Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market Report is Segmented by Type (Polypropylene (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP), Cast Polypropylene (CPP)), Polyethylene (Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)), Polyethylene Terephthalate (Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate (BOPET)), Polystyrene, Bio-Based, and PVC, EVOH, PETG, and Other Film Types), by End-User Industry (Food [Candy and Confectionery, Frozen Foods, Fresh Produce, Dairy Products, Dry Foods, Meat, Poultry, Seafood, Pet Food, and Other Food Products (Seasonings and Spices, Spreadable, Sauces, Condiments, Etc. )], Healthcare, Personal Care and Home Care, Industrial Packaging, and Other End-User Industry Applications), by Country (Brazil, Mexico, Columbia, Rest of Latin America). The Market Sizes and Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Volume (tonnes) for all the Above Segments.

Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market Size

Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
Market Volume (2024) 2.15 Million tonnes
Market Volume (2029) 2.61 Million tonnes
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 3.91 %
Market Concentration Low

Major Players

Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Compare market size and growth of Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market with other markets in Packaging Industry

Advanced Packaging

Packaging Equipment

Contract Packaging

Overall Packaging

Packaging Customers

Packaging Forms

Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market Analysis

The Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market size is estimated at 2.15 Million tonnes in 2024, and is expected to reach 2.61 Million tonnes by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.91% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

  • Several factors drive the plastic packaging film market in Latin America, and the increasing demand for convenient and lightweight packaging solutions is a key driver, as consumers in the region seek easy packaging to handle, store, and transport. Plastic films offer these benefits, making them popular for various products. Rising consumer awareness of sustainability is another significant factor influencing the market. As environmental concerns grow, there is a shift towards more eco-friendly packaging options. This has led to the development of recyclable and biodegradable plastic films to meet consumer expectations.
  • Additionally, advancements in packaging technology for improved shelf life and product protection have contributed to market growth. Innovations in plastic film manufacturing have resulted in materials that better preserve food and other perishable items, reducing waste and extending product longevity. These factors collectively drive the expansion and evolution of Latin America's plastic packaging film market.
  • The versatility of plastic film packaging in accommodating various shapes and sizes, its cost-effectiveness, and ease of transportation further contribute to its growth. As industries prioritize eco-friendly solutions and consumers seek convenience and functionality, the flexible packaging market is poised to expand. Higher retail sales often lead to market expansion, with new products entering the market and existing ones reaching broader audiences. Plastic film is adaptable to different product categories, making it suitable for various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and more. Thus, expanding retail sales could drive growth in multiple segments of the plastic film packaging market.
  • Further, the versatility of plastic film packaging in accommodating various shapes and sizes, its cost-effectiveness, and ease of transportation contribute to its growth. As industries prioritize eco-friendly solutions and consumers seek convenience and functionality, the flexible packaging market is poised to expand. Higher retail sales often lead to market expansion, with new products entering the market and existing ones reaching broader audiences. Plastic film is adaptable to different product categories, making it suitable for various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and more. Thus, expanding retail sales could drive growth in multiple segments of the plastic film packaging market.
  • Government bans on single-use plastics and regulations on plastic packaging have limited the market for plastic packaging films. These restrictions have been implemented in various countries and regions to address environmental concerns and reduce plastic waste. As a result, manufacturers and businesses in the packaging industry have had to adapt their strategies and product offerings. However, these regulatory changes have also created new opportunities within the packaging sector. The demand for recyclable and sustainable packaging solutions has increased significantly as companies seek alternatives to traditional plastic packaging. This shift has led to innovations in materials and designs, focusing on eco-friendly options that meet regulatory requirements and consumer preferences. Consequently, while the market for conventional plastic packaging films may have faced challenges, the overall packaging industry has seen growth in sustainable alternatives, driving research and development in recyclable materials and environmentally conscious packaging solutions.
  • Consumers in the region are increasingly favoring packaging materials with environmentally friendly properties. Recyclable materials have seen high adoption rates due to their eco-friendly nature and recyclability. Governments regionally have responded to public concerns about packaging waste, particularly plastic, by introducing regulations to minimize environmental impact and improve waste management processes. In November 2023, Plastrela, a Brazil-based converter, developed a snack-size PET standup pouch for Adimax. This pouch is more easily recycled than conventional PET/PE SUP structures. The new design replaces the traditional multilayer PET substrate and polyethylene (PE) sealant with a mono-material PE packaging, which is easier to recycle.

Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market Trends

Polyethylene segment to Hold Significant Market Share

  • Polyethylene is primarily used for packaging applications such as plastic bags, films, and geomembranes. It is a lightweight, partially crystalline, thermoplastic resin with high chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, and sound-insulating properties. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is commonly used in manufacturing plastic bags. LDPE bags are soft and flexible and maintain these properties even at low temperatures. They are available in natural colors and are in demand due to their flexibility, transparency, high-impact strength, and weak barrier properties (except for water and alcohol vapor). While these bags have low-temperature resistance, they possess excellent electrical properties and chemical resistance. However, they are prone to environmental stress cracking.
  • LDPE is preferred for film packaging and electrical insulation due to its flexibility. It is commonly used in packaging films, trash and grocery bags, agricultural mulch, and wire and cable insulation. LDPE has a lower density than HDPE because of its reduced crystallinity, resulting in a softer and more flexible material. However, this slightly diminishes its barrier properties. LDPE's lower density and increased flexibility make it ideal for applications where malleability is crucial, such as in producing squeezable bottles or manufacturing thin, pliable films. Despite its reduced barrier capabilities compared to HDPE, LDPE offers sufficient protection for many products, making it a versatile choice in various packaging and insulation applications.
  • • Polyethylene is primarily used for packaging plastics. In 2023, the gross production value of Brazil's packaging sector reached an estimated USD 28.91 billion, of which nearly USD 9.59 billion corresponded to plastic packaging. This indicates a growing market for plastic film packaging in Brazil. The significant portion of plastic packaging within the overall packaging sector highlights the importance of polyethylene-based products in the Brazilian market. As consumer demand for packaged goods continues to rise, the plastic film packaging industry is likely to experience further growth. This trend is driven by urbanization, changing consumer lifestyles, and the need for convenient, lightweight packaging solutions across the industries of food and beverage, personal care, and household products.
  • LDPE is widely used in flexible packaging due to its good chemical and oil resistance and low cost. Unlike HDPE, LDPE has a hazy appearance but is clearer. It has a lower melting temperature, which can be a disadvantage when heat stability is required but is advantageous when low-temperature melting is needed. LLDPE, another common packaging film, is characterized by its low density and the presence of comonomers that create branch-like structures on the main chain, reducing crystallinity. This results in a hazy appearance and a malleable texture. Compared to LDPE, which has the same density and thickness, LLDPE exhibits superior impact strength, tensile strength, puncture resistance, and elongation.
Gross Production Value of Packaging, by material  in USD billion, Brazil, 2023

Frozen Food Segment Expected to Hold Significant Share in the Market

  • Frozen food categories often drive innovation in plastic film packaging design to meet specific requirements such as maintaining freshness, ease of use, and shelf appeal. Manufacturers invest in developing new types of plastic film packaging tailored to frozen food needs, stimulating growth in the plastic film packaging market. These innovations address the unique challenges posed by frozen foods, including protection against freezer burn, moisture control, and the ability to withstand temperature fluctuations during storage and transportation.
  • As consumers demand more convenient and high-quality frozen food options, packaging manufacturers continue to refine their plastic film solutions, incorporating features like resealable closures, easy-open designs, and improved barrier properties. This ongoing development enhances the functionality of frozen food packaging. It contributes to the overall expansion of the plastic film packaging market, as these advancements often find applications in other food and non-food sectors.
  • In 2023, Mexico's chicken meat production reached 3.89 million metric tons, a 3% increase from the previous year. This growth trend indicates rising chicken meat consumption and increased demand for plastic film in packaging meat products and frozen foods. The consistent increase in chicken meat production reflects changing consumer preferences and dietary habits in Mexico. Plastic film is crucial in preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of fresh and frozen chicken products. This correlation between chicken meat production and packaging needs highlights the interconnected nature of the food production and packaging industries, emphasizing the importance of efficient and effective packaging solutions in the meat sector.
  • According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Brazil's food industry has experienced consistent growth, with over 94,706 hypermarkets nationwide contributing to this expansion in physical and digital formats. The sector in Brazil is well-integrated, dynamic, and sophisticated, making it an attractive market for Western companies to make strategic investments. These investments often focus on increasing production capacity and innovating plastic film packaging products to meet the specific needs of the Brazilian market. Furthermore, Brazil's rapidly growing e-commerce sector is expected to increase demand for plastic film packaging solutions for food packages, such as pouches and films. This trend presents several potential market opportunities for flexible packaging, including innovation, sustainability, and increased competition.
Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market: Production Volume of Chicken Meat, in million metric tons, Mexico,  2020 - 2023

Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Industry Overview

The Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market is fragmented, with several global and regional players, such as Berry Global Inc., FLEX AMERICAS SA de CV, Innovia Films (CCL Industries Inc.), Taghleef Industries Group, and others, vying for attention in a contested market space. The market has been characterized by low product differentiation, growing levels of product penetration, and high levels of competition.

  • July 2024 - Innovia Films, a BOPP film manufacturer, introduced a new white 'ultra-low density' film designed for ice cream flow wrap packaging. The company reports that the films are minimally affected by climate conditions but should be stored below 104°F (40°C). Innovia states that the film can be maintained for up to 6 months without degradation under appropriate storage conditions.
  • October 2023 -Berry Global is consolidating its global range of high-performance polyethylene (PE) lamination films under the Entour film brand, integrating its broader portfolio. This initiative includes renaming the European 'FormiForLAM' product to Entour films. The consolidation simplifies the product lineup and ensures customers experience consistency when selecting from Berry's extensive range of lamination films. Entour films, part of Berry's B Circular product range, offer customers a single-source solution for various converter and food films that meet specific application requirements while supporting the transition to a circular economy. These lamination films are suitable for bags, stand-up pouches, and flow wraps in markets such as foods, wipes, and pet foods.

Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market Leaders

  1. Berry Global Inc. 

  2. FLEX AMERICAS S.A. de C.V.

  3. Innovia Films (CCL Industries Inc.)

  4. Taghleef Industries Group

  5. Poly Rafia, S.A. De C.V.

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market Concentration
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Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market News

  • November 2023 - Berry Global has introduced an enhanced version of its Omni Xtra polyethylene cling film for fresh food packaging. This new product, Omni Xtra+, offers a high-performance alternative to traditional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cling films. Building on the established Omni Xtra solution for packaging fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, deli items, and bakery products, Omni Xtra+ features improved elasticity, uniform stretching properties, and enhanced impact resistance.
  • September 2023 - Berry Global reinforces its commitment to incorporating recycled content in packaging by introducing food-grade linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) films containing at least 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic. This addition to Berry's extensive film portfolio provides brands with a solution to meet their sustainability goals of including PCR in food packaging. The PCR-LLDPE is available in Berry's flexible film product range and is suitable for most food applications, particularly in the bakery and frozen markets. End-use applications for the PCR-LLDPE films include stand-up pouches, premade bags, and roll stock for vertical form, fill, and seal (VFFS) and horizontal form, fill, and seal (HFFS) packaging processes.
  • August 2023 - Gerdau Graphene, a nanotechnology company specializing in advanced graphene-enhanced materials for industrial applications, has announced that Packseven, a leading Brazilian flexible film manufacturer, has introduced the world's first graphene-enhanced stretch film. As per a report from Terrance Barkan of the Graphene Council, this new ultra-thin film, developed using Gerdau Graphene's specialized graphene additive technology, significantly improves thinness and durability. Initial testing showed that the new films could pack 120% more material without breaking compared to conventional flexible films. The enhanced durability of these stretch films reduces material consumption per pallet and improves safety in packing and loading processes.

Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market Report - Table of Contents

  1. 1. INTRODUCTION

    1. 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition

    2. 1.2 Scope of the Study

  2. 2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

  3. 3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

  4. 4. MARKET INSIGHTS

    1. 4.1 Market Overview

    2. 4.2 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis

      1. 4.2.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      2. 4.2.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers

      3. 4.2.3 Threat of New Entrants

      4. 4.2.4 Threat of Substitute Products and Services

      5. 4.2.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

    3. 4.3 Industry Value Chain Analysis

  5. 5. MARKET DYNAMICS

    1. 5.1 Market Driver

      1. 5.1.1 Growing Demand for Lightweight Packaging Solution

      2. 5.1.2 Increasing Demand for Plastic Films Across Various Industries Indicates Growth Potential

    2. 5.2 Market Challenges

      1. 5.2.1 Stringent Government Laws and Regulation toward Plastic

    3. 5.3 Trade Scenario

      1. 5.3.1 EXIM Data

      2. 5.3.2 Trade Analysis (Top 5 Import-Export Countries, Price Analysis, and Key Ports, Among others)

    4. 5.4 Industry Regulation, Policy and Standards

  6. 6. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 6.1 By Type

      1. 6.1.1 Polypropylene[PP] (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene [BOPP],Cast polypropylene[ CPP])

      2. 6.1.2 Polyethylene (Low-Density Polyethylene [LDPE], Linear low-density polyethylene [LLDPE])

      3. 6.1.3 Polyethylene Terephthalate (Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate [BOPET])

      4. 6.1.4 Polystyrene

      5. 6.1.5 Bio-based

      6. 6.1.6 Polyvinyl Chloride, Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol, and Other Film Types

    2. 6.2 By End-User Industry

      1. 6.2.1 Food

        1. 6.2.1.1 Candy & Confectionery

        2. 6.2.1.2 Frozen Foods

        3. 6.2.1.3 Fresh Produce

        4. 6.2.1.4 Dairy Products

        5. 6.2.1.5 Dry Foods

        6. 6.2.1.6 Meat, Poultry, and Seafood

        7. 6.2.1.7 Pet Food

        8. 6.2.1.8 Other Food Products (Seasonings & Spices, Spreadables, Sauces, Condiments, etc.)

      2. 6.2.2 Healthcare

      3. 6.2.3 Personal Care & Home Care

      4. 6.2.4 Industrial Packaging

      5. 6.2.5 Other End-use Industry Applications (Agricultural, Chemical, Etc)

    3. 6.3 By Country

      1. 6.3.1 Brazil

      2. 6.3.2 Mexico

      3. 6.3.3 Columbia

  7. 7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

    1. 7.1 Company Profiles*

      1. 7.1.1 Berry Global Inc.

      2. 7.1.2 FLEX AMERICAS SA de CV

      3. 7.1.3 Innovia Films (CCL Industries Inc.)

      4. 7.1.4 Taghleef Industries Group

      5. 7.1.5 Poly Rafia SA De CV

      6. 7.1.6 Cosmo Films

      7. 7.1.7 Evertis de Mexico S

      8. 7.1.8 PLAMI SA DE CV

      9. 7.1.9 PYLA SA de CV

      10. 7.1.10 Oben Group

      11. 7.1.11 Lord Brasil

      12. 7.1.12 Nizza Plastic Company Ltd

      13. 7.1.13 PLASZOM ZOMER INDUSTRIA DE PLASTICOS LTDA

      14. 7.1.14 Bruckner Maschinenbau

      15. 7.1.15 Distripacking Colombia SAS

      16. 7.1.16 Plafilm SA

  8. 8. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS

  9. 9. FUTURE OF THE MARKET

**Subject to Availability
*** In the final report Rest of Latin America will be considered as a separate segment as country.
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Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Industry Segmentation

Plastic film packaging is a flexible solution made from different plastic materials, depending on the end-user requirements. The study tracks the demand for converted packaging films across the primary resin and end-user industry applications. The report analyzes the factors that impact geopolitical developments in the market studied based on the prevalent base scenarios, key themes, and end-user industries-related demand cycles. Analysis of the market is based on the market insights that were captured through secondary research and the primaries. Furthermore, the market covers the major factors impacting the plastic film packaging market’s growth in terms of drivers and restraints. The estimates exclude the weight and the cost of the content that is or is to be packed inside the plastic film packaging. The scope of the study is limited to B2B demand.

The Latin America plastic packaging films market is segmented by type (polypropylene (biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), cast polypropylene (CPP)), polyethylene (low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)), polyethylene terephthalate (biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET)), polystyrene, bio-based, PVC, EVOH, PETG, and other film types), by end-user industry (food [candy and confectionery, frozen foods, fresh produce, dairy products, dry foods, meat, poultry, and seafood, pet food, and other food products (seasonings and spices, spreadable, sauces, condiments, etc.)], healthcare, personal care and home care, industrial packaging, other end-user industry applications) by country (Brazil, Mexico, Columbia, Rest of Latin America). The report offers market forecasts and size in volume (tonnes) for all the above segments.

By Type
Polypropylene[PP] (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene [BOPP],Cast polypropylene[ CPP])
Polyethylene (Low-Density Polyethylene [LDPE], Linear low-density polyethylene [LLDPE])
Polyethylene Terephthalate (Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate [BOPET])
Polystyrene
Bio-based
Polyvinyl Chloride, Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol, and Other Film Types
By End-User Industry
Food
Candy & Confectionery
Frozen Foods
Fresh Produce
Dairy Products
Dry Foods
Meat, Poultry, and Seafood
Pet Food
Other Food Products (Seasonings & Spices, Spreadables, Sauces, Condiments, etc.)
Healthcare
Personal Care & Home Care
Industrial Packaging
Other End-use Industry Applications (Agricultural, Chemical, Etc)
By Country
Brazil
Mexico
Columbia
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Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market Research FAQs

The Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market size is expected to reach 2.15 million tonnes in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 3.91% to reach 2.61 million tonnes by 2029.

In 2024, the Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market size is expected to reach 2.15 million tonnes.

Berry Global Inc., FLEX AMERICAS S.A. de C.V., Innovia Films (CCL Industries Inc.), Taghleef Industries Group and Poly Rafia, S.A. De C.V. are the major companies operating in the Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market.

In 2023, the Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market size was estimated at 2.07 million tonnes. The report covers the Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.

Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Industry Report

Statistics for the 2024 Latin America Plastic Packaging Films market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Latin America Plastic Packaging Films analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2024 to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.

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Latin America Plastic Packaging Films Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2024 - 2029)