Flexible Packaging Machinery Market Size, By Machine Type, By Automation, By End Use, By Distribution Channel, Forecast 2025 - 2034

Flexible Packaging Machinery Market Size

The global flexible packaging machinery market was estimated at USD 8.2 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 8.5 billion in 2025 to USD 12.9 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 4.8%.
 

The growing demand for packaged and processed foods is associated with urbanization and an expanding middle class, especially within developing economies. The FAO claims that the consumption of processed foods has grown by almost 20% in the last decade alone. The shift in living standards increases the global demand for convenience foods with longer shelf lives. Pouches, bags, and sachets are Other flexible packaging options are pouches, bags, and sachets which are preferred because of their lightweight, ease of transport, and economic nature. This has led to the increase in high-speed, automated packaging machines to keep up with the growing production volumes. Furthermore, there is a growing demand from manufacturers for the inclusion of multiple formats and materials on a single device which further propels the growth of the market.
 

The emerging technologies IoT, AI, and Robotics have resulted in the exponential growth of the flexible packaging machinery market. As PMMI reports, automation in packaging machinery has increased by 15% a year and now IoT systems are used by 75% of manufacturers. Modern packaging equipment not only delivers high speeds, but also accuracy, dependability, and operational efficiency. Automation has lowered labor costs. Predictive maintenance and data analysis in real time alongside remote monitoring is now an industry benchmark. These innovations are interesting to manufacturers who intend to optimize production while ensuring consistent product quality, safety, and efficiency. On top of it, automation offers quick format changeover and adaptation to different product types and sizes. As industries undergo digital advancement, the need for sophisticated packaging systems will rise steadily.
 

Flexible Packaging Machinery Market Trends

• The flexible packaging machinery industry is experiencing an increase in the implementation of smart, IoT-driven systems. These systems allow for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and greater levels of automation which improves uptime, reduces waste, and optimizes performance. Syntegon, formerly Bosch Packaging, has industry 4.0 solutions aimed at manufacturers, enabling them to use operational data to make important decisions
   
• The shift towards sustainability has also been followed. There is an increasing need for machinery capable of handling biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable materials. Winders & Hoechshere Group (W&H) specialize in machinery that produces mono recyclable material packaging while supporting low emission production. This fulfills international eco-friendly requirements and expands the green marketing scope, while also meeting consumer demand for sustainable packaging.
   
• Companies are looking for equipment that can easily handle various formats, dimensions, and types of products with minimal time loss during setup. PMMI reports that 68% of packaging firms are upgrading to modular and multi-format systems to fulfill this need. As a result, there is a shift toward modular machines prioritized for rapid response to new packaging technologies. Mespack, one of the most pioneers in the packaging machinery industry. These machines can now flexibly and sequentially manufacture Stand Up Pouches, Spouted Pouches, and Sachets on the same platform, thereby propelling market growth exponentially.
   

Trump Administration Tariffs

• Packing manufacturers are facing increased operational costs due to the tariffs placed on core raw materials such as aluminum, steel, and plastic resins. The disruptions in supply chains have caused firms to search for new vendors only to find logistical bottlenecks, prompting the reconsideration of domestic production shifts which are expensive in resources, time, and infrastructure.
   
• Self-imposed tariffs have reduced the availability of sustainable materials, slowing the packaging industry's efforts to adopt eco-friendly practices. Higher green operating costs and strict regulations may lead companies to rethink their strategies, possibly delaying green investments and pushing back sustainability goals.
   

Flexible Packaging Machinery Market Analysis

• Due to their effectiveness and flexibility, form-fill-seal (FFS) machines are still the most popular type of packaging machinery. These machines form, fill and seal the product in one operation which saves time and reduces labor costs.
   
• In a study by FPA, the flexible Packaging Association, it was found that the manufacturers are achieving about 30% increase in operational efficiency because these steps are integrated. FFS machines are important in the food, pharmaceutical and personal care industry because of their versatility in dealing with different products and packaging materials. 

Based on automation, the flexible packaging machinery market is segmented into automatic, semi-automatic and manual. The automatic segment accounted for a market share of around 52.6% in 2024.
 

• The market is equipped with automatic flexible packaging machinery because of its ability to increase efficiency, decrease operational costs, and provide uniform output. Streamlining the packaging process through high-speed automated operations makes these systems ideal for mass production in the food, medical, and personal care industries.
   
• Adoption is furthered through advanced features such as real-time monitoring, precision control, integration with smart technologies and greater system accessibility alongside increased productivity.
   

Based on distribution channel type, the flexible packaging machinery market is segmented into direct and indirect. The direct segment accounted for a market share of around 62.9% in 2024.
 

• Manufacturers primarily use direct sales for flexible packaging machinery to maintain close customer relationships and provide tailored solutions. By bypassing middlemen, companies can deliver customized, relocatable machinery along with fast service and technical support, resulting in higher customer satisfaction.

In the U.S., the market for flexible packaging machinery is growing at a CAGR of 4.4% for the forecast period of 2025-2034.
 

• The U.S. dominates the global flexible packaging machinery market, commanding the industry's advanced manufacturing sectors due to strong food, beverage, and pharmaceutical demand. As PMMI outlines, the U.S. holds a considerable portion of exports in packaging machinery internationally. This is due to the ongoing innovation and R&D investments which sustain the country’s position as a global leader in packaging technologies.
   
• Germany is one of the major countries in the European region's market and is growing at a CAGR of 5.1% for the forecast period of 2025-2034. Germany is recognized for its precision engineering and superior production standards. The VDMA asserts that Germany has some of the world’s most advanced manufacturers of machinery, especially in the automation and digital technology sectors, and sells products to a wide market.
   
• In China, the market for flexible packaging machinery is growing at a CAGR of 5.9% for the forecast period of 2025-2034. China’s expanding consumer market paired with its rapid industrialization makes it a central region to flexible packaging machinery. The China Packaging Federation explains that low costs associated with the country’s extensive manufacturing base boost its ability to satisfy domestic and international market demand, increasing its position as a competitive force globally.
   

Flexible Packaging Machinery Market Share

The global flexible packaging machinery industry is moderately fragmented with the top 5 players, such as Syntegon, IMA, Coesia, Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H) and MULTIVAC holding a market share of 20%-25%.
 

• Syntegon targets sustainable intelligent approaches when it comes to packaging and modular and energy-saving machinery. The food and pharma industries are particularly demanding and its automation and digitalization strategies enhances productivity to these growing sectors. 
   
• IMA focuses on innovations strategies that are tailor made which positions them uniquely in the market. Custom-made, adaptable and top-grade machinery is offered to pharmaceuticals and food packaging as they aim for high-end clients.
   
• For Coesia, After-sales services that go along with most advanced technologies is what forms strong integrated solutions of flexible packaging automation. It focuses on capturing small niche markets through the acquisition of small companies aligned with their operational goals to widen their coverage on existing capital assets competences.
   
• Sustainability and digitization in packaging industry advancement drives W&H growth strategy of flexible packaging. Engineering and technology innovation excellence allows them to provide tools for printing, extrusion, converting and more.
   
• MULTIVAC offers fully packaged line solutions targeted in the food or medical sectors with emphasis on hygienic design and convenient systems. To keep up with changing requirements, it continuously conducts research on the expansion of automation systems.
   

Flexible Packaging Machinery Market Companies

Major players operating in the flexible packaging machinery industry are:

• Barry-Wehmiller Companies
• Coesia Group
• GEA Group
• Hayssen Flexible Systems
• IMA Group
• Ishida Co., Ltd.
• KHS GmbH
• Mespack
• MULTIVAC
• Optima Packaging Group
• PFM Packaging Machinery
• ProMach
• Syntegon
• TNA Solutions
• W&H (Windmoller & Holscher)
   

Companies within the flexible packaging machinery market are competing due to technological advancements, product tailoring, energy consumption, and operational velocity. Main distinguishing features are the integration of automation, the ability to furnish ecological packaging, effective after-sales service, and machinery versatility with regard to various products and packaging styles.
 

Flexible Packaging Machinery Industry News

• In August 2024, GEA launched a new food packaging machine that enhances efficiency and sustainability. The food industry captures the responsiveness offered by this technology in modular and ecological tuned solutions that minimizes material flow while operating with utmost efficiency.
   
• In December 2023, Multivac expanded into Asia-Pacific with its new production and sales plant in Ghiloth, India, MULTIVAC looks to meet the demand for flexible packaging solutions in emerging markets.
   
• In September 2023, Coesia purchased Molins which broadened their flexible packaging reach after acquiring the UK based packaging machinery and services company. Coesia’s portfolio is now further strengthened.
   
• In July 2023, IMA Group has spent July 2023 acquiring full stake in Mespic North America corporation and 70% of Mespic S.r.l., reinforcing their end-of-line packaging solutions and furthering the flexible packaging sectoIr.
   

This flexible packaging machinery market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Thousand units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, by Machine Type

• Form fill seal (FFS) machines
• Bagging machines
• Pouch packaging machines
• Cartoning machines
• Wrapping machines
• Labeling machines
• Others

Market, by Automation

• Semi-automatic
• Fully automatic
• Manual

Market, by End Use

• Food & beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Personal care & cosmetics
• Homecare products
• Industrial products
• Others

Market, by Distribution channel

• Direct
• Indirect

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada 
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico 
• MEA
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa