Flexible Paper Packaging Market – By Type, By Printing Technology, By End Use - Global Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Flexible Paper Packaging Market Size

The global flexible paper packaging market size was valued at USD 69.3 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at 4.5% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. The rising carbon emissions from the food industry have led to an increase in the shift towards flexible packaging in the food supply chain.
 

According to the Global Data Change Lab, the global greenhouse gas emissions directly from the food systems are in the range of 25 to 35%. With this impact on nature, there are implementation plans in the food packaging industry to reduce emissions by introducing flexible paper packaging solutions. To cater to the emissions issues companies are shifting towards a biodegradable and compostable packaging solution. The study from Metsa Board which conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in March 2025, highlighted that the shift from white-lined chipboard (WLC) to Metsä Board’s folding boxboard would help reduce the carbon footprint by over 60%.

 

With the growing focus on sustainable measures the flexible paper packaging market witnesses rising growth. The rise in e-commerce has further spurred demand for flexible packaging materials, as online retailers require lightweight and protective packaging. Companies are forming strategic partnerships to develop such environmentally friendly packaging of food items so that the impact on nature is less. For instance, in November 2024, Lactips and Walki Group made a strategic movement by entering into the Joint Development Agreement (JDA) and focusing on developing fully recyclable paper-based food packaging.
 

Flexible paper packaging is a type of packaging made from paper-based materials that are bendable and lightweight, designed to protect and display products while using fewer resources than rigid packaging. Flexible packaging is produced from paper, or any combination of that paper, and includes bags, pouches, liners, wraps, Rollstock, and other flexible products. Paper packaging has been gaining popularity among consumers due to its recyclable nature.
 

Flexible Paper Packaging Market Trends

• The growing consumer awareness about environmental issues and impacts of plastic packaging is creating an opportunity for the market in adopting paper packaging solutions for food items. The packaging makers are captivating on the change in dynamics and pushing for the introduction of new packages which are sustainable. For instance, in January 2023, Cascades launched eco-friendly packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables. The package is in the form of closed basket made up of recycled and recyclable corrugated cardboard.
   
• The growing preference for packaging solution which has less impact on the environment is one of the key trends for the rapid development of the flexible paper packaging market. The packaging manufacturers are making innovative food packaging solutions. For example, Companies like Nestlé and Unilever have introduced paper-based packaging for items like chocolates and ice creams, providing a green solution to plastic wraps. Likewise, PepsiCo's efforts in launching compostable and recyclable packaging for its entire line of products are pushing the market forward. Flexible paper packaging is also consistent with customers' demands for products with low environmental footprint, providing firms with a competitive advantage to win over customers' loyalty.
   

Flexible Paper Packaging Market Analysis

Based on type, the market is divided into pouches, roll stock shrink sleeves, wraps, and others.
 

• The pouches market was valued at 27.6 billion in the year 2024. The rising trends for utilizing pouches have led to the growth of the market. They are versatile, lightweight, and offer superior barrier protection for products, making them widely used in the food, beverage, and personal care industries. The rising demand for resalable and easy-to-use packaging solutions has increased the popularity of pouches, especially to improve convenience.
   
• The roll stock market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% in the forecast period. The ongoing attempts to reduce environmental impacts mark the rising demand for roll stock in many industries. ?Rollstock packaging is extensively utilized in the food industry for items like chips, cookies, and dried fruits. Its compatibility with high-speed packaging lines provides efficiency and cost-effectiveness, which makes it a convenient choice for manufacturers to optimize production processes.
   

Based on printing technology, the flexible paper packaging market is classified into rotogravure, flexography, digital printing, and others.
 

• The flexography market is anticipated to grow and reach a value of USD 47.3 billion by the year 2034. The expansion of this segment is primarily driven by using low-viscosity inks in flexography, allowing for rapid drying and faster printing, ultimately reducing production costs.
   
• The digital printing market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% in the forecast period. Digital printing is increasing because it can provide cost-effective, high-quality, and customizable packaging options with low setup time, suitable for short runs and rapid turnaround. Thus, driving the growth of the overall segment in the market.
   

Based on end users, the market is divided into food and beverage, retail and consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, personal care, and others.
 

• The food and beverage market in flexible paper packaging is expected to grow and reach a value of USD 34.2 billion by the year 2034. The food manufacturers are anticipating the current dynamics of the food industry, and they are progressively shifting towards flexible paper packaging. Flexible paper packaging helps prevent leakage and enhances product shelf life. The food industry is the largest consumer of flexible paper packaging due to its convenience and portability. Its key functions in food and beverage packaging include minimizing food waste and prolonging freshness.
   
• The retail and consumer in the flexible paper packaging market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% in the forecast period. Flexible packaging paper in the consumer goods and retail industry adds protection to products, sustainability, and brand promotion. Its lightweight character minimizes transportation expenses, while its recyclability fits rising consumer expectations for environmentally friendly packaging materials.
   

• In 2024, the U.S. flexible paper packaging market was valued at USD 15.4 billion. The country actively participates and focuses on reducing environmental pollution through plastics. The U.S. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies are designed to eliminate waste and improve recyclability in the packaging industry. This showcases the country’s trends towards sustainable and environmentally friendly options for food packaging.
   
• The UK flexible paper packaging market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% in the forecast period. The country has been focusing on sustainable measures in food packaging to reduce the impact on the environment. For instance, in September 2023, Mondi Group and Veetee launched paper-based packaging for dry rice in the UK market.
   
• China's flexible paper packaging market is expected to grow and reach a value of USD 8.3 billion by 2034. The demand for flexible paper packaging in the country is primarily fueled by rapid construction industry expansion and supported by rising public and private investments, economic growth, increasing population, and higher disposable incomes. The Chinese government's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 has resulted in a significant shift toward eco-friendly paper-based packaging solutions.
   
• India's flexible paper packaging market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% in the forecast period. is expected to fuel market growth further. In the personal care and cosmetics sectors, Asian brands are adopting flexible paper-based packaging to attract eco-conscious consumers. Companies are emphasizing innovation by investing in R&D to develop high-barrier paper materials as an alternative to plastic. The region’s shift towards sustainable packaging and supportive regulations is expected to drive further market growth.
   
• By 2034, South Korea's flexible paper packaging market is anticipated to grow and reach a value of USD 4.9% in the forecast period. South Korea puts its investments in research and development for developing eco-friendly paper-based packaging solutions. Leading brands like Alibaba and JD.com are rising in demand for flexible paper-based packaging to support sustainability goals and lower the carbon footprint of their logistics. Similarly, the food and beverage sector is shifting from plastic to paper alternatives, such as pouches and wraps, driven by consumer preferences and regulatory pressures. This trend is set to expand in South Korea, fueled by increased R&D and innovation.
   

Flexible Paper Packaging Market Share

The flexible paper packaging industry is highly fragmented owing to the players in the market leveraging the growing preferences of sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging options in the food industry.  The top 5 companies in the flexible paper packaging market are Amcor plc, International Paper Company, Mondi Group, WestRock Company, and Smurfit Kappa Group and they together constitute a market share of 32-35% in 2024. The companies are forming strategic partnerships and investing in R&D to develop recyclable packages for the food. The increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmentally friendly packaging options is driving the adoption of flexible paper packaging. Government regulations and industry initiatives aimed at reducing plastic usage are encouraging the shift towards flexible paper packaging alternatives. The companies in the flexible paper packaging ensure that the packaging meets the norms and standards set by the government.
 

Flexible Paper Packaging Market Companies

Top prominent companies operating in the flexible paper packaging industry include:

• Amcor Plc
• International Paper Company.
• Mondi Group
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• WestRock Company
   

Mondi Group is a prominent player, and its focus lies in the making of sustainable and innovative packaging solutions. Mondi’s EcoSolution attempts on replacing plastic with renewable source of packaging like paper packaging. For instance, In May 2022 - Mondi partnered with beck packautomaten to launch a strong, flexible paper-based packaging solution dedicated to the eCommerce industry.
 

International Paper Company provides corrugated packaging solutions for transport, consumer, retail, e-commerce, heavy-duty, and bulk packaging needs. Their product portfolio has options like octabins for safe bulk goods storage, kit packaging to save space during shipping and storage, and pallet boxes for transporting and displaying large volumes of goods. ?On January 31, 2025, International Paper completed its acquisition of DS Smith, forming a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. This strategic merger enhances the combined entity's geographic footprint, particularly in the North American and EMEA regions, and is projected to achieve synergies of at least USD 514 million.
 

Flexible Paper Packaging Industry News

• In June 2024, Saica and Mondelez came into collaboration for the launch of paper-based packaging for the confectionery, chocolate and biscuits which are designed to be recycled in the paper waste stream.
   
• On February 21, 2024, Mondi has expanded production of its innovative range of paper-based EcoWicketBags. EcoWicketBags are made from Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier Paper 95/5 - an exceptionally strong kraft paper which can be customised with specific barrier and protective properties to meet diverse product needs. They are available in a variety of sizes for different applications and provide protection from filling to transporting and storage, as well as being ideal for printing customer branding.
   
• In August 2023, Amcor launched AmFiber Performance Paper, a cutting-edge curbside-recyclable packaging solution from its AmFiber brand. This high-barrier laminated paper is designed to be widely recyclable across many paper trash streams and has earned the "widely recyclable" prequalification from How2Recycle. It provides greater barrier protection compared to historical coated papers, improved packer efficiency, and no PVdC, and thus represents a more sustainable option in flexible packaging.
   

The flexible paper packaging market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Pouches
• Roll stock
• Shrink sleeves
• Wraps
• Others

Market, By Printing Technology

• Flexography
• Rotogravure
• Digital printing
• Others

Market, By End Use

• Food and beverage
• Retail and consumer goods
• Pharmaceuticals and healthcare
• Personal care
• Others

provided for the following regions and countries:

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