Japan Flexible Packaging Market Overview, 2027

The early days of packaging during the nomadic period saw the use of leaves, animal skins, nuts, or gourds to store and transport things. The industrial revolution brought about packaging technology during 1760-1840 as the demand arose for better quality packaging. The need to store and transport has given rise to the need for packaging, and with the innovations and technological advancements, flexible packaging has been introduced to the world markets. It has become imperative for brands to create their market position through effective and attractive packaging solutions to gain market share. Flexible packaging refers to package designs such as stand-up pouch bags, which comprise several layers of plastic and are designed to protect food from degrading. Eco-friendly materials used for flexible packaging boost the demand for the same as fewer materials are required to manufacture them and they are recyclable and can be reused. With the increase in sustainability among consumers, it has become of utmost importance for companies to promote these packaging types that help with the company reputation and brand building. Flexible packaging generates fewer GHG emissions than traditional packaging. The spouts, zip locks, and resealable packs are highly convenient for consumers to use and reuse easily. Also, the manufacturing costs of flexible packaging are lower as fewer materials are required in spite of the multiple layers of film created. Due to the multiple layers of the packaging, tempering and leaking problems are almost negligible and protected from wear out during transportation. Since the flexible packaging is light-weight, it reduces the shipping costs and is easily transported. The airtight packaging protects food from sunlight, temperatures, and moisture and is safely distributed over any length of distance, as it is highly durable and protects the exterior well. These are highly customizable in nature, as the materials can be blended to any size, shape, or visual desire. It enables unique designs that give flexible packaging a competitive edge. Branding on the packaging gives more design control to create brand awareness for recognisable and likeable packaging. Innovative packaging solutions are now part of marketing to create unique packaging with a versatile approach for business survival.

According to the report titled, 'Japan Flexible Packaging Market Overview, 2027', the market is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period. The future opportunities lie in the adoption of speciality film coatings; the proliferation of bio-based plastic films; growing frozen food demand; falling crude oil prices; and emerging world markets. China leads the flexible packaging market as it manufactures manufacturers' economical packaging solutions with the presence of many manufacturing facilities in the country. Plastic packaging is the most widely used, while paper and foil packaging are rising in demand due to their easy recyclability. However, paper packaging lacks strong packaging solutions and cannot be used for food and beverage packaging, which hinders its market growth. On the other hand, foil packaging is becoming more popular for food packaging as it preserves food from the external environment. Food and beverages have the highest application of flexible packaging forms with the changing consumer lifestyle habits and fast-paced life. Pouches and wraps are the common packaging types used as they are convenient and easy. Stringent regulations for packaging standards are expected to restrain market growth. Increases in raw material prices are expected to increase the overall packaging costs, which would ultimately increase the end product price. Also, it would minimise food losses and waste and improve barrier properties.

Plastic packaging was introduced in the 1800's and till date has been shaped into easy-dipping packets in recent times. It has become integral part of packaging solutions that helps us do more with less ranging from electronics, beauty product or food packets, plastic packaging has wide use and application. The first manmade plastic packaging was made by Alexander Parkes in London, who used a material derived from cellulose that was bio-based. It could be heated and formed into a variety of shapes as required. Today, the plastic used for flexible packaging is in great demand because of its unique properties and the protective shield that it provides. It is most widely used for food and beverage packaging as it extends the shelf life of the products while ensuring food safety from microorganisms and external conditions. These are reusable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly materials.

Plastic packaging is the most common material medium used for the packaging of food and beverages ever since their invention. It has been transformed over time into food grade packing material approved by regulatory bodies. The food packaging trends have changed in terms of application and technology and have become a visual part of the company's brand popularity. The rise in nuclear families and disposable income has given rise to smaller packing sizes of food and related products. From shelf bottles, lids, and containers to packing for frozen food, airtight films and wraps, plastics are used in a wide array of packaging solutions. Additionally, the rise of on-the-go and heat-and-eat food products has created demand for plastic flexible packaging solutions in recent times. Food delivery apps and rising e-commerce have further driven the market growth and are expected to grow rapidly over the forecast period as well.

The pouch type of flexible packaging is the most widely used form, as they are made from barrier film, foil, and spout with a cap that supports flowable liquid products. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including stand-up pouches, gusseted pouches, pillow pouches, three-side-seal pouches, and liquid pouches. They are designed with flexibility in mind to ease consumer use. They can resist ambient temperatures, and products remain fresh for a long time. These are light-weight, compact and result in minimal waste because they can be reused and recycled. They are cheaper than other materials, resalable and ecofriendly as they have lower carbon footprints that result in less space in landfills.

The lockdowns severely impacted the end-use industries, including the flexible packaging market, but not to a greater extent. Amid the pandemic, online shopping gained momentum, which created demand for flexible packaging. The raw materials were not secured in time due to transport and immobility factors affecting movements. When material, labour, and capital became scarce, manufacturers rethought their strategies. To recover post pandemic, they increased production capacities, with innovative approaches and affordable prices, to meet consumer demands. An increase in use of sterilising solutions as a result of the coronavirus epidemic is also driving the demand for the overall industry.

Considered in this report:

• Geography: Japan
• Base year: 2021
• Estimated year: 2022
• Forecast year: 2027

Aspects covered in this report:

• Japan 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 recommendations

Types of Material in the report:

• Plastic
• Paper
• Aluminium Foil
• Others

By End-Use in the report:

• Food
• Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Personal care
• Others

Types of Packaging in the report:

• Bags
• Wraps
• Pouches
• Others

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, analysing 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, the analyst has started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once they have the primary data, they start 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.