sealed Air | Charlotte, USA | 1960 | Public |
| Sonoco | Hartsville, USA | 1899 | Public |
| TC Transcontinental | Montreal, Canada | 1976 | Public |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Flexible plastic packaging is a type of packaging made from thin, flexible materials that can be shaped and molded to fit the product being packaged. This packaging is used to package a wide range of products, including food and beverages, as well as household and personal care items.
Because it is lightweight, durable, and cost-effective, flexible plastic packaging is preferred over other types of packaging. It also has excellent barrier properties, keeping the moisture, air, and other environmental factors at bay. However, flexible plastic packaging has been linked to environmental issues such as pollution and waste, and efforts are being made to develop more sustainable alternatives.
There are several advantages to using flexible plastic packaging over other types of packaging. For starters, it is lightweight and space-efficient, lowering shipping costs and allowing for more products to be shipped in a single shipment. Second, it is strong and shatterproof, making it ideal for packaging products that need to be protected during transportation. Third, it is adaptable and can be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes, making it appropriate for packaging a wide range of products. Fourth, it is less expensive than other types of packaging such as glass or metal. Finally, it has barrier properties that keep the product fresh and of high quality for a longer period of time by protecting it from moisture, air, and other environmental factors.
Flexible plastic packaging can be classified based on various factors such as the material used, the application, and the form. Here are some common classification categories:
a. Material: Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and other plastics can be used to make flexible plastic packaging. Each material has unique properties and is best suited for specific applications.
b. Application: Flexible plastic packaging is classified according to the application or product it is intended to package. Food packaging, beverage packaging, medical packaging, and other applications are examples.
c. Form: Flexible plastic packaging can be classified based on its form or shape, such as bags, pouches, wraps, films, and more.
d. Functionality: Flexible plastic packaging can also be classified based on its functionality, such as barrier properties, moisture resistance, heat sealability, and more.
Because of its numerous advantages, flexible plastic packaging is used in a wide range of industries. Flexible plastic packaging is most commonly used in the food and beverage industry, with products such as chips, candy, fresh produce, and beverages commonly packaged in flexible materials.
Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care products, pet food, and household products are among the other industries that use flexible plastic packaging. Flexible packaging is used in these industries because it provides excellent protection and preservation, as well as being cost-effective and lightweight.
Furthermore, it has numerous advantages over other packaging materials such as glass and metal, such as being easier to transport, store, and dispose of. As the importance of sustainability grows, more industries are looking for ways to incorporate eco-friendly materials into their flexible plastic packaging.
a. Flexibility: The ability of flexible plastics to bend and flex without breaking is their primary property, which makes them suitable for packaging applications that require a certain degree of flexibility.
b. Lightweight: Flexible plastics are easier to transport and have lower shipping costs because they are lightweight.
c. Transparency: Many flexible plastics are transparent, which allows consumers to see the product inside the packaging.
d. Barrier Properties: Flexible plastics can be designed to provide a barrier to moisture, air, and other environmental factors, which helps to preserve the quality and freshness of the product.
e. Printability: Flexible plastics can be printed on, which allows for branding and marketing messages to be communicated to the consumer.
f. Versatility: Flexible plastics can be molded into different shapes and sizes, making them versatile and suitable for packaging a wide range of products.
g. Durability: Flexible plastics are durable and can withstand the stresses of transportation and handling without breaking or tearing.
A flexible plastic is composed of a number of materials, the most common of which is polyethylene (PE). PE is a thermoplastic polymer that is lightweight, durable, and easily moldable into a variety of shapes. Polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyester (PET), and nylon are some of the other materials commonly used to make flexible plastic (PA). These materials can be combined in various ways to produce a variety of properties, including flexibility, transparency, barrier properties, and printability, making them suitable for a variety of packaging applications. Because of its versatility, durability, and affordability, flexible plastic is a popular choice for packaging.
A flexible plastic is composed of a number of materials, the most common of which is polyethylene (PE). PE is a thermoplastic polymer that is lightweight, durable, and easily moldable into a variety of shapes. Polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyester (PET), and nylon are some of the other materials commonly used to make flexible plastic (PA). These materials can be combined in various ways to produce a variety of properties, including flexibility, transparency, barrier properties, and printability, making them suitable for a variety of packaging applications. Because of its versatility, durability, and affordability, flexible plastic is a popular choice for packaging.
Because of their complex composition and the difficulties in separating different layers of materials that are frequently used to make them, flexible plastics are difficult to recycle. Flexible plastics are typically made from a blend of polymers with varying melting points and chemical properties, such as LDPE, PP, PET, and nylon.
Furthermore, flexible plastics may contain additives such as colorants, stabilizers, and plasticizers, which can complicate the recycling process. Flexible plastics are difficult to sort and handle due to their thin and lightweight nature, which can reduce their recycling efficiency. As a result, many municipal recycling programs do not accept flexible plastics, and many end up in landfills or incinerators, causing environmental problems.
Polyethylene (PE) is a versatile and widely used plastic that is known for its flexibility and toughness. PE is a thermoplastic polymer derived from ethylene monomer that comes in a variety of forms, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).
LDPE is the most flexible and has the greatest elongation at break of any of the three types of PE, making it suitable for a wide range of applications requiring high flexibility and elongation, such as flexible packaging, plastic bags, and shrink wrap. HDPE and LLDPE are also flexible, but they are stiffer than LDPE and are typically used for applications requiring greater strength and durability.
Flexible plastic packaging can be environmentally friendly, but it is dependent on a number of factors, including the type of plastic used, its thickness, disposal methods, and the environmental impact of its manufacture.
Some flexible plastic packaging, such as that made from bio-based or recycled plastics, may have a lower environmental impact than traditional plastics made from nonrenewable resources. Furthermore, the use of lightweight and thin films can reduce the amount of plastic required while also lowering transportation emissions.
However, flexible plastic packaging can still pose environmental challenges, particularly in terms of end-of-life disposal. If not properly disposed of, it can contribute to pollution, littering, and wildlife harm. As a result, it is critical to responsibly recycle or dispose of plastic packaging and to choose packaging made from sustainable materials whenever possible.
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