The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) has published its 2025 Economic Impact Report, revealing the immense contribution of the U.S. flexible packaging industry to the national economy. Prepared by John Dunham & Associates, the report details that the industry is responsible for $151.4 billion in total economic output and supports nearly 400,000 American jobs across a wide array of sectors.

“Flexible packaging is one of those industries that most people never think about, but can’t live without,” said Dan Felton, President and CEO of the FPA. “From food and medicine to critical household goods, flexible packaging keeps products protected, extends shelf life, and helps reduce waste.”

Economic Footprint: By the Numbers

• $151.4 billion in total U.S. economic output (~0.5% of GDP)
• 398,780 total jobs supported
• 98,420 direct manufacturing jobs
• 155,520 supplier jobs
• 144,840 induced jobs (e.g., retail, services)
• $33.46 billion in wages and benefits
• $13.35 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue

Used in pouches, films, and wraps, flexible packaging supports critical sectors including food & beverage, healthcare, logistics, and consumer goods. The segment's lightweight and material-efficient designs reduce transportation costs, conserve resources, and extend product shelf life—key attributes in the drive for circular economy solutions.

Beyond manufacturing, the ripple effects are vast. Flexible packaging supports raw material suppliers, design agencies, logistics firms, finance professionals, and technical service providers across all 50 states. This interconnectedness reinforces the industry's position as a foundational pillar of the American industrial landscape.

“The flexible packaging sector doesn’t just produce packages — it produces opportunity,” Felton noted. “As our members continue to invest in new materials, technologies, and recycling innovations, the economic and environmental value of flexible packaging will only continue to grow.”

The sector is also aligned with sustainability imperatives. As regulatory frameworks like the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) evolve globally, the U.S. industry is responding with increased R&D in recyclability, compostability, and responsible sourcing. Flexible packaging is among the fastest-growing segments in the U.S. due to its adaptability to such trends.

The FPA’s report provides granular data at national, state, and congressional district levels and can be accessed at flexpack.org/economic-impact.

In a market where consumers demand transparency, reduced waste, and lower carbon footprints, flexible packaging is positioned not only as a functional solution but also as a strategic driver of sustainable growth.