Markets and Markets attributes this growth to the increasing demand from a multitude of industries: food and beverage (currently the biggest market for flexible packaging), healthcare, cosmetics and toiletries, importing and exporting, oil and lubricants, household products, agricultural products, and sporting goods. Not just one industry, but many, will drive the increases in flexible packaging use.
According to the Markets and Markets report, flexible packaging is becoming a preference to globally aware consumers. Product manufacturers, who are held responsible for consumer and product safety, as well as having environmental concerns and obligations, find this type of packaging versatile in a way that addresses these responsibilities and obligations. Less raw material is required to produce flexible packaging than with traditional packaging, as well as less energy and space required to manufacture and store flexible over traditional packaging.
The Flexible Packaging Association illustrates the advantages of flexible packaging this way:
Many forms of flexible packaging have highly effective barrier properties allowing extended freshness of the product contained inside. For instance, improvements in flexible films are said to increase the shelf life of meats sold in grocery stores by 23 days. Returns and rejects have proven to be lessened or eliminated with increased use of flexible packaging. Increased shelf life afforded by better packaging choices amounts to less stress on the supply chain and reduced waste.
Warehouse and factory space, labor, time, and transportation costs should be factored into every operation's decisions and a good flexible package can save in all areas.
Sources: Markets and Markets and Flexible Packaging Association