Canada Flexible Packaging Market Overview, 2030

The flexible packaging market in Canada is experiencing substantial growth due to various factors, including changing consumer preferences, the increasing demand for convenient products, and the expansion of the e-commerce sector. Flexible packaging, which includes pouches, films, bags, and wraps, is increasingly favored across a wide range of industries due to its lightweight nature, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. The food and beverage sector is the largest contributor to the flexible packaging market in Canada, with demand driven by the growing popularity of ready-to-eat meals, snacks, beverages, and frozen foods. Flexible packaging offers significant advantages in this sector, such as improved product shelf life, excellent barrier properties that protect against moisture, oxygen, and light, and the ability to customize packaging to fit specific product requirements. In addition, as consumers become more health-conscious, there is a rising demand for products that are easy to portion and store, making flexible packaging ideal for single-serve and portion-controlled packaging solutions. Beyond food and beverages, personal care and household products are also adopting flexible packaging as it provides greater convenience and protection while being easy to transport and store. The increased penetration of modern retail formats, particularly in urban areas, combined with the continued rise of e-commerce, is also playing a key role in the growth of the flexible packaging market in Canada. With more consumers shopping online, packaging that ensures safe delivery and easy handling is becoming increasingly important, and flexible packaging is well-suited to meet these needs.

According to the research report "Canada Flexible Packaging Market Overview, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the Canada flexible packaging market is anticipated to add to more than USD 2.03 Billion by 2025–30. While the demand for flexible packaging continues to grow, sustainability has become a primary concern in Canada, with consumers and manufacturers alike focusing on reducing the environmental impact of packaging. Flexible packaging has an inherent advantage over traditional rigid packaging in that it typically uses less material, which reduces overall waste and lowers transportation costs due to its lighter weight. However, the challenge of recycling multi-layered flexible packaging remains an issue, as many of the materials used in flexible packaging are not easily recyclable through existing systems. This has led to increased efforts from manufacturers to create recyclable and biodegradable alternatives. Many packaging companies in Canada are now turning to mono-material films, which are easier to recycle, and exploring bioplastics made from renewable resources as a sustainable solution. In addition, the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content is becoming more widespread, with manufacturers incorporating recycled materials into their flexible packaging products to reduce reliance on virgin plastic. The Canadian government has introduced several initiatives aimed at promoting recycling and reducing plastic waste, which is encouraging companies to adopt more sustainable packaging practices. Furthermore, consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions has been growing, with many Canadians seeking products that align with their environmental values. As sustainability becomes an essential consideration in the packaging industry, companies are investing in innovation and technology to meet consumer expectations and regulatory requirements. The future of flexible packaging in Canada will be shaped by the development of more sustainable materials, improved recycling processes, and increased consumer awareness of the environmental impact of packaging, with businesses seeking to balance the need for convenience and functionality with environmental responsibility.

The flexible packaging market in Canada is segmented by product type, with key categories including pouches, bags, wraps, films, and other packaging solutions such as sachets, stick packs, and liners. Pouches have gained significant traction in Canada due to their versatility and convenience in packaging a wide range of products. Stand-up pouches, commonly used for food products like snacks, baby food, and ready-to-eat meals, offer a practical solution for manufacturers seeking effective shelf display and space-saving benefits. These pouches are lightweight, cost-efficient, and offer excellent product protection and freshness preservation. Similarly, flat pouches are widely used for packaging liquid products, personal care items, and pet food. The flexibility and ease of use of pouches make them a popular choice in both retail and industrial markets. Bags are another important product category in Canada’s flexible packaging sector. They are commonly used to package bulk food items such as rice, flour, and sugar, as well as non-food products like pet food, detergents, and agricultural products. As consumer demand for bulk packaging increases, bags offer cost-effective and practical solutions for businesses seeking to package large quantities of goods. Wraps and films are also key components of the Canadian flexible packaging market. Wraps, often used for confectionery, chocolate bars, and small packaged foods, offer protection while maintaining the product's freshness. Films, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and other flexible materials, are widely used for packaging products across various sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. These materials are lightweight, cost-efficient, and capable of offering product visibility, tamper resistance, and high-speed automation for manufacturers. Other forms of flexible packaging, such as sachets, stick packs, and liners, are gaining popularity, particularly for single-serve packaging in food and beverage applications, as well as in the pharmaceutical sector.

The material types used in flexible packaging in Canada are essential to the market's growth, with plastic, paper, and aluminum foil being the most common options. Plastic is the dominant material in the Canadian flexible packaging market due to its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and performance capabilities. Materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are widely used in packaging applications, offering a range of benefits such as moisture resistance, durability, and recyclability. PE is often used for food packaging, including snacks and beverages, due to its strength and flexibility, while PP is commonly used for packaging frozen foods and other products requiring higher durability. PET is widely used for beverage bottles and food containers due to its clarity, strength, and ability to preserve product freshness. Paper is an increasingly popular material in Canada’s flexible packaging market, driven by growing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. Paper is biodegradable and recyclable, making it an attractive choice for environmentally conscious consumers. It is often used for bakery products, organic food packaging, and other items that require a more natural, sustainable aesthetic. Aluminum foil is another essential material in flexible packaging, particularly for products requiring a high level of protection from light, air, and moisture. Foil packaging is widely used for snack bags, coffee, and ready-to-eat meals, as it helps extend shelf life and preserve the quality of products. In response to growing environmental concerns, bioplastics and other sustainable materials such as polyolefin and cellulose are also gaining popularity in Canada’s flexible packaging market. These materials offer biodegradable and recyclable alternatives to traditional plastics, providing sustainable solutions for industries looking to reduce their environmental footprint. Other materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyamide are also used for specific applications requiring enhanced strength and flexibility, making them suitable for packaging products in the healthcare, consumer goods, and industrial sectors. The selection of materials in flexible packaging is driven by a combination of factors, including product requirements, consumer preferences, cost, and sustainability considerations.

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.