Pouch Market

Pouch Market Outlook for 2024 to 2034

The global pouch market is predicted to be worth US$ 74.4 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 3.0% from 2024 to 2034, finally exceeding US$ 102.1 billion by 2034. The cost-effectiveness and convenience of pouches, together with the growing demand for packaged beverages and food cartons, are among the factors propelling the expansion of the pouch market.

Sales Analysis of the Pouch Market

• The pouch market is propelled by rising interest in ready-to-eat meals, packaged goods and drinks, affordability, and simplicity of use. The demand is growing due to shifting lifestyle tastes, portable snacks, and advancements in food technology.
• Pouches are highly sought after due to their compact design, lightweight nature, and reduced transportation costs, making them ideal for businesses optimizing logistics and supply chain operations while minimizing expenses, thus developing demand for pouches.
• There is an increasing need for pouches with several practical closures, such as zippers, rip notches, and spouts. Such a trend draws in more shoppers and propels the global pouch market's expansion.
• Changes in lifestyle and food processing methods have led to a notable rise in the global packaged food industry, which is predicted to support the expansion of the pouch market.
• The global pandemic and war crisis have disrupted global pouch packaging sales, reducing manufacturing, but the increasing demand for medical supplies is expected to influence the global pouch market further in the forthcoming decade.

Historical Performance and Future Growth of the Pouch Market

This study examines the pouch market's growth over the past five years, revealing a historical CAGR of 2.1% and a projected 3.0% CAGR growth up to 2034, indicating a growing trend in the pouch packaging industry.

Pouch packaging is a popular and efficient option, but its high initial investment is likely to challenge small and medium-sized enterprises. Overcoming cost barriers is likely to hinder their adoption of pouch packaging, missing out on its numerous advantages, causing consumer distrust, and limiting the pouch market expansion.

Critical aspects that are anticipated to influence the demand for pouches through 2034.

• Enterprises are increasing consumer preference for convenient, lightweight, and portable packaging solutions, developing demand for pouch packaging.
• Growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly pouches to address environmental concerns drives the market expansion of the pouch.
• Multiple applications in various industries, such as food and beverage, healthcare, and personal care, diversify the demand for pouches in multiple sectors.
• Technological advancements are driving the development of innovative pouch designs and materials, presenting lucrative opportunities for market players in the coming decade.
• Emerging markets present untapped opportunities for pouch manufacturers to expand their presence and cater to diverse consumer needs.

Market players are going to desire to be prudent and flexible over the anticipated period since these challenging attributes position the industry for accomplishment in subsequent decades.

Key Trends Influencing the Pouch Market

Demand for Convenience and Ready-to-eat Food Caters Pouch Packaging Solutions

The ready-to-eat food packaging industry is shifting towards convenience and comfort, with a significant push for flexible packaging, particularly pouches, to meet consumer demands. The pouch packaging formats are recognized as assets in building brand loyalty and allowing consumers to save space and regulate consumption at their own pace, propelling the demand for the pouches.

The trend of shifting from rigid to flexible packaging is increasing the need for single-serve options, particularly for the youth and smaller households, thus developing the demand for pouch packaging for one-time use. Party-size bags of food items are no longer the norm, as smaller pouches allow consumers to control portion sizes more, thus developing a high demand for minuscule pouches.

The changing lifestyles of consumers in the American and European regions have also increased the demand for pouches for ready-to-eat foods, as the new-age working population and Gen Z seeking convenience are seeking convenient options.

Increasing Focus on Sustainability Leads to the Development of Eco-Friendly Pouches

The increasing focus on sustainability drives the demand for eco-friendly pouch packaging as consumers seek solutions that minimize environmental impact.

Eco-friendly pouch materials are made from renewable or recycled resources, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources and carbon footprint, thus increasing demand for sustainable materials such as biodegradable plastics, compostable films, paper-based laminates, and bio-based polymers for pouch manufacturing.

Recyclable packaging solutions recycle packaging materials, diverting them from landfills and reintroducing them into new products, meeting consumer expectations and providing businesses a competitive edge in the pouch market. Investing in eco-friendly pouch packaging can boost brand reputation and loyalty among environmentally conscious consumers, as it aligns with regulatory requirements and industry standards, ensuring businesses remain compliant and future-proof, propelling the demand for recyclable pouch packaging.

Pharmaceutical Sector Develops Elevated Demand for Pouch Packaging

The pharmaceutical sector increasingly relies on pouch packaging for its security, convenience, shelf-life extension, portability, and branding. Pouch packaging ensures the integrity and safety of pharmaceutical products, providing tamper-evident solutions for medications.

The pouch packaging also offers convenient dosage forms, extending the shelf life for certain products and bolstering the global pouch market. The pouch's lightweight, flexible, and space-efficient design is ideal for medical supplies and emergency kits, propelling the demand for pouches for various pharmaceutical packaging.

The development of customization and branding opportunities also makes pouch packaging an essential solution for pharmaceutical packaging. Pouches, child-resistant closures, and senior-friendly designs enhance medication management and patient compliance, driving the demand for pouches globally.

The pharmaceutical sector's demand for pouch packaging is driven by its ability to address critical requirements such as safety, convenience, shelf-life extension, portability, and branding, making it an essential packaging solution for a wide range of pharmaceutical products.

Ismail Sutaria

Principal Consultant

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Category-wise Insights

This section offers in-depth analyses of particular pouch market sectors. The two main topics of the research are the segment with the stand up pouches and the food-packaging segment as end-use. Through a comprehensive examination, this section attempts to provide a fuller knowledge of these segments and their relevance in the larger context of the pouch packaging industry.

Stand Up Pouches Packs Up 43.8% of the Global Market Share

The demand for stand up pouches is high, registering a significant market share of 43.8% in 2024; the following aspects display the development of stand up pouches:

• Stand-up pouches, which stand upright on shelves, are convenient for storage, display, and transportation, optimizing shelf space and visibility while generating market demand.
• Demand for stand-up pouches is growing across numerous industries due to their versatility as packaging solutions for a wide range of products, such as food, drinks, pet food, personal care products, and home items.
• Reducing shipping expenses and environmental effects, stand-up pouches may be constructed using recyclable or biodegradable materials, which is attractive to consumers who care about the environment.
• Because they offer plenty of room for branding and product information, stand-up pouches are a popular way for producers to set their products apart from the competition and attract customers' attention on crowded store shelves.

Food packaging shelters 68.7% share of the global pouch market

Pouch packaging for food is acquiring a noticeable 68.7% market share in 2024. The development of demand for pouches for food items from the following drivers:

• Pouches offer versatile packaging solutions for various food products, including snacks, condiments, sauces, soups, pet food, and baby food, increasing demand for pouch packaging in the food industry.
• Convenience food demand is rising, and pouch packaging is becoming increasingly popular for consumption on the go, driving the global pouch market.
• By prolonging their shelf life and maintaining freshness, pouches with barrier qualities can shield food goods from light, moisture, oxygen, and other pollutants, creating a new market for pouch sales.
• Pouch packaging offers convenient storage, handling, and dispensing of food products, catering to the busy lifestyles of modern consumers and bolstering the demand for food pouches.

Country-wise Insights

This section anticipates examining the markets for pouches in some of the most important countries on the global stage, such as the United States, China, India, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Through in-depth research, explore the several aspects influencing these nations' acceptability and demand for pouch packaging.

On-the-Go Food Consumption Skyrockets the Demand for Pouches in the United States

The United States’ on-the-go food sector is developing the demand for pouches with a CAGR of 1.8% from 2024 to 2034. Here are a few of the major trends:

• Pouch packaging caters to the fast-paced lifestyles of Americans, providing easy-to-carry, portable options for on-the-go consumption, propelling the demand for pouches.
• In the United States, daily snacking fuels the demand for pouch-packaged snacks, such as nuts, dried fruits, and granola bars, thus driving the pouch industry.
• With more Americans living in urban areas and commuting long distances, the demand for convenient, portable food options packaged in pouches continues to rise in the coming decade.
• Pouch packaging is increasingly adopted by the food service industry for grab-and-go meals, meal kits, and delivery services, further boosting demand in the United States market.

United Kingdom Demands for Flexible Packaging Pouches

The demand for pouches in the United Kingdom is expected to develop at a CAGR of 1.6%. The following factors are propelling the demand for flexible packaging pouches:

• United Kingdom's consumers increasingly seek innovative packaging designs that improve product visibility, freshness, and convenience, particularly pouches with resealable zippers and easy-open seals.
• The focus on health and wellness in the United Kingdom market drives demand for flexible pouches that package nutritious snacks, organic foods, and portion-controlled options.
• The food service sector in the United Kingdom increasingly adopts flexible pouches for meal delivery services, grab-and-go offerings, and portion-controlled meals, driving demand for pouch packaging solutions.

Spanish Consumer Goods Industry Fosters the Demand for Zipper Pouch Packaging

The consumer goods sector in Spain demands development in zipper pouch packaging, and the demand for pouches is predicted to extend at a CAGR of 2.1% between 2024 and 2034. Some of the primary trends in the industry are:

• The practicality and utility of pouch packaging are improved by ongoing zipper pouch design and technology innovation, stimulating demand in the Spanish consumer products sector.
• The Spanish market's propensity for handy, on-the-go food and beverage alternatives fuels demand for zipper pouch packaging that allows for simple snacking and portion management.
• Spanish customers are expected to find zipper pouch packaging convenient as it allows for simple access to the contents and resealing to preserve product freshness.
• The Spanish consumer goods sector uses zipper pouches with creative patterns, eye-catching colors, and customizable branding to set products apart on store shelves.

Urbanization in India Develops Demand for Resealable Pouches owing to the Sustainability

The demand for pouches in India is expected to register a CAGR of 6.1% from 2024 to 2034. Some of the primary trends are:

• Rapid urbanization in India leads to busy lifestyles and increased demand for convenient, on-the-go packaging solutions, driving the demand for sustainable pouch packaging.
• Urban consumers in India are increasingly environmentally conscious and seek sustainable packaging options to reduce waste, bolstering the demand for eco-friendly pouches.
• Resealable pouches offer convenience for Indians by allowing them to portion out snacks and reseal the package for later consumption, thus developing the consumer base for pouches.
• The government of India's initiatives promoting sustainability and waste reduction encourage the adoption of eco-friendly packaging solutions like resealable pouches in provinces.

Chinese Manufacturing Sector Develops Demand for Pouch Packaging

The pouch industry in China is expected to register a CAGR of 4.7% by 2034. Among the primary drivers are:

• The booming e-commerce sector in China fuels demand for pouch packaging, as it provides flexible and lightweight packaging options suitable for online retail and shipping.
• The industrial sector's fast rise in China drives the need for pouch packaging, a flexible and affordable option for packaging a range of items.
• Chinese manufacturers use pouch packaging for various consumer goods, including food, beverages, cosmetics, and household products, to enhance product visibility and shelf appeal.
• China's status as a major exporter of manufactured goods necessitates efficient and durable packaging solutions like pouches to protect products during transportation and storage.

Market Players Shaping the Outlook of the Global Pouch Market

The global pouch industry is greatly influenced by manufacturers, suppliers, and brand owners, among other market participants. These companies drive innovation and competitiveness, influencing consumer preferences and market trends. They also considerably expand their businesses via creative tactics and technical breakthroughs.

To create novel pouch designs, materials, and technologies that suit changing consumer wants and industry trends, market companies substantially spend on research and development. Because of this invention, pouches are anticipated to have improved characteristics, including barrier qualities, sustainability aspects, and resealable closures.

Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, market participants develop alliances with retailers, e-commerce platforms, and packaging converters to broaden their market reach and distribution networks. By bolstering product portfolios, solidifying market positions, and achieving economies of scale, strategic acquisitions and mergers help businesses reach a wider audience.

Furthermore, market players are crucial in promoting sustainability within the pouch industry. Many companies are adopting eco-friendly materials, such as recyclable plastics, bio-based polymers, and compostable films, to reduce the environmental footprint of pouch packaging. Additionally, initiatives to optimize packaging design, minimize packaging waste, and promote recycling contribute to a more sustainable pouch industry.

To build value, distinguish their goods, and increase customer knowledge, loyalty, and brand equity in the pouch market, market participants employ branding and marketing methods, which in turn raise market value. Within the global pouch industry, market players are critical in fostering innovation, broadening the market, advancing sustainability, and influencing customer views. They are important forces behind change and advancement in the market due to the substantial effects their calculated choices and actions have on the direction of the industry's growth.

Recent Developments in the Pouch Market

• In February 2024, Amcor, a global packaging leader, is partnering with Stonyfield Organic and Cheer Pack North America to launch the first all-polyethylene (PE) spouted pouch. This sustainable solution offers a more efficient package without compromising performance.
• In January 2024, API Group and Accredo Packaging partnered with Fresh-Lock to launch a flexible stand-up pouch with over 50% post-consumer recycled content. The pouch features a child-resistant closure and at least 25% PCR material, making it the first of its kind for the food industry.
• In November 2023, ProAmpac, a flexible packaging company, introduced ProActive PCR retort pouches as a sustainable alternative to conventional retort options. These pouches contain up to 30% post-consumer recycled material, part of ProAmpac's ProActive Sustainability platform, aiming to help brands achieve circular economy goals.
• In June 2023, Mitolo Family Farms, Australia's leading potato and onion company, partnered with Coles and Detpak to create Australia's first curbside recyclable paper pouch for fresh potatoes, resulting in a 64% reduction in plastic content compared to previous packaging.
• In June 2023, Mondi and Baumit introduced SolmixBag, a water-soluble pouch designed for the construction industry. This one-ply paper bag stores and transports dry construction materials like cement and mortar, reducing waste, paper waste management costs, and dust on construction sites.

Key Companies in the Pouch Market

• Amcor Plc
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Sonoco Company Ltd.
• Mondi Plc
• Sealed Air
• Huhtamaki Oyj
• Constantia Flexibles
• Coveries Holdings S.A.
• Clondalkin Group
• Goglio Spa
• Berry Global, Inc.
• Wipf Holding AG
• KOROZO
• ProAmpac Holdings, Inc.
• Gualapack S.p.A.
• Daklapack Group
• Sealed Air Corporation
• Bemis Company, Inc.

Key Coverage in the Pouch Market Report

• Rising Use of Metal Cans for Food and Beverages
• Growth Opportunity for the Pouch-Bowl Packaging Market in the United States
• Top 10 ready-to-eat meal packages
• Sales Analysis of Liquid Pouch Packaging Market for Chemical Packaging
• Price Analysis of the Spout Pouches Innovation Forecast Value in the United States
• Development of Resealable Pouches Market Outlook
• Profit Assessment of Barrier Pouches Demand Forecast

Key Segments

By Material:

• Plastic
  • PE
  • PP
  • PET
  • PVC
  • EVOH
  • Other Plastics
• Aluminum Foil

By Capacity:

• Less Than 200 Grms
• 201 to 500 Grms
• 501 to 1000 Grms
• Above 1000 Grms

By Pouch Type:

• Stand Up Pouches
• Flat Pouches
• Gusset Pouches
• Spout Pouches

By End Use:

• Food
  • Spices and Condiments
  • Pet Food
  • Dairy Products
  • Tea and Coffee
  • Edible Oil
  • Snacks
  • Food Grains and Pulses
  • Baby Food
• Beverages
• Personal Care and Cosmetics
  • Shampoo and Conditioners
  • Hair Oil
  • Skin Care Products
• Pharmaceuticals
  • Creams and Ointments
  • Probiotics
  • Vitamin Supplements
• Other Industrial
  • Sealants and Adhesives
  • Lubricants and Solvents

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia
• Oceania
• Middle East and Africa