South America Flexible Packaging Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The South American flexible packaging market is estimated to reach US$20.726 billion in 2029 from estimated value of US$14.761 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 7.02%.

The purchasing tendencies of South American economies namely Brazil and Argentina are growing at a constant rate. Moreover, the demand for sustainable packaging options has witnessed significant growth in the region, especially in food & beverage applications, owing to which the consumption prevalence of flexible packaging options will witness a surge in the coming years, thereby bolstering the overall regional market expansion.

Market Drivers

The growing e-commerce sector has propelled the market growth.

A lot of foreign direct investments are being increasingly made in the South American nations to establish and expand the sphere of operations of various retail food and beverage chains. Besides, the eCommerce segment is making huge headway throughout the world and South America is no exception to this new means of consumerism. According to Visa Consulting & Analytics (VCA), in 2022, consumers in Latin America and the Caribbean made 112% more transactions in comparison to 2019.

The source further stated that the habit of online purchases grew by 200% in Argentina, 100% in Chile, Peru, and Guatemala, and 50% in Brazil, Panama, Ecuador, and Uruguay. Such bolstering growth is projected to drive the demand for flexible packaging options in South America’s e-commerce sector,

Efforts to promote sustainability in packaging applications are driving the market growth.

Major sectors such as food & beverage, retail, and personal care among others account for a major use of plastic packaging solutions owing to which they account for a major portion of the plastic waste created. South American nations are investing in new technological innovations to promote packaging material that has low carbon content, provides transparency in packaging, and caters to diversified consumer needs. Such initiatives have positively impacted the demand for flexible packaging options in South American economies, especially Brazil.

Further, the options for flexible packaging also allow various brands to adjust various ingredients and adopt new technologies that go into the making of flexible packaging, thereby reducing the waste created by the process. For instance, in March 2022, Huber Brasil launched “Hydro-Lac Oxygen Barrier Coating” which enables food manufacturers to use mono-materials for packaging food items. The technology bolsters flexible food packaging and solutions formed can be easily recycled.

Change in consumer preference is stimulating industry growth.

There is a growing inclination to utilize flexible packaging in beverages as well as to retain freshness and keep it from gathering odor. Hence, growing awareness regarding the negative impact of the usage of traditional and rigid packaging materials has provided a blueprint for flexible packaging options. Additionally, food and beverage manufacturers to ensure flavor and nutrient fortification are increasingly adopting flexible packaging.

To this end, flexible packaging is becoming the staple for grocers and retail chains that sell fresh produce. During the forecast period, the combined inclination of consumers towards a cleaner purchasing experience and government initiative is going to catapult the flexible packaging market of the region to healthy growth.

Key Developments

• In January 2023: Global packaging firm Sonoco established its new manufacturing facility in Brazil’s Resende. The new facility would produce steel easy-open closures and would act as Sonoco’s export center for the world. The establishment further expands the global player’s presence in the Brazilian market.
• In May 2022: Brazil-based producer of packaging paper Klabin launched its new flexible packaging solution “EkoFlex” which would be used in various applications such as food & beverage, and pharmaceuticals. The new product aimed to reduce plastic consumption in consumer goods packaging. 

Segmentation:

By Product Type

• Pouch
• Stand-up Pouch
• Flat Pouch
• Bag
• Gusset Bag
• Wicket Bag
• Wrap
• Films
• Others

By Material

• Plastic
• Polyethylene
• Polypropylene
• Polystyrene
• Polyvinyl Chloride
• Others
• Paper
• Aluminum Foil
• Bioplastics

By End-User Industry

• Food & Beverage
• Personal care
• Pharmaceutical
• Others

By Country

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Others