The global packaging market is expected to top over $US 1 trillion early in the 2020s. This is driven by the growth of emerging market consumers looking for the convenience and safety of packaged goods, as well consumer expectations in developed markets for portability, safety, product freshness, and convenience. Additionally, there has been a trend toward conversion from other package formats to flexible packaging1 in many product categories, due to its lightweight nature, shelf life extension, easy open/reclose along with other features enabled through flexible packaging. The convergence of more people and more packaging, also means that sustainability and end-of-life considerations are gaining in importance for consumer product companies and package developers.

A Holistic View of the Role of Flexible Packaging in a Sustainable World strives to provide a comprehensive view on flexible packaging and its environmental impacts. The report is focused on the U.S. perspective, though global data and context are utilized to provide a broader picture. The report looks at the current state for flexible packaging, while also providing foresight into potential future implications.