Flexible Plastic Packaging Coating Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Epoxy Coatings, Acrylic Coatings, Plasma Coatings, Phenolic Coatings, Others), By Substrate (Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyamide, Others), By End User (Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Automotive, Food & Beverage, Others), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Flexible Plastic Packaging Coating Market was valued at USD 1.85 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.28 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 3.72%. The growth of the global flexible plastic packaging coating market is being driven by the rising demand for flexible plastics across multiple sectors, particularly in pharmaceutical packaging. These coatings enhance the strength and integrity of packaging materials while ensuring product safety, making them a preferred choice across various industries.

However, the market also encounters challenges related to environmental sustainability and compliance with evolving regulations. As awareness around sustainability intensifies, there is increasing pressure on manufacturers to develop eco-friendly and recyclable coating solutions. Despite these challenges, the market outlook remains optimistic. Continued investments in research and development are expected to yield advanced, sustainable coating technologies that meet both performance and environmental standards. With growing demand, ongoing innovation, and shifting regulatory landscapes, the global flexible plastic packaging coating market is well-positioned for sustained growth and technological progress in the years ahead.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Demand of Flexible Plastic Packaging Coating in Automotive Industry

The global automotive manufacturing market was valued at approximately USD 2.86 trillion in 2021 and is expected to reach around USD 2.95 trillion in 2022. Flexible plastic packaging coating plays a pivotal role in the automotive industry, providing a wide range of benefits to various automotive parts. These coatings not only protect the parts but also enhance their aesthetic appeal, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of quality and design. They create a protective layer that safeguards the parts from external factors such as moisture, UV radiation, and corrosion, thereby ensuring their longevity and durability. Moreover, flexible plastic packaging coatings contribute to the overall performance and lifespan of vehicles. By adding an extra layer of protection to automotive parts, they help to prevent wear and tear, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. This, in turn, translates into cost savings for vehicle owners and manufacturers alike.

The growing demand for flexible plastic packaging coatings in the automotive industry can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the increasing production of vehicles worldwide is creating a higher demand for these coatings. Global motor vehicle production exceeded 92.5 million units in 2024, with passenger cars accounting for approximately 73% of total output. This segment alone contributed nearly 67.7 million units, underscoring its dominant share in overall vehicle manufacturing. As more vehicles are manufactured, the need for parts and components also rises, leading to an increased demand for protective coatings. Secondly, advancements in automotive design and technology have resulted in the development of new parts and components that require specialized coatings. These coatings are designed to meet the unique requirements of these advanced automotive components, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on vehicle maintenance and longevity among consumers. As vehicle owners become more conscious about maintaining their vehicles in top condition, the demand for high-quality coatings that can enhance the durability of automotive parts is also rising. Flexible plastic packaging coatings offer a viable solution to meet this demand, providing long-lasting protection and contributing to the overall value of the vehicle.

Growing Demand of Flexible Plastic Packaging Coating in Pharmaceutical Industry

Flexible plastic packaging coatings play an indispensable role in the pharmaceutical industry. These coatings are extensively used to safeguard various pharmaceutical products, including tablets, capsules, and syringes, from external factors such as moisture, light, and oxygen. These coatings not only protect the integrity of the drugs but also enhance their shelf life. They ensure that the medications remain potent and effective until they reach the end consumer, maintaining their therapeutic benefits over an extended period. For instance, Henkel’s latest oxygen barrier coating for flexible packaging enables the development of transparent packaging designs while effectively extending the shelf life of food products. This single-component, ready-to-use coating offers customizable oxygen transmission rates (OTR), allowing for tailored shelf-life solutions. It delivers a high-performance oxygen barrier, even under elevated humidity conditions, making it an ideal solution for various dry food and laminate structure applications. There are several reasons behind the intensifying demand for flexible plastic packaging coatings in the pharmaceutical industry.

Firstly, the ongoing global health crisis, coupled with the rise in pharmaceutical production, has significantly increased the need for these coatings. As pharmaceutical companies ramp up their production to meet the growing demand for medications, the requirement for protective coatings has also escalated. Secondly, the increasing emphasis on patient compliance has prompted pharmaceutical companies to seek innovative packaging solutions. Flexible plastic packaging with high-quality coatings can help enhance the user experience by making the packaging easy to open, handle, and use, ensuring convenience and reliability for patients. Additionally, the advent of new drugs and therapies has led to the development of novel pharmaceutical products that require specialized packaging. These innovative products demand customized packaging solutions with enhanced functionality to ensure product stability and safety throughout their lifecycle. This has further amplified the demand for flexible plastic packaging coatings in the industry.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

Rise in Environmental Concerns

Flexible plastic packaging coatings offer numerous advantages, from enhancing the durability of packaging materials to safeguarding products from external factors. These coatings have become widely used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. They play a crucial role in preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of products, ensuring they reach consumers in optimal condition. However, it is important to acknowledge the environmental impact associated with these coatings. The production and disposal of flexible plastic packaging coatings often lead to environmental pollution, contributing to the global issue of plastic waste.

The coatings can end up in landfills or, even worse, find their way into oceans and natural habitats, posing a grave threat to ecosystems worldwide. Furthermore, the presence of these coatings can make the packaging materials less recyclable, complicating the process of plastic waste management. Fortunately, the increasing awareness of these environmental issues has fostered a shift towards sustainable packaging practices. Governments, consumers, and businesses alike are recognizing the need for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional packaging materials and coatings. This growing focus on sustainability is reshaping the packaging industry, prompting the development of new materials and technologies that can deliver the benefits of flexible plastic packaging coatings without their environmental drawbacks.

Key Market Trends

Surge in Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Approximately 600 million people nearly one in ten globally fall ill each year due to the consumption of contaminated food, resulting in an estimated 420,000 deaths annually. In low- and middle-income countries, foodborne illnesses lead to economic losses of around USD 110 billion annually in the form of reduced productivity and healthcare costs. Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable, accounting for 40% of the foodborne disease burden and approximately 125,000 deaths each year. Food safety has become a critical priority in recent years, prompting significant transformations across the food industry, particularly in packaging practices. Today’s consumers demand not only high-quality food but also assurance of its safety. In this context, flexible plastic packaging coatings play an essential role by serving as protective barriers that preserve food quality, extend shelf life, and prevent contamination. This heightened focus on food safety has been a key driver behind the growth of the flexible plastic packaging coating market.

Beyond safety, regulatory compliance has emerged as another major force shaping market dynamics. Governments across the globe are tightening regulations to ensure the safety and quality of food packaging materials. A notable example is the shift away from PFAS-containing substances in food packaging due to increasing regulatory scrutiny. This shift is fostering the development of safer, more compliant alternatives, spurring innovation and advancing industry standards. Additionally, evolving regulations are encouraging the use of recyclable and environmentally friendly materials, reinforcing sustainability goals. As a result, manufacturers are increasingly adopting eco-conscious practices to meet both regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

Based on Type, Acrylic Coatings have emerged as the dominant segment in the global market for flexible plastic packaging coating in 2024. Acrylic coatings are widely preferred in the packaging industry for their ability to deliver a smooth, high-quality finish to products. In addition to their aesthetic benefits, these coatings offer excellent sealing properties, functioning effectively as both aroma and moisture barriers. This distinctive blend of visual and protective qualities makes acrylic coatings particularly well-suited for packaging applications across diverse sectors, including food and beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Their exceptional versatility and consistent performance make them a reliable choice for enhancing both the appearance and functionality of modern packaging solutions.

End User Insights

Based on End User, Food & Beverage have emerged as the fastest growing segment in the Global Flexible Plastic Packaging Coating Market during the forecast period. The growing adoption of flexible plastics as alternatives to traditional materials such as metal, glass, and paper is expected to be a key driver of market growth in the coming years. This trend is particularly evident in the food and beverage sector, where flexible packaging formats such as pouches, tubes, and clamshells are gaining popularity. These solutions not only offer efficient protection during transport and storage but also enhance product visibility and appeal on retail shelves. Additionally, flexible plastic packaging plays a crucial role in preserving food freshness by minimizing oxidation, which can otherwise cause discoloration or compromise nutritional quality due to exposure to oxygen-free radicals in the environment.

Download Free Sample Report

Regional Insights

Based on Region, Asia Pacific have emerged as the dominant region in the Global Flexible Plastic Packaging Coating Market in 2024. The region is expected to maintain its dominant position throughout the forecast period, largely driven by increasing demand across a diverse range of industries, including consumer durables, pharmaceuticals, and the food and beverage sector. Among the key contributors, China is anticipated to play a significant role in fueling regional growth. This can be attributed to its ongoing industrial expansion, rapidly growing population, and rising living standards, which are collectively stimulating higher consumption and production levels. As China continues to modernize its industrial infrastructure and broaden its economic base, it is poised to remain a major force behind the sustained growth and development of the region.

Recent Developments

• In February 2025, Cosmo Specialty Chemicals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cosmo First and a comprehensive provider of Adhesives, Masterbatches, and Coating Chemicals introduced its innovative range of Oil and Grease Resistant (OGR) barrier coatings. These advanced coatings present a sustainable alternative to conventional polyethylene coatings, addressing increasing environmental concerns while ensuring high performance. Among the new offerings, the OGR 145S variant stands out for its heat-sealing capabilities, specifically designed for paper cup manufacturing. It delivers superior paper-to-paper heat-seal performance, excellent resistance to water, moisture, oil, and grease, and supports versatile application methods such as gravure, flexo, and air knife coating. Additionally, it meets food-grade safety standards, making it suitable for direct food contact applications.
• In March 2025, Evonik Coating Additives advanced circularity in packaging recycling with the launch of its innovative co-binder, TEGO Res 1100. This methacrylate co-polymer enhances the efficiency and speed of deinking processes for plastic films. Designed for easy integration into standard solvent borne ink formulations, TEGO Res 1100 offers broad solubility and compatibility with a wide range of binders and solvents, including alcohols and esters, while maintaining the high performance of the inks. Its incorporation into solvent borne packaging inks facilitates effective deinking of flexible packaging without requiring any modifications to existing equipment.
• In July 2024, Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, unveiled FlexiBag Reinforced, a new addition to its range of sustainable pre-made plastic bags highlighting advancements not only in packaging design but also in flexible plastic packaging coatings. This innovation reflects the growing importance of high-performance coatings in enhancing the durability, functionality, and sustainability of flexible packaging. The improved mechanical properties of FlexiBag Reinforced such as superior puncture resistance, stiffness, and sealability—are closely linked to the application of advanced coating technologies that protect the integrity of the packaging throughout the supply chain. Furthermore, the bag’s recyclability, where appropriate PE film collection and recycling systems exist, underscores the critical role of eco-friendly coatings in supporting circular economy goals. Mondi’s in-house development, made possible through its integrated value chain, demonstrates how tailored coating solutions in flexible plastic packaging can meet specific customer needs while reducing environmental impact.
• In April 2025, Amcor completed the construction of its advanced coating facility in Selangor, Malaysia, reinforcing its strategic focus on innovation in flexible plastic packaging coatings. This expansion, part of Amcor’s existing healthcare packaging plant, establishes a fully integrated manufacturing campus and enhances the company’s capability to deliver high-performance coated solutions for medical and healthcare applications. The facility positions Amcor as the first company in Asia capable of producing both top and bottom substrates for medical device packaging at a single site, an achievement that underscores its leadership in coated flexible plastic packaging. By strengthening its coating technologies, Amcor is better equipped to meet growing demand for protective, functional, and sustainable packaging solutions across the healthcare sector.

Key Market Players

• Allnex Netherlands B.V
• Altana AG
• Akzo Nobel N.V
• American Packaging Corporation
• BASF SE
• DSM Coating Resins B.V
• Schmid Rhyner AG
• Sierra Coating Technologies LLC
• The Dow Chemical Company
• The Valspar Corporation

In this report, the Global Flexible Plastic Packaging Coating Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Flexible Plastic Packaging Coating Market, By Type:

o   Epoxy Coatings

o   Acrylic Coatings

o   Plasma Coatings

o   Phenolic Coatings

o   Others

• Flexible Plastic Packaging Coating Market, By Substrate:

o   Polyethylene

o   Polypropylene

o   Polyamide

o   Others

• Flexible Plastic Packaging Coating Market, By End User:

o   Pharmaceutical

o   Chemical

o   Automotive

o   Food & Beverage

o   Others

• Flexible Plastic Packaging Coating Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Flexible Plastic Packaging Coating Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Flexible Plastic Packaging Coating Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Flexible Plastic Packaging Coating Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]