UK Flexible Plastic Packaging Market

UK Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Analysis

The UK Flexible Plastic Packaging Market size in terms of production volume is expected to grow from 1.46 million tonnes in 2025 to 1.70 million tonnes by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.05% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Plastic packaging is valued for its lightweight, affordable, and versatile nature. It shields products from contamination, extends shelf life, and ensures transportation.

• Sectors like food, beverages, cosmetics, and personal care are increasingly opting for flexible plastic packaging due to its safety, durability, and resistance to moisture. Notably, the UK plastic packaging sector is witnessing a growth in recycling and reprocessing, driven by initiatives like the UK Plastics Pact vision.
• Flexible packaging can offer barrier properties, ranging from moisture and aroma protection. Flexible plastic films can be molded into myriad shapes, with the addition of handles, fitments, and opening features being a straightforward process.
• In 2023, the UK implemented the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, covering all packaging, including flexibles. The first EPR payment is slated for 2024. While small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the United Kingdom might need help to meet sustainability demands, potentially creating a divide with larger suppliers, they can bridge this gap by defining specific sustainability roles and processes and aligning themselves with industry standards.
• Flexible products like pouches have advanced dispensing features, including screw-top caps and laser-scored tear features. Technical innovations extend to fitments for liquid packaging, evolving from traditional taps to modern solutions like connecting valves, one-way dispensers, and pop-up straws. These advancements are not just about convenience; they also ensure precise dosing and eliminate spillage.
• The country is also witnessing concerns regarding plastic packaging. According to a study by the University of Portsmouth in April 2024, UK households throw away an average of 60 pieces of plastic packaging per household weekly, an estimated 1.7 billion pieces of plastic nationally, equating to 90 billion pieces of plastic packaging being thrown away annually. This might limit the UK market's growth in plastic packaging.

UK Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Trends

Plastic Recycling is Expected to Drive the Market's Growth

• The UK government has taken proactive steps in the packaging and plastic waste sector, emphasizing the need to reform packaging norms for enhanced environmental sustainability. For instance, FlexCollect, the UK's extensive collaborative initiative supporting the collection and recycling of flexible plastic packaging, was launched with backing from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
• According to the British Plastics Federation, the plastics machinery sector in the UK caters mainly to niche markets, emphasizing high-quality, custom, and often compact processing machines. It prioritizes testing equipment, process measurement, control, and ancillary tools. Moreover, in response to the UK's strict recycling laws, the industry has spearheaded the development of various recycling technologies and equipment, solidifying its global leadership in this domain.
• An independent survey commissioned by the BPF and the Environmental Services Association collaboration revealed that 94% of UK adults recycle plastic regularly. These self-reported figures sharply contrast the UK's official recycling statistics, indicating a significant gap between professed and actual recycling habits.
• Efficiently recycling and recovering plastic waste is a pivotal strategy for cost reduction and environmental preservation, especially in manufacturing and retail. Plastic's recyclability underscores its value as a resource-efficient material, emphasizing the need to view used plastic not as waste but as a valuable resource. Also, the country exports its plastic waste to various countries. For instance, according to the HM Revenue and Customs Department, in 2023, Turkey emerged as the primary recipient of the UK's plastic waste exports, taking in over 140,000 metric tons. Following closely, the Netherlands secured the second spot, importing more than 116,500 metric tons. Turkey and the Netherlands have risen as critical destinations for the UK's plastic waste.
• In May 2023, Ecosurety highlighted the ongoing challenges in recycling flexible plastic packaging despite its numerous benefits. While these plastics account for 25% of all UK consumer packaging, a mere 8% is recycled. With the proposed Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, the United Kingdom is gearing up for a significant shift. By March 2027, kerbside collections for flexible plastics are slated to become mandatory nationwide. Coupled with the ongoing collections and the impetus from the Plastic Packaging Tax, which encourages using recycled content in packaging, the stage is set for a potential recycling revolution.

The Food Industry is Expected to Witness Robust Growth

• The country's demand for various types of food, such as baked food, is high. For instance, according to the Federation of Bakers Ltd, the UK Bakery market is worth GBP 5 billion (USD 6.21 billion) and is a large sector of the UK food industry. The total volume is over 4.5 billion units, equivalent to over 11 million loaves and packs sold daily. Three principal sectors make up the UK baking industry. The larger (plant) baking companies produce around 85% of bread sold in the United Kingdom. In-store bakeries (ISBs) within supermarkets produce about 12%, and high street retail (craft) bakers produce the rest.
• Plastic's versatility in aesthetics and functionality empowers producers to craft innovative and user-friendly solutions. Moreover, the market is witnessing growth due to the increasing adoption of flexible plastic packaging in end-user industries such as food. Consumers appreciate added convenience, while manufacturers see cost savings in the transportation of flexible plastic packaging.
• The country's demand for various types of food, such as baked food, is high. For instance, according to the Federation of Bakers Ltd, the UK Bakery market is worth GBP 5 billion (USD 6.21 billion) and is a large sector of the UK food industry. The total volume is over 4.5 billion units, equivalent to over 11 million loaves and packs sold daily. Three principal sectors make up the UK baking industry. The larger (plant) baking companies produce around 85% of bread sold in the United Kingdom. In-store bakeries (ISBs) within supermarkets produce about 12%, and high street retail (craft) bakers produce the rest.
• Further, according to UN Comtrade, the United Kingdom exports its domestically baked goods to various other countries. Ireland imported considerably more baked goods from the United Kingdom than any other nation. In 2023, Ireland imported baked goods valued at approximately GBP 381 million (USD 473.8 million), and an increase in exports to different countries would promote the flexible plastic packaging market of the country.
• The country is also witnessing growth in the snacked food sector. Consumers are preferring foods that have a significant impact on wellness and health. The search for guilt-free indulgence has sparked demand for healthy products, with an expectation those products are low in calories, low in sugar, high in protein, and natural. (Source: Epcurium, UK Wholesaler). Therefore, flexible packaging manufacturers need to provide recyclable packaging and information on the products, making it easy for consumers to purchase food.

UK Flexible Plastic Packaging Industry Overview

The UK flexible plastic packaging market is fragmented with domestic and global players such as Tyler Innovative Packaging, Sirane Limited, PB Polybags Co. UK, Surepak Innovative Packaging Solutions, Amcor PLC, Constantia Flexibles, ALPA Group, Berry Global Inc., Mondi PLC, and Huhtamaki Oyj. Players operating in the region are focused on expanding their business through mergers, collaborations, acquisitions, product innovations, and others.

• April 2024 - Berry Global Inc., a leader in designing, developing, and producing patient-centered healthcare solutions, invested in additional assets and manufacturing capabilities to increase its healthcare production capacity by up to 30% across three European sites. Berry’s commitment to delivering high-quality packaging and drug delivery enhances the patient's experience through improved medicine administration and adherence.
• August 2023 - SIRANE Limited, one of the largest flexible pouch manufacturers in the United Kingdom, delivered a new Bobst VISION CI flexo press, the first in the UK and a sustainable media customized to run Sirane’s water-based print technology. The new Bobst press is designed to deliver efficient printing performance on all materials, including traditional flexibles.

UK Flexible Plastic Packaging Market Leaders

UK Flexible Plastic Packaging Market News

• April 2024: Flow Materials launched a new range of flexible packaging adhesives. Flow Materials launched its latest range of solvent-free, water-based adhesive solutions as a sustainability-minded asset for flexible packaging. In the United Kingdom and European Union, the company focuses on adhesive supply for flexible packaging converters.
• February 2024: Eco Flexibles, a flexible packaging specialist, marked its commercial evolution by opening its new high-tech UK headquarters. Located in a new 40,000 ft2 production site in Northampton, the move represents a significant leap forward for Eco Flexibles. Substantial investments in packaging press machinery and technology are also part of its strategic expansion plans for 2024 and beyond.