Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| Market Volume (2024) | 8.25 Million tonnes |
| Market Volume (2029) | 9.41 Million tonnes |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 2.67 % |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Analysis
The Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market size in terms of production volume is expected to grow from 8.25 Million tonnes in 2024 to 9.41 Million tonnes by 2029, at a CAGR of 2.67% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
Europe's flexible plastic packaging market’s growth depends on critical factors, such as a growing emphasis on extending product shelf life, shifting from rigid to flexible packaging, and a rising demand for bioplastics. These trends mirror changing consumer preferences and highlight the industry's increasing focus on sustainability.
- Prioritizing shelf life highlights the industry's commitment to quality and preservation, while the move to flexible packaging emphasizes adaptability and ease. The uptick in flexible bioplastics usage aligns with broader sustainability initiatives, showcasing a clear preference for eco-friendly packaging.
- The flexible plastic packaging industry, which specializes in easily bendable or foldable materials, is witnessing a surge in demand, primarily driven by the need for lightweight and convenient packaging solutions. Manufacturers and converters are at the forefront, constantly innovating to meet these industries' evolving demands.
- The increasing preference for flexible plastic pouches and bags highlights the necessity for adaptable materials and cutting-edge printing techniques. With consumer preferences in flux, manufacturers increasingly emphasize sustainability in materials and processes to stay in tune with market shifts. This strategy is critical to ensuring Europe's packaging industry remains competitive and agile in the face of emerging market needs.
- Plastic has revolutionized the packaging industry, enhancing the shelf life of fresh food, facilitating critical health applications, and promoting lighter, safer shipping while reducing emissions. Its effectiveness as a packaging material stems from its flexibility, strength, lightness, stability, impermeability, and ease of sterilization. With technological advances fueling innovation, flexible plastic packaging increasingly adopts circular practices.
- The market also witnesses challenges concerning restrictions imposed on single-use plastic solutions. In July 2021, the European Union took a firm stance against plastic pollution. Single-use plastic products are prohibited from being sold in EU Member States. This ban extends to food and beverage products made from expanded polystyrene and all items made from oxo-degradable plastic. These single-use plastic products, designed for one-time or short-term use before disposal, are under strict scrutiny and might limit the market’s growth.
Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Trends
Flexible Plastic Packaging Offers Convenience and is Lightweight
- The increased demand for convenient packaging in the flexible plastic packaging market is driven by consumer preferences for practicality, portability, sustainability, and enhanced user experiences. As these trends evolve, the flexible packaging industry is expected to innovate further to meet the diverse needs of modern consumers and businesses.
- The growing metropolitan lifestyle of consumers in the region has driven the demand for convenient packaging. Consumers are looking for easy-to-use and lightweight packaging. Vendors are designing packaging solutions to remain competitive in the growing organized retail market with the changing demands of customers. Shifting to an alternative lighter material, such as flexible pouches, provides more significant energy-saving benefits.
- According to a study conducted by the UK Parliament, supermarkets stand as pivotal players in the country's retail scene. They serve as primary hubs for food and essential purchases, pushing innovation and, in some instances, even emerging as prominent international entities. However, their history in the retail realm has seen a notable shift. There were 314,040 retail businesses in the UK retail sector as of January 1, 2023, 5.7% of all companies. Like most other economic sectors, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up over 99% of retail businesses.
- The rise in supermarket and grocery store sales indicates a preference among consumers for convenient shopping experiences. As consumers increasingly rely on these retail outlets for purchases, there is a corresponding demand for packaging solutions that offer ease of use, portability, and storage convenience.
- Furthermore, according to Statistisches Bundesamt, the industry revenue from retail sales of food and beverages in Germany was USD 12.36 billion in 2019, and it is expected to reach USD 14.41 billion in 2024. Similarly, the retail sale of fruit and vegetables in specialized stores is expected to reach USD 4.4 billion in 2024. The rise in retail sales of beverages, food, and more in specialized stores is anticipated to leverage the flexible plastic packaging market in the region.
United Kingdom Expected to Witness Growth
- The food and beverage sector in the United Kingdom is one of the prominent markets in the country. Notably, there is a marked shift toward food and beverage packaging sustainability, from design and material selection to manufacturing and supply chain practices. UK manufacturers have significantly increased their investments in novel packaging solutions over recent years.
- In a notable move, Sunbites, a prominent snack brand under PepsiCo, unveiled a new packaging line in the United Kingdom in late 2023. This innovative packaging is crafted from recycled plastic and transformed into food-grade material through an advanced recycling process. This method, distinct from traditional mechanical recycling, ensures the resulting materials meet the stringent regulatory standards set by the European Union, especially for applications like food contact and medical devices.
- Recycling flexible plastics is particularly complex due to their unique properties, which can lead to entanglement and machinery blockages. The Flexible Plastic Fund (FPF) was initiated by teaming up with major UK manufacturers like Unilever, Mars UK, and Nestlé, among others. Its primary goal was to improve the recycling rates of flexible plastics, ensuring they find repeated use. It aimed to optimize the collection and recycling of flexible plastic packaging, with a three-year trial spanning nine waste collection authorities.
- According to the Office of National Statistics (UK), the manufacture of dairy products was expected to reach USD 11.44 billion in 2024 from USD 11.38 billion in 2019. Similarly, bakery and farinaceous manufacturing revenue is expected to reach USD 11.64 billion in 2024. An increase in income would drive the demand for plastic packaging in food products in the country.
- Moreover, according to the International Trade Administration (ITA), the United Kingdom has the third largest e-commerce market in the world after China. Consumer e-commerce accounts for 36.3% of the total retail market in the United Kingdom, and its revenue is projected to increase to USD 285.60 billion by 2025. Given the escalating prominence of social networking and the widespread adoption of mobile internet, firms are increasingly channeling their investments toward social media marketing as a pivotal avenue to bolster their e-commerce initiatives.
Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Industry Overview
The European flexible plastic packaging market is fragmented with domestic and global players, such as Amcor PLC, Constantia Flexibles, ALPA Group, Mondi PLC, Huhtamaki Oyj, etc. Players operating in the region are focused on expanding their business through mergers, collaborations, acquisitions, product innovations, and more.
- May 2024: Amcor PLC, a global company developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, expanded its packaging innovation hubs worldwide. The company has opened its Amcor Innovation Center Europe (AICE) in Ghent, Belgium. The AICE will pioneer new material technologies to make packaging more sustainable while focusing on designs that stand out in shops and increase ease of use for customers.
- October 2023: Amcor PLC, a leader in reliable packaging solutions, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with South Korea's prominent petrochemical firm, SK Geo Centric (SK). This agreement paves the way for Amcor to procure advanced recycled materials, focusing on the Asia-Pacific region, starting in 2025. By partnering with SK, Amcor aims to offer its food and healthcare clients innovative packaging solutions crafted from recycled materials.
Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Leaders
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Amcor Plc
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Constantia Flexibles
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Mondi Plc
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Huhtamaki Oyj
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ALPLA Group
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market News
- February 2024: Constantia Flexibles signed an agreement to acquire about 57% of the shares of the packaging producer Aluflexpack. The company is a player in the European packaging industry, specializing in foil and film packaging for the Consumer and Pharma markets. Operating out of 14 locations across Europe with over 1,500 employees, the company will completely complement Constantia Flexibles’ packaging solutions portfolio.
- October 2023: Constantia Flexibles participated in Milano Host 2023, a leading international hospitality event in Milan. The company showcased its mono-material film and aluminum packaging, emphasizing sustainability and functionality. The company's team was present to highlight the environmental advantages of its solutions, engage in tailored packaging conversations, and illustrate the competitive edge for more sustainable packaging offers in the market.
Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET INSIGHTS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Force Analysis
4.2.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.2.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers
4.2.3 Threat of New Entrants
4.2.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.2.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
4.3 Industry Value Chain Analysis
5. MARKET DYNAMICS
5.1 Market Drivers
5.1.1 Increasing Demand for Convenient and Lightweight Packaging
5.1.2 Changing Lifestyles and Demand for Longer Shelf-Life
5.2 Market Restraints
5.2.1 Environmental Concerns Regarding the Use of Plastic Packaging
6. MARKET SEGMENTATION
6.1 By Material Type
6.1.1 Polyethene (PE)
6.1.2 Bi-oriented Polypropylene (BOPP)
6.1.3 Cast Polypropylene (CPP)
6.1.4 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
6.1.5 Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH)
6.1.6 Other Material Types (Polycarbonate, PHA, PLA, Acrylic, and ABS)
6.2 By Product Type
6.2.1 Pouches
6.2.2 Bags
6.2.3 Films and Wraps
6.2.4 Other Product Types
6.3 By End-user Industry
6.3.1 Food
6.3.1.1 Frozen Food
6.3.1.2 Dry Food
6.3.1.3 Meat, Poultry, and Seafood
6.3.1.4 Candy and Confectionery
6.3.1.5 Pet Food
6.3.1.6 Dairy Products
6.3.1.7 Fresh Produce
6.3.1.8 Other Food Products (Seasonings & Spices, Spreadables, Sauces, Condiments, etc.)
6.3.2 Beverage
6.3.3 Personal Care and Household Care
6.3.4 Medical and Pharmaceutical
6.3.5 Other End user Industries ( Automotive, Chemical, Agriculture)
6.4 By Country
6.4.1 United Kingdom
6.4.2 Germany
6.4.3 France
6.4.4 Italy
6.4.5 Poland
6.4.6 Spain
6.4.7 Nordic
7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
7.1 Company Profiles*
7.1.1 Amcor PLC
7.1.2 Constantia Flexibles
7.1.3 ALPLA Group
7.1.4 Mondi PLC
7.1.5 Quadpack Industries SA
7.1.6 Tetra Pak International SA (Tetra Laval Group)
7.1.7 Huhtamaki Oyj
7.1.8 Uflex Limited
7.1.9 ALPLA Group
7.1.10 Sealed Air Corporation
7.1.11 Sonoco Products Company
8. Heat Map Analysis
9. Competitor Analysis - Emerging vs. Established Players
10. RECYCLING & SUSTAINABILITY LANDSCAPE
11. MARKET FUTURE OUTLOOK
Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Industry Segmentation
The study covers the flexible plastic packaging market in Europe (limited to flexible packaging products made from plastic). The market is tracked in terms of volume (tonnes).
Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Report is Segmented by Material (Polyethene [PE], Bi-Oriented Polypropylene [BOPP], Cast Polypropylene [CPP], Polyvinyl Chloride [PVC], Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol [EVOH], and Other Material Types [Polycarbonate, PHA, PLA, Acrylic, and ABS]), Product Type (Pouches, Bags, Films and Wraps, and Other Product Types), End-User Industry (Food [Frozen Food, Dry Food, Meat, Poultry, and Sea Food, Candy & Confectionery, Pet Food, Dairy Products, Fresh Produce and Other Food (Seasonings & Spices, Spreadables, Sauces, Condiments, etc.)], Beverage, Medical and Pharmaceutical, Personal Care and Household Care, and Other End User Industry [Automotive, Chemical, Agriculture ]), and Country (United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Spain, Nordic and Rest of Europe). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of volume (tonnes) for all the above segments.
| By Material Type | |
| Polyethene (PE) | |
| Bi-oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) | |
| Cast Polypropylene (CPP) | |
| Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | |
| Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) | |
| Other Material Types (Polycarbonate, PHA, PLA, Acrylic, and ABS) |
| By Product Type | |
| Pouches | |
| Bags | |
| Films and Wraps | |
| Other Product Types |
| By End-user Industry | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||
| Beverage | ||||||||||
| Personal Care and Household Care | ||||||||||
| Medical and Pharmaceutical | ||||||||||
| Other End user Industries ( Automotive, Chemical, Agriculture) |
| By Country | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Germany | |
| France | |
| Italy | |
| Poland | |
| Spain | |
| Nordic |
Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Research FAQs
How big is the Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market?
The Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market size is expected to reach 8.25 million tonnes in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 2.67% to reach 9.41 million tonnes by 2029.
What is the current Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market size?
In 2024, the Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market size is expected to reach 8.25 million tonnes.
Who are the key players in Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market?
Amcor Plc, Constantia Flexibles, Mondi Plc, Huhtamaki Oyj and ALPLA Group are the major companies operating in the Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market.
What years does this Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market size was estimated at 8.03 million tonnes. The report covers the Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Europe Flexible Plastic Packaging analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2024 to (2024to2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
