growth of e-commerce and changing consumer lifestyles are driving the growth of the Flexible Paper Market at a CAGR of 2.8% during the forecast period 2025 to 2035

Market Research Future (MRFR) has published a cooked research report on the “Global Flexible Paper Market” that contains the information from 2019 to 2035.

The Global Flexible Paper Market is estimated to register a CAGR of 2.8 % during the forecast period of 2025 to 2035.

MRFR recognizes the following companies as the key players in the Global Flexible Paper Market — Westrock, Mondi PLC, DS SMITH, International Paper, Georgia-Pacific LLC, SaicaPack, Smurfit Kappa, Stora Enso, UPM, Oji Holdings Corporation and others.

The Global Flexible Paper Market is accounted for registering a CAGR of 2.8% during the forecast period and is estimated to reach USD 323.23 billion by 2035.

Rising awareness about climate change and pollution has led consumers to prefer eco-friendly packaging solutions. Flexible paper packaging stands out as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic packaging due to its renewable and biodegradable nature. Stringent regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices are compelling industries to switch to paper-based solutions. For instance, governments globally are imposing bans or restrictions on single-use plastics, encouraging companies to adopt sustainable packaging methods. Consumers are increasingly seeking products packaged in ways that reflect their values. Brands that prioritize sustainability often see improved customer loyalty and reputation. Flexible paper packaging fits this bill by offering a durable yet eco-friendly option for various products, including food items, cosmetics, and personal care products. As of January 2023, globally the percentage for consumers that are demanding sustainable packaging has risen to 81%, another huge jump towards eliminating plastic waste. A clear message to businesses that sustainable packaging is the way forward!

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Segmental Analysis

The Global Flexible Paper Market has been segmented based on by Type, by Weight & Thickness, by Application and by End-Use Industry.

Based on Type, this segment includes Unbleached Kraft Paper, Bleached Kraft Paper, Coated Paper (Coated Unbleached Kraft, Coated Bleached Kraft), Barrier Paper (Water-Resistant, Oil-Resistant, Others), Specialty Paper, Others. The Unbleached Kraft Paper segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Barrier Paper is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Unbleached Kraft Paper is a durable, eco-friendly packaging material derived from unbleached wood pulp. It is known for its natural brown color, high strength, and excellent tear resistance, making it ideal for packaging heavy items and environmentally sustainable products. Due to the lack of bleaching, this type of kraft paper has a reduced environmental impact, making it particularly attractive for companies prioritizing sustainability. Many industries, including food and beverage, retail, and e-commerce, are transitioning to unbleached kraft paper packaging to align with sustainability goals and meet consumer expectations for green packaging. Governments worldwide are implementing regulations to reduce plastic waste and limit the use of chemically treated packaging materials, which is driving demand for kraft paper as a natural, chemical-free alternative.

Based on Weight & Thickness, this segment includes Lightweight Paper (30-70 gsm), Medium Weight Paper (70-150 gsm), Heavyweight Paper (150-300 gsm). The Heavyweight Paper (150-300 gsm) segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Medium Weight Paper (70-150 gsm) segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Heavyweight Paper (150-300 gsm) is a durable, thick paper used for applications requiring added rigidity, strength, and durability. Due to its robust characteristics, heavyweight paper is often chosen for premium packaging, sturdy labels, gift wrapping, and protective inserts. This type of paper is ideal for products needing extra support and a premium feel, enhancing consumer perceptions of quality and value. Heavyweight paper is increasingly used in the retail and gifting sectors for items like gift bags, gift wrapping, and shopping bags. Its durability and premium finish make it suitable for creating visually appealing, sturdy packaging that enhances brand perception. Manufacturers are introducing heavyweight papers that are fully recyclable and compostable, aligning with sustainability goals. These products are particularly appealing for food, beverage, and high-end packaging. With the rise in e-commerce, heavyweight paper is used for sturdy, visually appealing packaging that can withstand shipping while offering a premium look. Many brands are using heavyweight paper inserts, packaging sleeves, and boxes to create a memorable customer experience.

Based on Application, this segment includes Food Packaging (Bakery & Confectionery Products, Snacks, Frozen Foods, Beverages, Others), Non-Food Packaging, Labeling (Personal Care Products, Household Products, Industrial Products, Others), Consumer Packaging Goods (Envelopes, Paper Bags, Others), Others. The Food Packaging segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Consumer Packaging Goods (Envelopes) segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Flexible paper is widely used in packaging for items such as food, consumer products, and e-commerce deliveries. Its flexibility, printability, and sustainable options make it a preferred material for various packaging forms, including wraps, bags, and pouches. Flexible paper packaging is highly valued for its versatility, sustainability, and adaptability to various product shapes and sizes, making it an attractive alternative to plastic and other non-recyclable packaging options. It is commonly used for items in food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods, offering advantages in branding, functionality, and eco-friendliness. Recent advances allow flexible paper to be used for products requiring water, moisture, oil, and gas barriers. For instance, in February 2023, ProAmpac, a flexible packaging and material science company, announced the launch of its newest addition to the ProActive Recyclable series, ProActive Recyclable Paper-1000.

Based on End-Use Industry, this segment includes Food and Beverage, Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics and Personal Care, Retail and E-commerce, Automotive, Electronics, Others. The Food and Beverage segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Retail and E-commerce is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Food and beverage segment include flexible paper products used for various packaging applications such as food wraps, bags, cartons, trays, and labels for a wide array of food and beverage items. Increasing environmental concerns and consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging are driving food and beverage companies to adopt paper-based solutions. For instance, in August 2024, Pakka, a compostable packaging solutions manufacturer, collaborated with date-based healthy food products company, Brawny Bear to launch its energy bar with compostable flexible paper packaging, Date Energy Bar. According to the companies, the newly launched energy bars provide a healthy snack choice while also focusing on increasing crisis of packaging waste. Moreover, flexible paper provides a sustainable alternative to plastic, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. To improve functionality for food products, manufacturers are developing flexible paper with moisture and grease resistant barriers. For instance, in April 2024, Koehler Paper partnered with nucao, a chocolate manufacturer to provide nucao with its flexible packaging paper, Koehler NexPlus Advanced, to boost the company’s sustainability on the chocolate shelf.

Regional Analysis

Geographically, the Global Flexible Paper Market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa and South America.

Major demand factors driving the Asia-Pacific market are the growing demand for sustainable packaging and advancements in flexible paper technology and growth of e-commerce and changing consumer lifestyles. Governments across Asia Pacific are introducing stricter regulations to curb plastic waste. For instance, Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024, aim to strengthen the management of plastic waste in India. It includes stricter regulations for the use and sale of plastic packaging, including marking and labeling to specify biodegradability or compostability. Also, in 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) announced that single-use plastics would be phased out by July 2022. This includes items like plastic cutlery, balloons, ice cream sticks, and decorative items. Moreover, various countries across the region have implemented policies to reduce single-use plastics, encouraging industries to adopt alternatives such as flexible paper. Asia Pacific has one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing e-commerce markets, led by countries such as China, Japan, and India.

The North America region consists of U.S. and Canada. The region expected to experience substantial growth, primarily driven by increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and strict environmental regulations. Regulatory bodies in North America, especially in the U.S. and Canada, are imposing restrictions on single-use plastics, driving the adoption of flexible paper as a sustainable alternative. For instance, in June 2022, Canada announced that it has prohibit the import, manufacture, and sale of six types of single-use plastics by establishing the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations (SUPPR), which. Furthermore, the market finds extensive applications in food and beverage packaging, e-commerce, healthcare, and personal care. The regional e-commerce boom, fueled by rising online shopping, requires flexible, lightweight, and recyclable packaging solutions, increasing demand for flexible paper in protective and aesthetic packaging.

The Europe Flexible Paper Market consists of countries including Germany, UK, France, Russia Italy, Spain and Rest of Europe. The region is known for advanced recycling infrastructure and sustainability mandates; Europe has a high adoption rate of eco-friendly packaging. It is one of the leading global markets for flexible paper, fueled by high environmental awareness, stringent regulations, and an advanced recycling infrastructure. Demand for sustainable packaging solutions in food, healthcare, cosmetics, and e-commerce is particularly strong in the region. Europe's emphasis on the circular economy and reducing single-use plastics has led to a steady shift toward flexible paper products. For instance, in April 2024, Parkside launched a range of recyclable paper-based flexible packaging materials, Recoflex papers.

The MEA flexible paper market comprises regions such as GCC countries, South Africa and Rest of MEA. The flexible paper market in the Middle East and Africa is improving gradually with the help of governmental regulations, sustainability concerns among the consumers, and increasing demand for green packaging. Transition from use of plastic to biodegradable and recyclable materials, growth of e-commerce, and innovations in paper making technologies are some of the key driving forces. Many nations across the Middle East and Africa region are beginning to enforce stricter plastic regulations, including the outlawing of plastic straws and other single use plastics. As a response, companies in these regions are seeking alternatives such as the eco-friendlier flexible paper which is not only biodegradable but also recyclable.

South America flexible paper market consists of countries including Brazil, REST OF SOUTH AMERICA, Argentina, and Rest of South America. Growth in the South America flexible paper market can be attributed to increasing need of sustainable packaging options especially in food and beverage, retail and healthcare sectors. Environmental awareness among consumers has caused a change in the demand trend of packaging solutions urged by the need for recyclable and biodegradable materials thus influencing the sales of flexible paper in several products. Therefore, there has been an increased adoption of flexible paper across the region, which is less harmful to the environment, as most of the consumers in that region are becoming environmentally aware and governments are restricting the use of plastics.

Key Findings of the Study

• The Global Flexible Paper Market is expected to reach USD 23 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 2.8% during the forecast period.


• The Asia-Pacific region accounted for the fastest-growing global market.


• Based on the End-Use Industry, the Food and Beverage segment was attributed to holding the largest market in 2024.


• Westrock, Mondi PLC, DS SMITH, International Paper, Georgia-Pacific LLC, SaicaPack, Smurfit Kappa, Stora Enso, UPM, Oji Holdings Corporation and others are some of the players in the market.