The market for packaging films is estimated to generate a market size of USD 162.1 million in 2025 and would increase to USD 242.3 million by 2035. It is expected to increase its sales at a CAGR of 4.1% over the forecast period 2025 to 2035. Revenue generated from packaging films in 2024 was USD 155.7 million.
In the food category, meat, seafood, and poultry require the highest volume of packaging films due to their perishable nature. These products need high-barrier films that provide extended shelf life, protection against bacteria, and resistance to oxygen and moisture. Vacuum-sealed and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) films are widely used in frozen and fresh meat packaging to maintain product freshness and safety. With the increasing global demand for protein-rich diets, the need for reliable and high-performance packaging films in this segment continues to grow.
Packaging Films Industry Forecast
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 162.1 Million |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 242.3 Million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.1% |
Non-alcoholic beverages, including juices, soft drinks, and bottled water, drive the highest demand for packaging films. These films are used in labels, wraps, and flexible pouches, ensuring brand visibility and product durability. With the shift toward lightweight and sustainable packaging, manufacturers are increasingly adopting biodegradable and recyclable films.
Moreover, innovations like stand-up pouches and easy-pour spouts are gaining popularity, making film-based packaging more convenient and consumer-friendly. The rise in on-the-go beverage consumption further fuels the demand for high-quality protective films in this segment.
The packaging films market will expand with lucrative opportunities during the forecast period, as it is estimated to provide an incremental opportunity of USD 86.6 million and will increase 1.6 times the current value by 2035.
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The below table presents the expected CAGR for the global packaging films market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 3.9% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 4.3% (2024 to 2034) |
| H1 | 3.1% (2025 to 2035) |
| H2 | 5.1% (2025 to 2035) |
In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2024 to 2034, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 3.9%, followed by a slightly higher growth rate of 4.3% in the second half (H2) of the same decade. Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2025 to H2 2035, the CAGR is projected to decrease slightly to 3.1% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 5.1% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed a decrease of 80 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed an increase of 80 BPS.
Flexible Packaging is in Demand from Food & Beverage Industry
Food and beverage sectors consume massive quantities of packaging films, normally for barrier, shelf life extension, and lightweight packing uses. Consumption of food is progressively moving towards being activated on-the-go with ready-to-eat food and pre-packaged snacks. With growing demand, there is a trend towards the utilization of sustainable and flexible packaging films.
Flexible films can be polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and biodegradable plastics, among others, one of whose functions is to maintain freshness in food by keeping out moisture, oxygen, and light. At the same time, increasing popularity in e-commerce grocery services has generated a demand for tamper-proof as well as durable packaging films to ensure the safety of the food being shipped. Finally, businesses are making huge efforts to develop green innovations such as recyclable and compostable packing films.
Growing Acceptance of Biodegradable and Environmentally Friendly Packaging Films
The transition to green packaging has been responsible for the consistent increase in the consumption of recyclable and biodegradable packaging films. Governments pass into legislation stringent regulations on the manufacture and use of single-use plastic, forcing plastic manufacturers to look for environmentally friendly film alternatives.
Such films include films produced from PLA (polylactic acid) and PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) and the majority of cellulosic films that biodegrade naturally without polluting the environment. Apart from this, the big companies are also investing in circular economy options in plastic film recycling and reuse to reduce the environmental footprint.
Increasingly, consumers are opting for brands with green packaging solutions; thus, the majority of big companies are investing in biodegradable and recyclable plastic film packaging. Thus, the demand for these packaging green films is constantly increasing in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods.
Exorbitant Price of Superior and Eco-friendly Packaging Films
Green and performance packing films have a clear advantage but are costly than conventional plastic film. Production of biodegradable, compostable, and multi-layer films calls for advanced technology, special raw materials, and strict adherence to regulations, leading to production costs.
Small- and medium-scale enterprises would be unable to execute green packaging technologies due to cost. In most areas, recycling and processing facilities for biodegradable films are in the infancy stage, causing challenges in creating economically viable mass production. Until the time that technological progress and economy of scale achieve a downward influence on cost, the premium cost will remain a main barrier towards having broad acceptance.
| Key Investment Area | Why It’s Critical for Future Growth |
|---|---|
| Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Materials | Investment in biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable films will curb plastic waste and adhere to international environmental regulations. |
| Barrier Protection & Shelf Life Extension | Increased moisture, oxygen, and UV resistance will enhance food, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods packaging by increasing product freshness. |
| Customization & Industry-Specific Solutions | Creating multi-layer, heat-sealable, and high-strength films will serve various industries such as food, healthcare, and industrial packaging. |
| Lightweight & Cost-Effective Production | Streamlining material composition to create lightweight but resilient films will reduce manufacturing and shipping costs without compromising product protection. |
| Smart & High-Performance Packaging | Intelligent packaging options such as QR codes, RFID monitoring, and antimicrobial coverings will facilitate higher consumer involvement and product protection. |
The global packaging films market achieved a CAGR of 3.2% in the historical period of 2020 to 2024. Overall, the packaging films market performed well since it grew positively and reached USD 155.7 million in 2024 from USD 136.1 million in 2020.
The packaging films market experienced steady growth from 2020 to 2024, driven by increasing demand for flexible, lightweight, and durable packaging solutions across industries such as food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and industrial goods.
The shift toward convenience packaging, coupled with advancements in high-barrier films that enhance product shelf life, contributed to market expansion. Additionally, rising e-commerce activities and the need for tamper-proof and protective packaging further fueled demand for packaging films.
| Market Aspect | 2020 to 2024 (Past Trends) |
|---|---|
| Material Trends | Controlled by polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), PET, and PVC films for flexible packaging. |
| Regulatory Environment | Adherence to FDA, EU, and local food safety and packaging waste management regulations. |
| Consumer Demand | Strong demand from food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors for light and strong films. |
| Technological Developments | Advancements in multi-layer barrier films, antimicrobial films, and oxygen-scavenging technologies. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | More emphasis on minimizing plastic waste, improving recyclability, and embracing bio-based polymers. |
| Material Trends | Controlled by polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), PET, and PVC films for flexible packaging. |
| Market Aspect | 2025 to 2035 (Future Projections) |
|---|---|
| Material Trends | Transition to biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable films to aid circular economy approaches. |
| Regulatory Environment | More stringent rules on single-use plastics, carbon footprint, and adoption of eco-friendly materials. |
| Consumer Demand | Growing demand for recyclable, plant-based, and smart packaging films for sustainability and ease. |
| Technological Developments | Increased development of nanotechnology-based films, self-healing surfaces, and AI-based supply chain monitoring in packaging. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Robust drive toward zero-waste films, water-soluble packaging materials, and completely compostable packaging solutions. |
| Material Trends | Transition to biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable films to aid circular economy approaches. |
| Factor | Consumer Priorities (2019 to 2024) & (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Product Availability & Convenience |
|
| Cost & Pricing |
|
| Performance (Barrier Protection, Durability, Shelf Life Extension) |
|
| Regulatory Compliance & Safety |
|
| Customization & Smart Technology |
|
| Factor | Manufacturer Priorities (2019 to 2024) & (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Product Availability & Convenience |
|
| Cost & Pricing |
|
| Performance (Barrier Protection, Durability, Shelf Life Extension) |
|
| Regulatory Compliance & Safety |
|
| Customization & Smart Technology |
|
Between 2025 and 2035, the market is expected to grow due to increasing emphasis on sustainable and recyclable packaging materials. The adoption of biodegradable, compostable, and mono-material films will rise as industries seek eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastic films.
Additionally, innovations in smart and active packaging technologies, such as antimicrobial films and RFID-enabled tracking, will enhance product safety and supply chain efficiency. The expansion of food delivery services, pharmaceuticals, and high-performance industrial packaging will further drive demand for advanced packaging film solutions.
Tier 1 companies comprise market leaders capturing significant market share in global market. These market leaders are characterized by high production capacity and a wide product portfolio. These market leaders are distinguished by their extensive expertise in manufacturing across multiple packaging formats and a broad geographical reach, underpinned by a robust consumer base.
They provide a wide range of series including recycling and manufacturing utilizing the latest technology and meeting the regulatory standards providing the highest quality. Prominent companies within tier 1 include Berry Global, Mondi Group, Ampac Holdings.
Tier 2 companies include mid-size players having presence in specific regions and highly influencing the local market. These are characterized by a strong presence overseas and strong market knowledge. These market players have good technology and ensure regulatory compliance but may not have advanced technology and wide global reach. Prominent companies in tier 2 include LLC, Huhtamaki Oyj, Smurfit Kappa, WestRock Company, Amcor Plc, Sealed Air Corp, Winpak, Novolex, Printpack.
Tier 3 includes the majority of small-scale companies operating at the local presence and serving niche markets. These companies are notably oriented towards fulfilling local market demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment. They are small-scale players and have limited geographical reach. Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized market, denoting a sector characterized by a lack of extensive structure and formalization when compared to organized competitors.
| Regions | 2019 to 2024 (Past Trends) |
|---|---|
| North America | High demand from food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries for flexible packaging. |
| Latin America | Moderate expansion fueled by growing retail and processed foods sectors. |
| Europe | Dominant market because of stringent plastic reduction measures and emphasis on the circular economy. |
| Middle East & Africa | Growing use in food, agriculture, and consumer packaging. |
| Asia Pacific | Rising fastest market with fast industrialization and booming e-commerce industry. |
| Regions | 2025 to 2035 (Future Projections) |
|---|---|
| North America | Growing use of biodegradable and recyclable films to achieve sustainability objectives. |
| Latin America | Growing investments in environmentally friendly and price-efficient packaging options. |
| Europe | Increased application of compostable and bio-based films for sustainable packaging. |
| Middle East & Africa | High-barrier and intelligent packaging films growth to increase shelf life. |
| Asia Pacific | Capacity expansion in manufacturing of sophisticated multi-layer films for high-performance packaging. |
The section below covers the future forecast for the packaging films market in terms of countries. Information on key countries in several parts of the globe, including North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and MEA is provided. USA is expected to account for a CAGR of 3% through 2035. In Europe, Spain is projected to witness a CAGR of 3.7% by 2035.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 3.0% |
| Germany | 2.6% |
| China | 5.0% |
| UK | 2.5% |
| Spain | 3.7% |
| India | 5.2% |
| Canada | 2.8% |
With the remarkable surge in USA online grocery purchasing and e-commerce, demand will need to be met by superior-quality packaging films. Protective, rugged, and abrasion-resistant packaging films are sought after heavily because consumers increasingly purchase foodstuffs, beverages, and consumer goods online in order to preserve product integrity during transport.
With consumers looking to transport goods at lower cost, the demand is heightened for tamper-proof, light, and custom-made packaging films. For freshness preservation of food items and for protection of the quality of food products, meal kit delivery services such as Blue Apron and HelloFresh have also seen growing demand for food-grade recyclable and biodegradable packaging films.
Germany has historically been at the forefront of green packaging innovations due to its effective regulatory framework for plastic waste by its government and sound recycling culture. The German Packaging Act (VerpackG) has more stringent recycling rates and encourages the phasing in of businesses towards biodegradable and recyclable films.
Therefore, large retailers and producers are currently substituting their conventional plastic packaging with sustainable alternatives such as compostable and fibre-based films. At the same time, Germany's emphasis on circular economy is prioritizing the recycling alternatives of plastic films with minimal environmental impact. Such green measures, coupled with consumer preference, are working toward the establishment of green packaging films in the German market.
The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. In terms of material type, polyethylene are being estimated to account for a share of 42% by 2025. By product type, bags and sacks are projected to dominate by holding a share above 35% by the end 2025.
| Product Type | Market Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Bags and Sacks | 35% |
Bags and sacks hold the largest market share due to their widespread use in food, beverage, and homecare packaging. These packaging films offer strong barrier properties that protect products from contamination, moisture, and UV exposure. They are particularly popular in retail and e-commerce industries due to their lightweight nature and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, the growing demand for resealable and biodegradable packaging is driving innovation in eco-friendly film-based bags and sacks, further strengthening their market dominance.
| Material Type | Market Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Polyethylene | 42% |
Polyethylene (PE) is the dominant material in the packaging films market due to its flexibility, affordability, and durability. It is widely used in food, beverage, personal care, and industrial applications. PE films provide excellent moisture resistance, making them ideal for perishable food packaging like meat, seafood, and dairy products.
Their high tensile strength ensures product protection during transportation and storage. Moreover, PE films are lightweight and recyclable, aligning with the rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions. The availability of multiple PE variants (LDPE, HDPE, and LLDPE) further enhances their versatility across industries.
The Packaging Films Market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the rising demand for flexible, lightweight, and durable packaging solutions across industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and industrial goods. Packaging films, made from materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and biodegradable polymers, offer barrier protection, extended shelf life, and sustainability benefits.
With increasing consumer preference for eco-friendly and recyclable packaging, manufacturers are focusing on biodegradable, compostable, and high-barrier packaging films. Additionally, advancements in nanotechnology, multilayer films, and smart packaging solutions are reshaping competition in the market. The growth of e-commerce, convenience foods, and strict food safety regulations is further accelerating the adoption of high-performance packaging films.
Key Developments in Packaging Films Market
Market Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Amcor PLC | 15-20% |
| Berry Global Group | 10-15% |
| Sealed Air Corporation | 8-12% |
| Mondi Group | 6-10% |
| Coveris Holdings S.A. | 5-8% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| Amcor PLC | Produces high-barrier, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging films, with a focus on food safety and shelf-life extension. |
| Berry Global Group | Specializes in customized flexible packaging films, including stretch, shrink, and multilayer barrier films for various industries. |
| Sealed Air Corporation | Develops vacuum-sealed, active, and smart packaging films that help in preserving freshness and reducing food waste. |
| Mondi Group | Offers eco-friendly and sustainable flexible packaging films, including compostable and paper-based laminates. |
| Coveris Holdings S.A. | Manufactures lightweight, high-performance packaging films, emphasizing cost efficiency and recyclability. |
Key Company Insights
Amcor PLC (15%-20%)
Amcor is a market leader in high-barrier and recyclable packaging films, focusing on food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications. The company is investing in sustainable materials and digital printing technologies to meet growing environmental concerns.
Berry Global Group (10%-15%)
Berry Global specializes in stretch and shrink films, catering to industrial, retail, and food packaging applications. The company is advancing lightweight, durable, and recyclable packaging solutions to enhance product performance.
Sealed Air Corporation (8%-12%)
Sealed Air is known for its vacuum-sealed and active packaging films, designed to prolong shelf life and maintain food freshness. The company also focuses on smart packaging solutions that integrate sensor-based freshness indicators.
Mondi Group (6%-10%)
Mondi provides sustainable packaging films, including biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable options. It is actively developing barrier coatings and lightweight materials for high-performance food and pharmaceutical packaging.
Coveris Holdings S.A. (5%-8%)
Coveris specializes in cost-effective, flexible packaging films that balance performance, sustainability, and durability. The company is investing in post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials to enhance its circular economy strategy.
Other Key Players (30-40% Combined)
Several smaller yet significant players contribute to the Packaging Films Market, offering innovative and specialized solutions:
The global packaging films industry is projected to witness CAGR of 4.1% between 2025.
The global packaging films industry stood at 162.1 million in 2024.
Global packaging films industry is anticipated to reach USD 242.3 million by 2035 end.
East Asia is set to record a CAGR of 5.2% in assessment period.
The key players operating in the global packaging films industry include Berry Global, Mondi Group, Ampac Holdings.
By material type, market divided into polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), bioplastics, and others.
By product type, market divided into Pouches, Bags & Sacks, Tubes, Liners, Sachets & Stick Packs, Tapes & Labels, Wraps/Rolls.
By end use, market divided into food, beverages, homecare products, personal care products, healthcare products, electronics & electrical, other industrial goods. Food further divided into meat, seafood, and poultry; ready to eat meals; dairy products; bakery and confectionery; other food products.
Key Countries of North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Middle East & Africa are covered.
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Packaging Films Market
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