Flexible Packaging: The Key to Success in the Snack and Confections Industry
In today’s fast-paced and consumer-driven market, packaging for snacks and confections is no longer just about containment; it has become a vital tool for brands to communicate their values, enhance consumer experiences, and adapt to changing lifestyles. From satisfying the cravings of health-conscious snackers to echoing the planet’s sustainability concerns, the landscape is evolving rapidly. Understanding and acting on these trends is crucial for brands aiming to thrive in this competitive industry. With the global snacks market recently valued at approximately $692.52 billion and projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2024 to 2030, the stakes for innovation have never been higher (Snacks market size, 2030).
Urbanization, fast-paced lifestyles, and an insatiable demand for convenient, on-the-go food options are driving this expansion. One of the best ways to stay on the forefront of these trends is by utilizing flexible packaging. This is evident in the growth of the global flexible packaging market, which is forecasted to rise from $291.56 billion in 2024 to $368.82 billion by 2029 (Snacks market size, 2030). By taking a closer look at the market and consumer trends and understanding the features and benefits of flexible packaging, big opportunities await for brand stakeholders and converters alike.
Snacks and Confections: The Latest
Today’s consumers are shaping the future of this industry. The lifestyles and the things that matter most to these shoppers will continue to influence the ways companies successfully connect with their hearts and wallets.
Health and Wellness is Not Just a Trend: The growing demand for clean labels, reduced sugar, and functional benefits—as seen in products like protein bars and sugar-free confections—requires packaging that transparently communicates product attributes and nutritional value.
Sustainability Matters: Eco-conscious consumers, especially younger generations, increasingly prioritize environmentally friendly packaging. Over 70% of this demographic selects products based on sustainable packaging, prompting a widespread shift toward biodegradable and recyclable materials.
Catering to On-The-Go Lifestyles: With consumers leading busy lives, portable and practical packaging is a must. Resealable stand-up pouches with zippers provide the convenience of on-the-go snacking while maintaining freshness.
Premium-ization is Worth The Price: There is a rising demand for high-quality, “premium” products and packaging must dress the part. Elements like metallic finishes, embossing and matte finishes enhance the perceived value of high-quality items such as chocolates and artisanal snacks.
E-Commerce Continues To Grow: The rapid growth of online grocery shopping, with U.S. food e-commerce revenue projected to reach $389 billion by 2029, highlights the need for durable, lightweight, and tamper-proof packaging to protect products during transit (Snacks market size, 2030).
Win With Flexible Packaging
With a magnitude of sustainable offerings, a dynamic canvas for premium branding, and so much more, flexible packaging is uniquely suited to capitalize on both market and consumer trends.
Sustainable Materials: We designed our Pregis Performance Flexibles Renew™ Series film solutions to maximize performance and reduce environmental impact. These offerings are rooted in post-consumer recycled content and advanced recycled content resins—as well as mono-material store-drop-off recyclable structures. And when it comes to flexibles, Pregis always has an eye towards innovation— with future product lines featuring compostable films currently in development.
Functional Features: With flexible packaging you can implement resealable closures and high-barrier layers to enhance convenience and freshness—ensuring snacks and confections maintain quality throughout their lifecycle. This ability to preserve freshness is especially important for organic and natural products, which continue to grow in popularity. Additionally, because they more easily lay flat and pack away, flexibles cater to the prevailing on-the-go lifestyle in ways that rigid packaging simply cannot replicate.
Striking Visual Designs: Durable, firm and heat resistant—flexible packaging improves processability during printing. This pivotally enables the printing of bold, eye-catching designs that boost shelf appeal and enhance brand recognition. It’s a huge value add that converters can offer their customers, specifically for e-commerce, where visually appealing packaging can create memorable unboxing experiences that foster brand loyalty. Flexible packaging offers a dynamic canvas!
E-Commerce Durability: E-commerce demands packaging that can protect products during shipping to minimize damage and reduce returns. Flexible packaging is sturdy and durable, with strong sealing that makes it leak and puncture resistant. On top of this, features like tamper-evident seals provide brands the opportunity to further reinforce consumer trust.
Collaboration = Opportunity
As is the case with many things, there’s power in working together. Brand owners can collaborate with packaging converters to co-develop solutions that reflect their brand’s values, such as fully recyclable pouches, or custom premium designs. Similarly, converters can stay ahead of market trends and help brands break through the clutter by investing in strategic converting and manufacturing partnerships that allow them to leverage cutting-edge materials and innovative production techniques.
Through it all, Pregis Performance Flexibles is here to partner alongside you! To take a look at the innovative materials we have pioneered in the flexible packaging space, click here—or reach out to a Pregis representative to learn more.
Snacks market size, share & growth analysis report, 2030. Snacks Market Size, Share & Growth Analysis Report, 2030. (n.d.). https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/snacks-market
