The Flexible Packaging Association’s recently published 2017 State of the Flexible Packaging Industry Report provides an overview of the performance of the U.S. flexible packaging industry in 2016. The Report focuses on the value added segment of the U.S. flexible packaging industry, which enhances flexible materials by performing multiple processes such as extrusion, lamination, and printing.

The State of the Flexible Packaging Industry Report is a definitive source of information regarding industry size, structure, market segments, and key packaging products. Data in the Report is based on primary research conducted by FPA, which includes surveys of FPA converter and material/equipment supplier members. Secondary data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Commerce, industry analysts, and investment banking reports, is also included within the Report. Several aspects of the industry are examined within the Report, including performance; materials and processes; end-uses; industry structure; imports and exports; and industry vision and challenges.

FPA continues its review of the 2017 Report within this issue of the FPA Update. This month, the “End-Uses” and “Industry Structure” sections of the Report are highlighted.

End-Uses

Steady growth and expansion of the $30.2 billion flexible packaging industry has been aided by innovation in technology and products, growth in new and existing markets, and an ability to adapt to the changing environment of today’s marketplace and consumers. According to the 2017 SOI Report, 58 percent of flexible packaging is used for food sold through retail outlets and food sold to institutions. This year’s composite data results also provided additional detail/estimates for beverages at nine percent; personal care at six percent; pet food at five percent; and tobacco at three percent. Additional data on flexible packaging end-uses is available within the Report, including the U.S. Census Bureau’s Retail Segments Data for 2014-2015.

Industry Structure

In 2016, the U.S. flexible packaging industry recorded 20 M&A domestic transactions, a slight increase from the 18 completed in 2015. The Report provides additional information on industry structure by revenue and company size, M&A activity from 2001-2016 (U.S.), planned acquisition activity, and worldwide M&A activity.

For More Information

For more information on the FPA 2017 State of the Flexible Packaging Industry Report, contact FPA’s Business & Economic Research Division, at fpa@flexpack.org or 410-694-0800, or visit www.flexpack.org.