Latin America Flexible Packaging Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The Latin America flexible packaging market attained a value of USD 8.49 billion in 2024. The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.90% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of USD 11.30 billion by 2034.

Latin America Flexible Packaging Market Growth

Flexible packaging refers to a type of packaging which uses non-stiff or bendable materials, enabling more customisable and economical options. This type of packaging uses a combination of flexible materials including aluminium, plastic, and paper, and is preferred due to its cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

The rising demand for convenient and cost-effective packaging solutions, particularly in emerging markets, is a major driver for stimulating Latin America flexible packaging market expansion. Flexible packaging offers inherent affordability and economic advantages over traditional rigid counterparts. As industries now seek economical yet reliable packaging, the market leverages its cost-efficient attributes to cater to evolving demands.

Key Trends and Developments

Rising demand for recyclable packaging, rapid expansion of e-commerce, and growing consumption of dairy and personal care products are factors shaping the Latin America flexible packaging market outlook

June 2024

Bioelements Group, a Latin American company that offers custom biodegradable and compostable packaging solutions, is expanding into the U.S. by opening its new national headquarters and a planned research facility in Houston.

June 2024

The world's largest independent McDonald's franchise, Arcos Dorados, has launched a new sustainable packaging initiative in Latin America, which can eliminate the use of polyethylene coatings and PFAS chemicals, thereby reducing waste produced by the fast-food industry.

May 2024

The Mexican government imposed import tariffs ranging from 15% to 35% on 21 packaging and paper products, effective till April 23, 2026. This measure aims to make imports from the United States attractive due to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and lower logistical costs.

July 2021

Smurfit Kappa, a leading manufacturer of paper-based packaging products, has acquired Cartonbox, a folding carton company located in Monterrey, Mexico. This acquisition strengthens Smurfit Kappa's presence in the Mexican paper packaging market.

Rising demand for recyclable packaging

Growing initiatives by packaging businesses across Latin America to introduce sustainable packaging models are leading to Latin America flexible packaging market development. Recently, ProAmpac launched new products from its ProActive Sustainability Portfolio, including ProActive Recyclable R-2050 and ProActive Post Industrial Recycled Content (PIR) films, which are reusable, recyclable, safe, and strong.

Innovative packaging designs

Flexible packaging manufacturers are investing in design and technology innovations to create more convenient, functional, and visually appealing packaging. This includes features like resealable pouches and stand-up pouches.

Increased demand for smaller pack sizes

There is a growing preference among Latin American consumers for smaller, more convenient package sizes, especially for food and beverage products. This trend is driven by smaller household sizes and on-the-go lifestyles.

Expansion of private label brands

The rise of private label brands in Latin America is fuelling demand for flexible packaging. Grupo Bimbo, a leading Mexican bakery company, has successfully launched its private label brand Bimbo in various Latin American countries, utilising flexible packaging to differentiate its products.

Latin America Flexible Packaging Market Trends

The rapid expansion of e-commerce in Latin America has triggered heightened demand for packaging solutions tailored for digital commerce. Flexible packaging is the preferred choice, as it is lightweight, durable, and optimises shipping costs and supply chain efficiency to meet the unique needs of online retail. As consumer shopping habits continue to shift online, the Latin America flexible packaging market positions itself as a vital player offering innovative solutions.

Strong demand for dairy, confectionary, and personal care products across emerging economies like Mexico and Brazil, is leading to a market expansion. Meanwhile, the robust growth of the pet food sector is also invigorating the Latin America flexible packaging market growth. Furthermore, over the past few years, the agricultural, pharmaceutical, and poultry output in parts of Latin America have witnessed an upward trajectory. Therefore, the demand for meat, clean-labelled vegetable products, and drugs are likely to add to the market’s value in the coming years.

Latin America Flexible Packaging Industry Segmentation

The report titled “Latin America Flexible Packaging Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Product Type

• Printed Rollstock
• Preformed Bags and Pouches
• Others

Market Breakup by Raw Material

• Film
• Resin
• Foil
• Paper
• Inks, Coating and Adhesive
• Others

Market Breakup by Printing Technology

• Flexography
• Rotogravure
• Digital
• Others

Market Breakup by Application

• Food and Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Cosmetics
• Others

Market Breakup by Country

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Peru
• Others

Latin America Flexible Packaging Market Share

Preformed bags and pouches are high in demand as they are easy to use and provide convenience

The preformed bags and pouches segment, based on product type, accounts for a healthy share of the market. Preformed bags and pouches are lightweight, easy to carry, versatile, and provide great product integrity bringing convenience to the vendors and end users. In addition, the increasing adoption of preformed bags and pouches as single-use packaging alternatives is fuelling the segment’s growth.

The printed roll stock segment of the Latin America flexible packaging market report includes printed films, laminates, and coatings that are supplied in roll form for further converting into flexible packaging. Key trends in this segment include increased demand for high-quality printing and graphics to enhance shelf appeal, growing adoption of sustainable materials like recyclable and compostable films, and advancements in printing technologies like digital printing enabling more customisation.

Film and paper segments hold a significant market share due to their wide adoption across industries

As per Latin America flexible packaging market analysis, film materials play a crucial role in flexible packaging, with polyethylene (PE) being the most used. PE films offer good barrier properties, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Polypropylene (PP) films are also widely used due to their strength, heat sealability, and moisture barrier properties.

Foil materials, particularly aluminum foil, are also used for packaging as they provide excellent barrier properties against moisture, oxygen, and light, making them popular for food and pharmaceutical packaging. Paper and paperboard are also used as flexible packaging solutions, where Kraft and coated paper is a common substrate due to its strength and printability. Paperboard, in contrast, is used for applications requiring more rigidity, such as cartons and boxes.

Leading Manufacturers in the Latin America Flexible Packaging Market

Market players are investing in innovative packaging designs, technologies, and applications to gain a competitive advantage

Amcor Plc

Amcor Plc is a leading packaging company which offers flexible packaging solutions to cater to packaging demands of various sectors. It was founded in 1896 and is headquartered in Victoria, Australia.

Sealed Air Corporation

Sealed Air Corporation is a packaging company established in 1960 and headquartered in North Carolina, United States. This company is known for its brands such as Cryovac Food Packaging and Bubble Wrap Cushioning Packaging.

Sonoco Products Company

Sonoco Products Company specialises in packaging, offering a variety of products related to consumer packaging, protective packaging, and industrial packaging, among others. It was established in 1899 and is headquartered in South Carolina, United States.

Berry Global Group, Inc.

Berry Global Group, Inc. is a Fortune 500 global manufacturer of plastic packaging products. Founded in 1967, the company is headquartered in Indiana, United States. The company has three core divisions, namely, health, hygiene, and specialties; consumer packaging; and engineered materials.

Other key players in the Latin America flexible packaging market include Guala Pack S.p.a., Bomplastic - Bom Jesus Plásticos LTDA, and Graphic Packaging Holding Company, among others.

Latin America Flexible Packaging Market Analysis by Country

Brazil leads the market, driven by economic development, rising consumer demand, and evolving packaging trends across the country

Based on country, Brazil is likely to be a fast-growing market for flexible packaging in the forecast period, owing to the growing demand for multipack and economy consumables. Increasing investments by private players to setup new facilities, coupled with favourable government regulations are expanding opportunities for the flexible packaging market in the country. Moreover, increasing spending of consumers in Brazil on cosmetics, personal care, and snacks, among other products, is further generating the demand for flexible packaging.

Mexico is expected to hold a sizable Latin America flexible packaging market share as Mexico’s flexible packaging industry has seen growth driven by the food and beverage sectors, as well as rising e-commerce. To cater to the e-commerce demand for packaging, in October 2022, Inteplast Engineered Films invested in expanding its sustainable InteGreen film products for the Mexican market, including mailer bags with up to 80% recycled content. These mailer bags have enhanced the convenience of shipping and delivery for both merchants and consumers by providing weather-resistant packaging for a wide range of products.