According to Future Market Insights, the global flexible packaging paper market is entering a transformative decade, forecasted to surge from USD 38.2 billion in 2025 to USD 76.4 billion by 2035, marking a 100% growth over the forecast period. With a projected CAGR of 7.20%, this growth highlights the industry's decisive shift toward sustainable, high-performance, and renewable packaging alternatives.

Key Market Drivers: Flexible Packaging Paper Market (2025–2035)
• Growing demand for eco-friendly and recyclable packaging
• Shift toward renewable, fiber-based materials
• Expansion of food & beverage and snack packaging sectors
• Technological advancements in coating and lamination
• Rising use in pharmaceutical and consumer goods packaging
• Government bans on single-use plastics
• Growth of e-commerce and lightweight packaging needs
• Increasing consumer preference for sustainable brands
• Improved recycling and fiber recovery systems
• Investments by leading and emerging manufacturers in innovation and capacity expansion
Rising Global Preference for Paper-Based Packaging
The expansion of the flexible packaging paper market is underpinned by growing consumer demand for compostable and biodegradable packaging solutions. As industries increasingly pivot away from plastics, paper-based materials are gaining prominence for their ability to provide moisture resistance, grease protection, and printability while being environmentally responsible.
Kraft Paper Dominates the Product Landscape
By paper type, kraft paper continues to dominate the flexible packaging paper market, accounting for nearly 58% of total market share in 2025. Known for its strength, cost-effectiveness, and scalability, kraft paper remains a preferred choice across food, industrial, and retail packaging applications.
Food Packaging Segment Drives Market Momentum
The food packaging segment, holding around 47% of the market share in 2025, continues to be the key driver of demand. As consumers prioritize freshness, hygiene, and convenience, food manufacturers are rapidly adopting flexible packaging paper for its excellent grease barrier properties and superior presentation appeal.
Analysis of the Flexible Packaging Paper Market by Key Country
Country CAGR (2025-2035)
USA 6.9%
Germany 6.4%
UK 6.1%
China 8.9%
Japan 5.8%

Competitive Landscape: Collaboration and Technology Define Success
The competitive environment features both long-standing industry leaders and new entrants eager to innovate. Major players are
• Mondi Group
• International Paper Company
• WestRock Company
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Stora Enso Oyj
• Sappi Limited
• UPM-Kymmene Corporation
• Ahlstrom-Munksjö Oyj
• Gascogne Group
• Nordic Paper AS
Future Outlook:
The future of the flexible packaging paper market lies in collaboration across the value chain. Governments, industry bodies, and manufacturers are expected to work together to advance fiber recovery infrastructure, recycling literacy, and innovation in paper conversion.
For businesses, the message is clear: investing in technology, training, and sustainable production practices will be key to capitalizing on the market’s next growth phase. As global awareness of eco-friendly packaging intensifies, flexible packaging paper stands out as a resilient, adaptive, and essential solution for the modern packaging era.
Read the Flexible Packaging Paper Market report here.
Source: FMI