Pouch Packaging Market Size to Attain USD 66.96 Bn by 2033

Market Overview

The global pouch packaging market size is estimated to reach USD 66.96 billion by 2033, up from USD 41.35 billion in 2023, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.04% from 2024 to 2033.

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The pouch packaging market has evolved and likely to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Packaging was never more attractive or unique than it is now and pouch packaging is one method that prominent companies differentiate themselves from the competition. Since pouch packaging has advantages over the other options in the market, brands are choosing it more and more frequently. Pouch packaging is beneficial for a wide range of applications and offers various customization possibilities, including materials, sizes as well as turnaround times. The packaging market size is estimated to grow from USD 1.20 trillion in 2022 to reach an estimated USD 1.58 trillion by 2032.

The increasing demand for convenience and concerns about product safety and security coupled with the growing demand for bottled water is anticipated to augment the growth of the market within the estimated timeframe. Additionally, the growing consumption of packed food along with the rising demand for carbonated drinks is also likely to contribute to the market growth. Furthermore, the increase in focus by various manufacturers on sustainable pouch packaging is also likely to contribute to the growth of the market in the years to come.

Key Trends and Findings

• Packaging intended to preserve the food quality and its safety is becoming more and more essential. This covers the packaging intended to increase the food's shelf life and also the packaging designed to be tamper-evident.
• Pouches are surfacing in the grocery store shelves everywhere, not just in the beverage sections. Particularly among wine and water brands, pouches are becoming more and more popular. The wine companies can now meet the consumer demand and offer new levels of versatility by using pouches, which comes in portable, lightweight packaging as well as in various sizes.
• A pouch's easy accessible and user-friendly form makes it the best option for a number of the products. Flexible pouches are ergonomically better than bottles and cans as they allow users more control on the product they squeeze or pour because they depend on the pressure from their hands.
• The North America region is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.59% during the forecast period owing to the high demand for convenient, portable food options and the significant snacking culture.
• The Asia-Pacific region held considerable market share of 37.45% in the global market. This is attributable to the increasing consumer spending in these countries and growing demand for convenient and sustainable packaging options.

Market Drivers

Growing Demand for Convenience and Minimalism

Many advantages are provided by pouch packing, which meets the demands of contemporary consumers for portability, convenience and portion control. Due to their compact size, pouches are perfect for people who lead busy lives as they fit neatly into the handbags, backpacks and other bags. Easy opening and shutting is made possible by the customizable features, like spouts and zippers, which removes the necessity for additional accessories and tools. Pouches provide hassle-free accessibility in contrast to conventional metal cans, which can be difficult to open while traveling.

Additionally, they are the ideal traveling companions due to their lightweight and flexibility. In addition to guaranteeing food freshness, resealable function of the pouches offers portion control, giving customers the ability to regulate their intake as well as prevent overindulging. In fact, research showed that most consumers favored flexible packaging over non-flexible options, such as pouches.

Furthermore, one of the other factors influencing whether or not an item is bought is its packaging. The majority of customers explored new products after being drawn in by the packaging. Minimalism is currently the most popular packaging design trend when it comes to pouch packaging. Natural-looking product art that does not include clutter and intricate graphics is embraced by minimalism. The trend is to simplify elements, including the use of a single, powerful color and a strong typography across the packaging design.

Apart from employing good contrast features over clean, uncomplicated backgrounds, sporting minimalism can also involve incorporating distinct labeling and branding into the entire visual. Products with little packaging, such as pouches, draw customers in and assist them in making selections based on the inherent value of the product.

Market Restraints

Rising Environmental Concerns

The pouch packaging industry is strictly governed by stringent regulatory standards that oversee various aspects of packaging materials, environmental impact, and safety. Governmental agencies, customers and environmental groups have been criticizing the industry due to the waste these businesses produce. A large majority of the materials are frequently non-recyclable. Packaging firms must consider designs which tackle environmental challenges, end-of-life disposal and the reduction of greenhouse emissions and water footprints in order to avoid being criticized by multiple stakeholders. This can turn out to be an expensive procedure.

In March 2024, a tentative agreement was made by the EU Parliament and the Council on revised regulations aimed at decreasing, reusing and recycling packaging, enhancing safety, and advancing the circular economy. By making all the packaging recyclable, minimizing the use of dangerous materials, cutting down on the needless packaging, increasing the use of recycled content and enhancing the collection and recycling, the new regulations seek to make packaging utilized throughout the EU less hazardous and more sustainable. The agreement stated that certain single-use plastic packaging formats would be prohibited by January 1, 2030. These formats included shrink-wrapping suitcases in airports, packaging of the fruit and vegetables that are fresh, packaging for foods and beverages that are filled and consumed in restaurants and cafes, individual portions and accommodation miniature packaging for the toiletry products.

In United States, aiming to reduce the plastic waste, federal representatives suggested legislation in 2020. A provision pertaining to extended producer accountability will be included in this act, compelling companies to recycle their packaging waste or accept it back. Producer responsibility legislation has been extended in around thirty nations globally. A multitude of the federal and state regulations provide standards for equitable product labeling and forbid the use of specific harmful or hazardous chemicals in packaging. These packaging requirements, combined with larger, stronger regulations in the horizon, make it increasingly difficult for companies to promote their products in several regions. Compliance necessitates that the brands explore new methods of packaging and product design. They must also use sustainable materials for both their product and shipping packaging.

Market Opportunities

Increasing Demand for Sustainability

Consumers are now more inclined towards nature-friendly lifestyle choices. Hence, industries have to adapt to sustainable ways of serving their needs and wants. With competitors who are rapidly taking the eco-friendly road, firms are always on the look-out for newer, more effective sustainable solutions – pouch films being the go-to option for most of them. Once the original content is used up, the pouches can be easily reused to store other products.

Plus, the pouches layered with sustainable plastic like polyethylene films are easily biodegradable as well. Also, most of the manufacturers are now focusing on developing pouches using recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging material.

For Instance,

• In October 2022, Reckitt and Mondi partnered to launch paper-based packaging for the dishwasher detergent brand Finish, with the goal of reducing over 2,000 tonnes of plastic per year which is the equivalent of 50 million 1-litre bottles. The latest stand-up pouch contains 75% paper, which is believed to be sustainably sourced. The remaining plastic is said to reinforce the paper's structure while also offering resilience, resistance to water, and a re-closable closure, which are attributes that have yet to be accomplished in entirely paper packaging.
• In January 2023, a paper pouch was introduced by Sourceful to compete with plastic packets. Compared to conventional plastic pouches, the HydroTec paper pouch, which is made from paper that has earned FSC certification, saves the consumption of plastic by 99% and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40%. Due to this, the HydroTec paper pouch has a low carbon footprint and is recyclable at the curb.
• In May 2024, in an effort to use less water while reducing the carbon footprint, Amcor and the AVON announced the debut of the AmPrima Plus refill pouch in China. The new AMPrima Plus pouch, according to the firms, will reduce carbon emissions by 83% when compared with the legacy container. It will also reduce water usage by 88% and renewable energy consumption by 79% when recycled.

These new pouch packaging solutions will not only lower the non-fossil plastic use, but it will also help in reducing the carbon footprint making a world where packaging will never become a waste.

Key Segment Analysis

Material Segment Analysis Preview

The plastic segment captured a significant market share of 60.80% in 2023. Plastic pouches are a usual kind of flexible packaging container that are used for a variety of purposes, including the transportation and storage of commodities like household items, beverages, food and medications, among others. High-density polyethylene pouches are lightweight, waterproof and temperature-resistant and are in great demand from grocery stores and restaurants. Whereas light-density polyethylene clear pouches are used for bulk storage of fresh produce and linear low-density polyethylene pouches are prominently used for freezing food products. Furthermore, plastic pouches are significantly used in pharmaceuticals and healthcare industry to package medical drugs such as antibiotics, analgesics, etc.

End-use Industry Segment Analysis Preview

The food & beverages segment captured a significant market share of 53.40% in 2023. Consumers of today lead hectic lifestyles, particularly in the cities. They spend a lot of time in working and commuting and are constantly on the go. Ready-to-eat meals, packaged foods and snacking are therefore becoming more popular. The sector has experienced remarkable growth due to the factors such as rising disposable incomes and the cultural habit of snacking in between meals. In this industry, pouches are the preferred solution and are growing in popularity due to their inherent adaptability. The meals stay fresher for longer in these pouches with a resealable zip lock, three levels of safety and a bottom gusset that allows customers to eat at their own pace. Manufacturers are also working towards bringing food packaging solutions to improve sustainability.

For Instance

• April 2028, ProAmpac introduced retort pouches for packaging pet and human food that comes with better sustainability. The increased need for post-consumer recycled (PCR) packaging products led to the introduction of the ProActive PCR Retort pouches.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific held largest market share of 37.45% and is expected to grow at a fastest CAGR of 6.67% during the forecast period. China dominated the Asia Pacific market. This is owing to the expansion of the food and beverage industry supported by the increasing consumer spending on the packaged food items across the region.

Furthermore, growing demand for convenience packaging coupled with the rise in the consumption of packaged food and changes in lifestyle is likely to support the regional growth of the market. Additionally, growing environmental concerns as well as the regulatory push towards sustainable packaging is also anticipated to augment the growth of the market in the region. For instance, India established the Plastics Pact in 2021. By 2030, 100% of the plastic packaging must be recyclable or reusable, 50% must be efficiently recycled and 25% of all the plastic packaging must include an average of 25% recycled material. These are the goals set forth in the India Plastics Pact.

North America is expected to grow at a considerable CAGR of 4.59% during the forecast period. This is due to the growing demand for on-the-go beverages and snaking cross the region. Snacks are main part of the American eating habits, contributing to approximately one-quarter (22%) of the total energy consumed among adults. At present, over 90 percent of U.S. people report having more than one snack a day, with an average of 1.2 to 3.0 snacking incidences each day and about 70% of the customers consumes chips/pretzels in the country.

This increase in snacking is further expected to drive the demand for pouch packaging in the region in the near future. Furthermore, the increase in adoption of eco-friendly alternatives to traditional packaging materials is also expected to support the regional growth of the market in the years to come. For instance, in December 2022, Glenroy Inc. received recognition for its recyclable STANDCAP pouch, a fully recyclable polyethylene-based stand-up pouch.

Recent Developments by Key Market Players

• February, 2024: Amcor and Stonyfield Organic collaborated to create the spouted pouch made entirely of polyethylene (PE). For their YoBaby chilled yogurt, Stonyfield Organic has replaced its prior multilayered packaging with this new, eco-friendly pouch design. This innovative partnership provides a packaging choice that is more sustainable without losing its functionality.
• March, 2023: FirstWave Innovations collaborated with ProAmpac to introduce aseptic spouted pouches to the market. The firms collaborated to use ProAmpac's short-run pouching abilities to help co-packers release aseptic shelf-stable liquid food in a compact, flexible customized spouted pouch with Scholle IPN's proprietary aseptic-capable fitting.

Market Companies

Some of the key players in pouch packaging market are Mondi Group, Transcontinental Inc., ProAmpac, PPC Flex Company Inc., Amcor Limited, SIG, TedPack Company Limited, Smurfit Kappa Group, Huhtamaki, Sonoco Products Company, Coveris Holdings S.A. and Constantia Flexibles, among others.

Market Segments 

By Material

• Plastic
• Metal
• Paper
• Bioplastics

By Type

• Standard
• Aseptic
• Retort
• Hot-fill

By End-use

• Food & Beverages
• Healthcare
• Personal Care & Cosmetics
• Homecare
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • South-East Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC Countries
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa