Report Overview

A growing focus on eco-friendly packaging and recycled plastics and an increasing demand from the food industry are expected to boost the growth of Australia flexible packaging market during the forecast period between 2023 and 2029.

Australia Flexible Packaging Market - Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2029

Australia flexible packaging market size was estimated to be worth USD 1.84 billion in 2022. During the forecast period between 2023 and 2029, the Australia flexible packaging market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.78%, reaching a value of USD 2.57 billion by 2029. Major growth factors for the Australia flexible packaging market include rising demand from the food industry along with the cost efficiency it offers over its counterparts. Furthermore, increasing innovations in technology and materials in flexible packaging are anticipated to present lucrative growth opportunities to the market players during the forecast period.

Australia Flexible Packaging Market – Overview

Flexible packaging is a box or container made of flexible materials that can be effortlessly reshaped after filling or closing. It maintains the proper temperature, removes oxygen, and absorbs moisture to keep the product fresh throughout transit or its inactive life. Materials that break down easily, such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polyester, are used to create this packaging. Flexible packaging has several uses and is appropriate for various businesses in the food, home, and personal use sectors.

Australia Flexible Packaging Market

Growth Drivers

Rising Demand for Ready-to-Eat Convenience Food Products

Ready-to-eat packaged meals are gaining immense traction in Australia owing to the high working population and changing work-life trends in the country. According to a CSIRO study, overall domestic consumption of prepared and frozen packaged meals would increase from USD 2.7 billion in 2018 to USD 3.7 billion by 2030, based on current expenditure and demographic trends. Additionally, the expansion of low-cost meal delivery services like UberEats and Deliveroo may influence customer behavior. The expanding domestic production of convenient meals is anticipated to boost the demand for flexible packaging, proliferating the overall market growth.

Restraints

Non-recyclable and Low Impact Resistance

Flexible packaging is challenging to recycle, which may hinder its market adoption. Its recycling includes several layers which makes it difficult to separate them for recycling. Recycling products with packaging made of plastic, paper, or metal is particularly challenging. Furthermore, the end-user industries may incline more toward rigid packaging as it is made of hard plastic or another material, such as glass, and the flexible box is made of plastic. Such inclination towards stronger packaging may limit the Australia flexible packaging market growth. 

Impact of COVID-19 on Australia Flexible Packaging Market

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly proliferated the growth of the Australia packaging market. The imposition of lockdown and adoption of remote working culture led to increased demand for packaged food and beverage products in the country. With increasing demand, food manufacturers also focused on adopting low-cost and versatile packaging materials that can offer longer shelf life to their products during mass hoarding. As a result, the demand for flexible packaging witnessed a significant boom in Australia, propelling the overall market growth.

Australia Flexible Packaging Market

Segmental Coverage

Australia Flexible Packaging Market – By Type

Based on type, the Australia flexible packaging market is segmented into stand-up pouches, pillow pouches, flat pouches, roll stock, gusseted bags, wicketed bags, wraps, squeezable bottles, spouted pouches, blisters, and bags & trays. The pouches segment accounts for the largest market share owing to their prominent use in the food and beverages industry. Pouches are small and light, which help businesses conserve storage space and lower transportation and shipping expenses. Additionally, additional units may be placed on the shelves of supermarkets, boosting the potential for sales.

Australia Flexible Packaging Market – By Packaging Material

Based on packaging material, the Australia flexible packaging market is segmented into paper, aluminum foil, biaxially oriented polypropylene [BOPP], polyethylene foil, polyethylene terephthalate, bioplastics, and others. The paper segment holds the highest share in the Australia flexible packaging market by packaging material owing to the rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging. Australian firms are beginning to recognize the benefits of flexible packaging. The food and beverages sector has begun to use paper packaging as it is not only reliable and long-lasting, but also environmentally friendly, which is necessary for the environment.

Australia Flexible Packaging Market – By Application

Based on application, the Australia flexible packaging market is segmented into food & beverages, cosmetics & toiletries, pharmaceuticals, and others. The food & beverages industry accounts for the largest market share. Flexible packaging technologies maintain freshness and flavor. With built-in spouts, handles, closures, and other features, these practical packaging alternatives can easily handle all solid and liquid food products. These marketplace sellers also offer a wide range of options for flexible packaging and assist food and beverage companies in obtaining the preferred and required packaging materials at the most affordable cost.

Australia Flexible Packaging Market – By Printing Technology

Based on printing technology, the Australia flexible packaging market is segmented into flexography, rotogravure, digital printing, and others. Flexography dominates the Australia flexible packaging market. Flexography relies on inexpensive materials compared to other printing techniques, making printing much more affordable. It enables printing at high speeds, and one meter of printing may cover hundreds of meters, due to which it is favored by packaging manufacturers and end-user industries.

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in the Australian flexible packaging market include The Bag Broker AU, Orora Packaging Australia Pty Ltd, FPS Super Pty Ltd, Filton Packaging, Gravure Packaging Pty Ltd, Perfection Packaging Pty Ltd, Wing Flexible Packaging Pty Ltd, Supreme Packaging Pty Ltd, Metal Print Australia Pty Ltd, and A&M Packaging Pty Ltd.

To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In January 2023 - Ball & Doggett, a printable materials and consumables distributor based in Australia, formed a partnership with Sappi to distribute flexible paper packaging in Australia.

Scope of the Report

By Type

• Stand up pouches

• Pillow Pouches

• Flat Pouches

• Roll Stock

• Gusseted Bags

• Wicketed Bags

• Wraps

• Squeezable Bottles

• Spouted Pouches

• Blisters

• Bags & Trays

By Packaging Material

• Paper

• Aluminium Foil

• Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene [BOPP]

• Polyethylene foil

• Polyethylene Terephthalate

• Bioplastics

• Others

By Application

• Food & Beverage Packaging

• Cosmetics & Toiletries

• Pharmaceuticals

• Others

By Printing Technology

• Flexography

• Rotogravure

• Digital Printing

• Others