United Kingdom (UK) Flexible Packaging Market Overview, 2030

The United Kingdom's flexible packaging market plays a critical role in the country’s broader packaging industry, backed by its rich history of innovation and adherence to strict regulatory standards. The UK’s flexible packaging market has witnessed significant growth over the years, driven by a combination of factors, including a dynamic manufacturing sector, retail growth, and the increasing demand for sustainable packaging. With the implementation of policies such as the UK Plastic Pact, which focuses on reducing single-use plastics and increasing the use of recyclable materials, the UK government has created a regulatory environment that actively promotes the use of eco-friendly packaging. The drive towards sustainability is also bolstered by consumer preferences, which are progressively leaning towards products packaged in recyclable, biodegradable, and environmentally-conscious materials. The country’s retail and export sectors further fuel the market’s expansion as global demand for UK-made packaged goods continues to rise. Flexible packaging, due to its lightweight, durable, and cost-effective nature, is widely used across various industries, such as food and beverage, healthcare, personal care, and household products. This widespread adoption is coupled with continuous innovations in packaging materials and design, enabling manufacturers to cater to the specific needs of both businesses and consumers. With growing concerns around plastic waste, many businesses are shifting their packaging strategies towards more sustainable alternatives, further shaping the future of the flexible packaging market. As businesses adapt to these regulatory and consumer-driven shifts, the flexible packaging sector is expected to play a pivotal role in the UK’s packaging landscape in the years to come.

According to the research report "UK Flexible Packaging Market Overview, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the UK flexible packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of more than 5.10% from 2025 to 2030. Several factors are driving this growth, including the increased demand for packaging solutions that prioritize convenience and the growing popularity of single-serve products. Consumer lifestyles are evolving, and with the rise of on-the-go consumption, there is a higher demand for packaging that supports portability while maintaining product freshness and quality. Another key driver is the ongoing advancements in packaging technologies, particularly in barrier technologies, which enhance shelf life and product protection. These innovations allow manufacturers to offer products that stay fresh for longer, thus supporting the growing trend of packaged foods and beverages. Additionally, the rise of smart packaging solutions, such as packaging with built-in sensors to track freshness or temperature, is becoming more prevalent in the UK market. This trend is also closely tied to consumer demand for transparency and enhanced user experience. Moreover, there is increasing pressure from both consumers and governments for companies to adopt more sustainable packaging solutions. As a result, the market is witnessing a shift toward recyclable and biodegradable materials, such as plant-based plastics and other eco-friendly alternatives, which are seen as essential to reducing environmental impact. Several key players are driving this market forward, including multinational companies like Amcor, Mondi Group, and Sealed Air Corporation, which hold substantial market shares due to their expertise in innovation and sustainability. The growing demand for sustainable packaging has opened up opportunities for smaller companies that focus on niche markets, such as plant-based or bio-based packaging solutions, which are gaining traction among environmentally conscious consumers. With continued innovation, the flexible packaging market in the UK is set to evolve to meet the growing demand for sustainable, functional, and efficient packaging solutions.

The flexible packaging market in the UK is segmented by end-user industries, each with specific needs and preferences when it comes to packaging solutions. The food and beverage sector is the largest consumer of flexible packaging, driven by the necessity of maintaining product freshness, enhancing shelf appeal, and providing convenient packaging that meets the on-the-go consumption demands of modern consumers. Flexible packaging solutions like pouches, wraps, and films are commonly used in food products such as snacks, frozen foods, beverages, and ready-to-eat meals. These products require packaging that is not only protective but also lightweight and cost-effective. The healthcare and pharmaceutical industry also makes significant use of flexible packaging for products like medicines and medical devices. These products often require sterile, tamper-evident, and airtight packaging to ensure safety and quality. In the personal care and cosmetics sector, flexible packaging is favored for its aesthetic appeal, convenience, and ability to offer a range of features like resealability and ease of use. Flexible packaging materials in this industry are also used for shampoos, lotions, creams, and other beauty products, where consumer convenience and visual appeal are paramount. The household products segment benefits from flexible packaging’s ability to offer durable, lightweight, and leak-proof solutions, making it suitable for products like detergents, cleaning wipes, and other household goods. Lastly, the industrial goods sector, including products such as lubricants, adhesives, and chemicals, requires flexible packaging that ensures the protection of goods during transportation and handling. Additionally, niche markets like agriculture and automotive sectors have further increased the demand for flexible packaging solutions, showcasing the material’s versatility. The adaptability of flexible packaging across these industries highlights its importance in catering to a broad range of consumer and business needs, solidifying its place as a key element in the UK's packaging sector.

In terms of product types, the UK flexible packaging market includes various formats, each tailored to meet the specific needs of consumers and industries. Pouches are among the most popular packaging formats, due to their versatility, ability to stand upright, and suitability for both solid and liquid products. Pouches are commonly used in the food and beverage industry, where they offer convenience and space-saving benefits. Bags and wraps are also widely used in the UK flexible packaging market, particularly for bulk packaging and applications that require easy storage and transportation. Bags are ideal for packaging products like cereals, snacks, and frozen foods, while wraps are often used for larger, bulkier items. Films are another key component of the flexible packaging market, known for their barrier properties and cost-effectiveness. These are frequently used for both primary and secondary packaging, protecting products from external factors like moisture, oxygen, and light. In addition to these common product types, other specialized formats such as sachets, stick packs, and liners are gaining popularity, particularly in the personal care and pharmaceutical industries. Material selection is a critical factor in the flexible packaging market, with plastic being the most widely used material due to its durability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. However, growing environmental concerns have led to the increased adoption of alternative materials, including paper, aluminum foil, and biodegradable plastics. Polyolefin and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are gaining ground as eco-friendly alternatives that offer both performance and recyclability. These materials provide a balance between cost, functionality, and sustainability, enabling businesses to meet the demands of eco-conscious consumers while maintaining the effectiveness of their packaging solutions.BThe UK flexible packaging market is poised for sustained growth, driven by innovations in material science, evolving consumer preferences, and increasing regulatory demands for sustainability. Companies are increasingly adopting more sustainable practices in response to growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. With advancements in packaging technologies, such as smart packaging and improved barrier solutions, the UK market continues to evolve to meet the diverse needs of its end-users. The market’s growth is also fueled by the growing demand from key sectors like food and beverage, healthcare, and personal care, which rely on packaging solutions that combine convenience, protection, and aesthetics. As the UK focuses on reducing plastic waste and transitioning to more sustainable alternatives, the flexible packaging market is expected to continue thriving, playing an integral role in the country’s packaging industry. The adaptability and eco-friendly innovations in this market position it well for future success.

Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030



Aspects covered in this report
• Flexible Packaging market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Types of Material in the report:
• Plastic
• Paper
• Aluminum Foil
• Others

By End-Use in the report:
• Food
• Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Personal care
• Others

Types of Packaging in the report:
• Bags
• Wraps
• Pouches
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Flexible Packaging industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.