South Korea Flexible Packaging Market Research Report, 2030

The flexible packaging market in South Korea is experiencing significant growth, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and the expansion of the e-commerce and retail sectors. Flexible packaging materials, such as films, pouches, and bags, are becoming increasingly popular due to their cost-effectiveness, versatility, and ease of use. In particular, the food and beverage industry in South Korea is one of the major sectors driving this demand, as flexible packaging solutions offer advantages such as excellent barrier properties, which help to preserve product freshness, extend shelf life, and protect items from moisture, light, and air. With busy urban lifestyles, South Korean consumers are increasingly opting for convenience-driven products, including snacks, beverages, and ready-to-eat meals, which often come in flexible packaging formats. This shift towards convenience foods has been compounded by the increasing popularity of single-serve packaging, which is both practical and aligned with the preferences of smaller households and busy professionals. Additionally, flexible packaging allows manufacturers to provide customizable options, such as resealable pouches, which enhance the consumer experience by offering convenience, freshness, and ease of storage. Apart from food and beverages, flexible packaging is also gaining traction in other industries, such as personal care, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and household products, where the lightweight, durable, and cost-effective characteristics of flexible materials make them an ideal choice for a variety of products. The rise of modern retail formats and e-commerce platforms in South Korea has further accelerated the demand for flexible packaging, as brands seek packaging solutions that are not only visually appealing but also capable of withstanding shipping and handling during online transactions. According to the research report "South Korea Flexible Packaging Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the South Korea flexible packaging market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 13.04 Billion by 2030. In addition to its functional advantages, sustainability has become a growing concern within South Korea's flexible packaging market. With heightened environmental awareness among consumers and increasing pressure from the government to reduce plastic waste, the demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions is on the rise. Flexible packaging offers certain sustainability benefits over traditional rigid packaging, such as using fewer materials and contributing to lower transportation costs due to its lightweight nature. However, the recyclability of flexible packaging remains a key challenge, especially with the use of multi-layered materials, which are difficult to process within the current recycling infrastructure in South Korea. To address these issues, many companies in the country are investing in the development of more sustainable materials, such as mono-material films, which are easier to recycle and process. Additionally, there is a growing trend toward using biodegradable and plant-based plastics, which are more environmentally friendly alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content is also gaining popularity in the production of flexible packaging, with several manufacturers looking to reduce their reliance on virgin plastics and incorporate more recycled materials into their products. South Korea's government has been proactive in implementing regulations and policies to curb plastic waste and encourage recycling, which is driving businesses to adopt more sustainable packaging solutions. As environmental concerns continue to influence consumer behavior, South Korean consumers are becoming more selective about the sustainability of the products they purchase, creating a strong demand for brands to align with eco-conscious values. The future of the flexible packaging market in South Korea is likely to focus on improving the recyclability of materials, advancing biodegradable solutions, and fostering innovations in sustainable packaging technologies, as the industry works to meet consumer demands and comply with government regulations for a more sustainable future.

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The flexible packaging market in South Korea has experienced significant growth, driven by a diverse range of products including pouches, bags, wraps, films, and specialized packaging formats like sachets, stick packs, and liners. Pouches, particularly stand-up pouches, have become a key segment in the packaging of food and beverages due to their convenience, space efficiency, and ability to preserve product freshness. Stand-up pouches are commonly used for snacks, beverages, ready-to-eat meals, and pet food, providing manufacturers with an opportunity to enhance product visibility and offer convenient, easy-to-store packaging solutions. Flat pouches are also widely used for products like liquid condiments, powdered foods, and toiletries, offering secure sealing and lightweight protection. Bags remain a staple in the packaging of bulk products such as rice, flour, and other staples, as well as pet food and detergents. The affordability and practicality of bags make them a popular choice for both industrial and consumer goods. Wraps are another critical component of the market, often used for individually wrapped items like candies, chocolate bars, and snacks, where protection and presentation are key. Films, commonly made from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and other materials, continue to dominate the market due to their ability to preserve freshness, prevent contamination, and provide a cost-effective packaging solution. These films are used for food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and various household goods. Additionally, the demand for sachets and stick packs has risen in South Korea, particularly in the food and beverage sector, as these single-serving packages cater to the increasing consumer preference for convenience and on-the-go consumption. In South Korea, the materials used in flexible packaging play a pivotal role in shaping market trends, with plastics, paper, and aluminum foil being the dominant materials. Plastics, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are extensively used due to their flexibility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Polyethylene (PE) is widely used in the packaging of snacks, beverages, and fresh produce due to its ability to maintain moisture resistance and provide flexibility. Polypropylene (PP) is commonly used for frozen foods, confectionery, and packaging that requires high-temperature resistance, while PET is favored for its clarity, strength, and recyclability, particularly in the packaging of beverages and transparent food items. Paper-based packaging is gaining popularity in South Korea, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly options. Paper packaging, being biodegradable and recyclable, is used for bakery products, organic foods, and products targeted at eco-conscious consumers. Additionally, paper-based packaging is often preferred for items with a premium or natural image, such as specialty snacks or beverages. Aluminum foil continues to play a key role in packaging food items such as snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and beverages, as it provides excellent barrier properties to protect against moisture, air, and light, ensuring a longer shelf life. As sustainability concerns intensify, bioplastics made from renewable resources are also gaining traction in South Korea’s flexible packaging market. These eco-friendly materials provide biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics and align with the country’s growing focus on environmental responsibility. Other materials such as polyolefin, cellulose, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are being explored for specialized applications in healthcare, medical devices, and other high-performance sectors. Overall, the flexible packaging market in South Korea is evolving with an increasing focus on sustainable materials, convenience, and packaging solutions that align with consumer preferences for high-quality, eco-friendly products. Considered in this report • Historic year: 2019 • Base year: 2024 • Estimated year: 2025 • Forecast year: 2030

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Nikita Jabrela

Business Development Manager

Aspects covered in this report • Flexible Packaging market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation Types of Material in the report: • Plastic • Paper • Aluminum Foil • Others By End-Use in the report: • Food • Beverages • Pharmaceuticals • Personal care • Others

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Types of Packaging in the report: • Bags • Wraps • Pouches • Others The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Flexible Packaging industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.