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Future-Ready Flex: Top Flexible Packaging Trends for 2025

Posted 23 jan 2025 by Anna Zieba, Marketing Manager, Tapes, Labels, and Graphics

As we step into 2025, the flexible packaging industry is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by innovative technology, changing consumer preferences, and increasing regulatory demands. The key trends shaping the future of flexible packaging include sustainability, food safety, and advances in adhesives and substrates. These developments are setting the stage for a more convenient, eco-friendly, and efficient packaging landscape. Drawing insights from the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE), and industry reports, this blog post explores the key trends shaping the flexible packaging landscape.

1. Sustainability Takes Center Stage

Sustainability remains a top priority, with companies and consumers alike demanding eco-friendly solutions. Key developments in this area include:

  • Recyclable and Compostable Materials: Innovations in substrates, such as recyclable plastics, mono structures and compostable films, are becoming more prevalent. These materials help reduce environmental impact and advance sustainability goals of the value chain.
  • Adhesives for Sustainability: The evolution of adhesives plays a significant role in sustainability. Products like H.B. Fuller's Recyclass certified solvent-based laminating adhesive Flextra® SBA5250 + XA3350 and industrially compostable water-based and solventless laminating products enable packaging to be more environmentally friendly. These adhesives support sustainability efforts, helping reduce waste and promote a circular economy.

2. Enhanced Food Safety

Food safety is paramount in flexible packaging, with new technologies and materials ensuring products remain fresh and safe for consumption, even after undergoing sterilization, boiling or microwaving to ensure no migration in the food after processing or storage:

  • Advanced Barrier Properties: Improved barrier films prevent contamination and extend shelf life. Innovations in this area are essential for maintaining the safety of food products.
  • Migration-Resistant Adhesives: Adhesives have also evolved to meet stringent food safety standards, reducing the risk of harmful substances migrating into food products.

3. Innovative Adhesives and Substrates

The adhesive and substrate market is witnessing significant advancements, driven by the need for better performance and sustainability:

  • Solvent-Free Adhesives: The shift towards solvent-free adhesives is gaining momentum. These adhesives not only reduce VOC emissions but also enhance the safety and environmental profile of packaging.
  • High-Performance Substrates: New substrates are being developed to provide better mechanical properties, such as strength and flexibility, while also being compatible with sustainable adhesives.

4. Convenience in Packaging

On-the-go consumption has significantly fueled the demand for convenience foods and beverages. Pre-packed fresh foods, microwavable meals, and smaller pack sizes are increasingly popular. Additionally, portable and resealable packaging solutions cater to consumers who value flexibility and convenience. This trend is expected to grow as urbanization continues in developing countries and consumers seek more practical packaging options.

  • Easy-to-Open and Resealable Packaging: Consumers are looking for packaging that is easy to open and can be resealed to maintain freshness. This trend is particularly significant in the food industry, where convenience is a key driver of consumer choice and help address needs of rising population one-person households and aging population.
  • Portion-Controlled Packaging: Single-serve and portion-controlled packaging is gaining popularity. These formats cater to on-the-go lifestyles and help reduce food waste by providing the right amount of product.

5. Regulatory Compliance and Industry Standards

Companies in the flexible packaging industry will be expected to make the following consideration in order to stay compliant with evolving regulations:

  • European Green Deal and Plastics Strategy: The European Union's Green Deal and Plastics Strategy are driving significant changes in packaging standards. Companies must stay informed and adapt to these regulations to remain competitive.
  • Global Harmonization: Efforts to harmonize packaging standards globally are ongoing. This trend simplifies compliance for multinational companies and ensures consistent quality and safety standards.

As we look ahead to 2025, the flexible packaging industry is poised for continued growth and innovation at an annual rate of 3.2% in years 2023-2028 and reach $341.6 billion in 2028.  Companies that embrace sustainability, prioritize food safety, leverage advanced adhesives and substrates, and take rising convenience trend into account as well as stay compliant with regulatory standards will lead the market. By staying at the forefront of these trends, businesses can establish themselves as thought leaders and drive new sales and leads in this dynamic industry.

Sources:

  • Flexible Packaging Association: FPA
  • Flexible Packaging Europe: FPE
  • The Future of Global Flexible Packaging to 2028 – Smithers Report
  • Laminating Adhesives Market: Forecast to 2028 – Markets and Markets Report

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