Converted Flexible Packaging

Growth in the US converted flexible packaging market will total 3.3 percent annually in value terms through 2019.  Advances will be supported by inherent cost and performance advantages of lightweight bags and pouches, which will drive further conversions from rigid to flexible formats.  

Pouches to remain fastest growing format

Above average increases for pouches will reflect continued expansion into new food and nonfood applications and greater use of value-added features, such as spouts, fitments, and carrying handles.  

Plastic film dominates material use

Plastic film is by far the leading material for converted flexible packaging.  While polyethylene and polypropylene are the most commonly used films, faster growth is expected for higher performing films such as polyester and nylon.  

Pharmaceutical and medical products to fuel nonfood market opportunities

In pharmaceutical and medical uses, above average gains will be fueled by a steadily aging population, the significance of unit-of-use packaging, and improvements in barrier and ease-of-use properties.  

Scope of the Report

This report covers the scope, size, and growth of the US converted flexible packaging market, including key trends in raw material use and product and market segmentation.  Historical data are presented for 2004, 2009, and 2014 with forecasts for 2019 and 2024.  Data for products are presented in dollars and data for primary materials are presented in pounds, with data for markets presented in both dollars and pounds.

Material types covered in the report include:

• Plastic Film

• Paper

• Aluminum Foil

Products covered include:

• Bags

• Pouches

• Wraps

Food markets analyzed in the study include:

• Meat & Related Products

• Baked Goods

• Snack Food

• Produce

• Candy & Confections

• Pet Food

• Frozen Food

• Dairy Products

• Beverages

• Grain Mill Products

Nonfood markets discussed in the study include:

• Pharmaceuticals

• Medical Products

• Agricultural & Horticultural

• Chemicals

• Paper & Textile

• Rack & Counter

Participants in this market range from small, private companies, many of them working regionally or specializing in select product markets, to diversified, multinational packaging firms, some of them based outside the US.  Leading suppliers include Amcor, Bemis, Berry Plastics, Coveris, Hood, Mondi, Printpack, ProAmpac, Sealed Air, Sonoco Products, and Winpak.