The Flexible Packaging Association's 2019 State of the Industry report documented U.S. flexible packaging sales of approximately $33.6 billion, representing 2.2% growth over the prior year. The figures confirmed flexible packaging's continued expansion in food, medical, and consumer goods segments despite tariff discussions and substrate price volatility affecting converter margins.
Growth drivers included convenience-oriented packaging, e-commerce shipment formats, and portion-control trends in food service. Converters reported steady demand for high-barrier laminates alongside early commercial volumes of recyclable and post-consumer-content structures requested by national brand owners.
The 2.2% growth rate reflected a maturing market rather than the double-digit expansions seen in emerging economies. U.S. plants focused on productivity—servo flexo upgrades, automated slit changeovers, and data-driven maintenance—to protect margins when raw material costs spiked mid-year.
FPA's report also highlighted workforce challenges: skilled press operators and maintenance technicians remained in short supply, pushing investment in training programs and standardized documentation. Export-oriented machinery buyers visiting U.S. converters noted emphasis on quick-change features supporting shorter runs and SKU proliferation.
For equipment planning, the $33.6 billion baseline signaled stable domestic demand with incremental—not explosive—capacity needs. Converters prioritized line flexibility to serve sustainability-driven material trials without dedicating separate plants to experimental structures.