Flexible Food Packaging in Europe - Published 2026

Table of content

This study evaluates the consumption of flexible food packaging in Europe in 2025 and provides information on how the seven types of films are distributed across 11 market segments, and conversely. A forecast for the development of the market segments up to 2030 rounds off the picture.

Second priority of the study is the European approach to sustainable packaging. The focus here is on a detailed explanation of the PPWR, including the relevant articles and the associated delegated and implementing acts. Also included is the Guidance Document on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation dated 30 March 2026. A timeline provides information about the important regulatory measures, transition periods and key dates arising from the EU Regulation.

The final section provides the current information on plastic mono-materials, fiber-based solutions, biobased plastic materials and recyclates.

The report runs to 140 pages and is published in English.

	EXECUTIVE SUMMARY	5
1.	INTRODUCTION	9
1.1	Information about SCHÖNWALD CONSULTING	10
1.2	Methodology of Research	11
1.3	Objective	15
1.4	Geographical Scope	15
1.5	Structure of Market Analysis	16
2.	USE OF TERMS AND DESCRIPTIONS	18
2.1	Glossary	19
2.2	Descriptions	22
3	CONSUMPTION OF FLEXIBLE FOOD PACKAGING	23
3.1	Definition of Flexible Packaging	25
3.2	Requirements for Flexible Packaging Films	26
3.3	Materials	28
3.4	Market Segments	31
3.5	Pack Types	34
3.6	Material Consumption by Market Segment	35
3.6.1	Meat and Meat Products	36
3.6.2	Cheese and Dairy Products	37
3.6.3	Coffee and Tea	38
3.6.4	Dry and Dehydrated Foods	39
3.6.5	Bread and Bakery Products	40
3.6.6	Snacks	41
3.6.7	Confectionery	42
3.6.8	Convenience Food and Fresh Products	43
3.6.9	Beverages	44
3.6.10	Sealable Liddings	45
3.6.11	Pet Food	46
3.6.12	All Market Segments	47
3.7	Market Segment Consumption by Material	48
3.7.1	PET Based Films	49
3.7.2	PA Based Films	50
3.7.3	OPP Based Films	51
3.7.4	PP Based Films	52
3.7.5	PE Based Films	53
3.7.6	Paper Based Flexibles	54
3.7.7	Aluminum Flexible Foils	55
3.7.8	All Films	56
3.8	CAGR 2025 to 2030 by Market Segment	57
4	EUROPE ON THE WAY TO SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING	58
4.1	Green Deal	60
4.2	Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)	61
4.2.1	Prevention of Packaging Waste (Article 43)	62
4.2.2	Recycling Targets and Promotion of Recycling (Article 52)	63
4.2.3	Content	64
4.2.4	Delegated and Implementing Acts	66
4.2.5	Manufacturer, Producer and Importer	67
4.2.6	Timeline	69
4.2.7	General Provisions (Articles 1,2,4)	73
4.2.8	Requirements for Substances in Packaging (Article 5)	75
4.2.9	Prohibition of the Use of BPA (Preamble recital 22-23)	78
4.2.10	Recyclable Packaging (Article 6)	79
4.2.11	Minimum Recycled Content in Plastic Packaging (Article 7)	83
4.2.12	Biobased Feedstock in Plastic Packaging (Article 8)	86
4.2.13	Compostable Packaging (Article 9)	87
4.2.14	Packaging Minimisation (Article 10)	88
4.2.15	Reusable Packaging (Article 11)	90
4.2.16	Labeling of Packaging (Article 12)	92
4.2.17	Obligations Related to Excessive Packaging (Article 24)	96
4.2.18	Restrictions on Use of Certain Packaging Formats (Article 25)	98
4.2.19	Obligations Related to Reusable Packaging and Reuse Systems (Articles 26/27)	100
4.2.20	Obligations Related to Refill (Article 28)	101
4.2.21	Re-Use Targets (Article 29)	102
4.2.22	EU Declaration of Conformity (Article 39)	104
4.2.23	Obligations of Manufacturers (Article 15)	107
4.2.24	Information Obligations of Suppliers (Article 16)	108
4.2.25	Obligations of Importers (Article 18)	109
4.2.26	Obligations of Distributors (Article 19)	110
4.2.27	Register of Producer (Article 44)	111
4.2.28	Extended Producer Responsibility (Article 45)	112
4.3	Material Solutions	113
4.3.1	Plastic Mono-Materials	114
4.3.2	Fiber-Based Solutions	119
4.3.3	Biobased and Biodegradable Plastic Materials	125
4.3.4	Recyclates	130
5	RESUME	133
6	APPENDIX	137
6.1	Figures	137
6.2	Tables	138
6.3	Further Multi Client Studies	141