Flexible packaging is the fastest growing packaging application. Continued growth is projected for nearly all end-user markets from food, beverages and pet food to personal care, medical and pharmaceutical, and consumer products. Its projected growth rate to 2027 is at a CAGR of about 4.3%.

It is an attractive packaging format for many reasons. It minimizes package transport costs between converter, packer/filler, retailer and end user. It not only takes up less space than rigid packaging when empty, but it can also be constructed from roll materials at the filling location, thereby minimizing transportation of ready-formed packaging. It also offers product protection and the ability to reseal, reducing spoilage. Flexible packaging for food items often contains a barrier layer that extends shelf life, which reduces the amount of food waste associated with perishable items. 

Globally, plastic-based flexible packaging accounts for around 93% of consumption, compared to paper-based flexible packaging, which accounts for just under 5%.