Shrink Packaging Market Size, Share and Trends 2024 to 2034

Shrink Packaging Market Size and Forecast 2024 to 2034

The global shrink packaging market size is worth around USD 11.73 billion in 2024 and is predicted to hit around USD 21.55 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.27% from 2024 to 2034. Rapid industrialization and urbanization in developing countries are the key factors driving the shrink packaging market growth. Also, rising disposable income coupled with changing lifestyle preferences can fuel market growth further.

Shrink Packaging Market Key Takeaways

• Asia Pacific dominated the shrink packaging market in 2023.
• North America is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the projected period.
• By material, the polyethylene (PE) segment contributed the highest market share in 2023.
• By product, the films and wraps segment led the global market in 2023.
• By product, the sleeves and labels segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2034.
• By application, the food segment captured the biggest market share of 2% in 2023.
• By application, the consumer goods segment is estimated to show the fastest growth during the forecast period.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Shrink Packaging Market

In the packaging industry, artificial intelligence is significantly transforming customer experiences in the shrink packaging market by offering smart packaging solutions. By using consumer data AI creates packaging solutions with textual and visual content which is personalized for each customer. Furthermore, packaging companies are increasingly implementing AI-driven customer support solutions to enhance consumer satisfaction and also to gain notable insights into their behavior.

• In October 2024, Specright announced the launch of new AI features within its Specification Data Management platform, including a chatbot and intelligent document processing, which is revolutionizing how supply chain professionals digitize and interact with critical product and packaging data.

Market Overview

The shrink packaging market involves the manufacturing and utilization of shrink-wrap materials for the purpose of packaging a variety of products. The industry uses thermal energy to shrink a plastic film tightly around a good, giving tamper resistance, protection, and aesthetic appeal to the product. In addition, shrink packaging offers a sophisticated and cost-effective solution compared to other packaging options. The overall process of applying this wrap is more rapid and straightforward.

Top 5 consumer goods companies of 2023

Shrink Packaging Market Growth Factors

• Growing demand for products such as cosmetics, pharmaceutical items, and food & beverage is expected to boost shrink packaging market growth shortly.
• The features like versatility and cost-effectiveness offered by shrink wraps can propel market growth soon.
• The increasing need for extended shelf-life packaging solutions will likely contribute to market expansion over the forecast period.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Driver

Rising popularity in the retail sector

The growing popularity of shrink packaging market solutions in the retail sector is due to the effectiveness and aesthetic appeal provided by it. This packaging generally uses materials such as polyethylene which gives retailers a convenient way to safeguard their products from tampering, damage, and spoilage. In addition, it also offers a tightly sealed and protective covering that protects the product by giving it aesthetic appeal.

• In November 2024, ACTEGA, a manufacturer of specialty coatings, announced the launch of its new ACT Exact ShrinkFlex UV Inks for shrink sleeve applications. ACT Exact ShrinkFlex UV Inks stand out for their UV-curable properties, giving superior adhesion to shrink films and making them ideal for rapid printing operations.
• In September 2024, AMCOR introduced its new Clear-Tite 40 shrink-bag solution for fresh and processed meat. The solution is said to achieve a 19% reduction in weight when compared to standard 50µ shrink bags. At only 40µ, the Clear-Tite 40 decreases the amount of plastic used per product, while maintaining freshness.

Restraint

Compatibility concerns

Compatibility issues while packaging can occur when the used shrink material and the product about to be packaged do not interact well during the whole process. In the shrink packaging market, this concern can arise in many ways such as uneven shrinkage, inadequate shrinkage, and damage to the product because of improper sealing or excessive heat. Moreover, fluctuations in the distribution of heat or sealing techniques can cause improper results that affect the overall appearance and quality of the product.

Opportunity

Increasing focus on tamper resistance and product protection

The shrink packaging market is in high demand due to its ability to wrap products tightly, which keeps them safe from moisture, dust, and damage. It also protects the product from tampering or opening it without permission. That makes consumers feel safer and more confident regarding the product's safety. Furthermore, shrink packaging fulfills the demand of consumers who want to make their packaging safer. And it also keeps products in better condition during transport and storage.

• In October 2024, Novolex, a manufacturer of packaging products for the food industry, launched TamperFlag containers, its new clear containers created to preserve food quality. Developed by Waddington North America, a brand of Novolex, the rigid containers feature a distinctive tamper-evident flag that signals if the product has been unsealed.

Material Insights

The Polyethylene (PE) segment dominated the shrink packaging market in 2023 and is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period. The dominance and growth of the segment can be attributed to the increasing use of polyethylene for the packaging of medical, food & beverages, and many bulky and heavy products within these industries. Additionally, polyethylene has flexible and lightweight properties which can be beneficial in the packaging of heavy goods. It is also resistant to water and moisture making it the ideal packaging material.

• In August 2024, Mondi announced the latest addition to its portfolio of eco-friendly pre-made plastic bags: FlexiBag Reinforced. The new line features mono-polyethylene-based, recyclable packaging with enhanced mechanical properties such as puncture resistance, stiffness, and sealability.

Product Insights

The films & wraps segment led the global shrink packaging market in 2023. The dominance of the segment can be credited to the ability of films& wraps to offer significant protection levels as compared to regular films. Also, the versatility, durability, and water-resistance properties of this segment can expand their usage in various end-user industries, leading to the segment's growth in the market further. In the packaging industry films &wraps are popular due to their reflectivity, transparency, and high tensile strength.

• In August 2024, Cosmo Films announced the launch of seven new products for the U.S. market. The company will unveil these products during its participation in Labelexpo Americas 2024. As an industry pioneer, in this period, Cosmo Films means to introduce this new set of films to the industry and create a market for the products.

The sleeves & labels segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the shrink packaging market during the projected period. The dominance of the segment can be driven by the increasing use of this product for the packaging of non-alcoholic beverages like water bottles and other food products. Furthermore, shrink sleeves can adhere tightly to the product shape giving a tamper-evident seal by fixing product integrity during transport and storage.

Application Insights

The food segment led the shrink packaging market. The dominance of the segment is due to the rising use of shrink wrap & films in the food industry to prevent the oxidation of food products and safeguard them from getting rancid. Furthermore, the shrink-wrap packaging provides a convenient barrier against external contaminants and improves the product's appearance and presentation on the shelves. Recent developments in shrink packaging technology have emphasized more on enhancing sustainability by using thinner films.

The consumer goods segment is estimated to show the fastest growth in the shrink packaging market during the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be credited to the growing use of sleeves, hoods, and labels in the packaging of consumer goods to ensure their safety. In addition, the key characteristics of shrink wrap packaging can protect consumer goods from the environment as well as from the mechanical or handling hazard, driving segment growth further.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the global shrink packaging market in 2023. The growth of the region can be credited to the strong presence of well-established pharmaceutical and healthcare infrastructure in developing countries like China and India. Furthermore, government regulations in the Asia Pacific play an important role in improving the market in the region.

North America is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the shrink packaging market over the projected period. The dominance of the region can be attributed to the rising demand for shrink ramps among the consumer goods and food & beverage sector. Shrink packaging provides benefits such as tamper resistance, product protection, and improved shelf appeal, which is appealing in regions like North America. Moreover, the surge of the e-commerce industry and online platforms has boosted.

• In January 2023, Gunze Limited announced the launch of an eco-friendly ‘GEOPLAS(R) HCT3’ heat-shrinkable film manufactured with recycled resin. The films are created with polystyrene/polyethylene terephthalate multi-layered material and by using 30% chemically recycled raw materials with the mass-balance approach.

Shrink Packaging Market Companies

• Deufol SE (Germany)
• Dow Chemical Company (U.S.)
• Aakriti Packaging (India)
• Amcor Ltd (Australia)
• Bonset America Corporation (U.S.)
• American Eagle Packaging Corporation (U.S)
• Bemis Company, Inc. (U.S.)
• Berry Global, Inc. (U.S.)
• Printpack Incorporated (U.S.) 

Latest Announcement by Market Leaders

• In November 2024, Amcor plc and Berry Global Group, Inc. announced their definitive merger agreement, under which Amcor and Berry will combine in an all-stock transaction. The combination brings together two highly complementary businesses to create a global leader in consumer packaging solutions.
• In December 2024, DOW announced its definitive agreement to sell a 40% equity stake in select U.S. Gulf Coast infrastructure assets to a fund managed by Macquarie Asset Management, a leading global infrastructure and energy asset manager.

Recent Developments

• In November 2023, Packaging consultancy and manufacturer Duo and Danish plastic recycler Plastix announced the launch of shrink film for food & beverage outer packaging by utilizing Plastix's Oceanic recycled plastic, which is developed from 98% maritime waste such as fishing nets and ropes.
• In December 2023, Cryovac partnered with a leading technology company to develop smart shrink film with integrated sensors for real-time product tracking and monitoring.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Materials

• Low-Density Polyethylene
• Linear Low-Density Polyethylene
• Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol
• Polyvinyl Chloride

By Products

• Hoods
• Labels and Sleeves
• Films and Wraps

By Applications

• Beverages
• Consumer Goods
• Food Packaging
• Paper and Textile Products
• Other Applications

By Geography

• North America
• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa