India Flexible Packaging Market Overview

India Flexible Packaging Market had a value of USD 18387.40 Million in 2024 and expected it to hit USD 33,708 Million by 2030, with a CAGR of 10.98 % during the forecast period. India's flexible packaging market is growing rapidly owing to technical innovation, increased consumer awareness, and strong domestic production capabilities.  With easy access to raw materials, cheaper production costs (up to 40% lower than in Europe), and a competent workforce, the country had dominated as an attractive hub for both global and local enterprises.  The industry is rapidly evolving to satisfy the increased demand for lightweight, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions.  New-age packaging types like as aseptic, retort, and biodegradable are gaining popularity, prolonging shelf life and meeting the needs of health- and convenience-conscious consumers. One of India's fastest-growing industries is packaging, which is also the country's preferred hub for the packaging industry. The fifth-largest sector in the Indian economy at the moment, despite a brief slowdown brought on by an excess of biaxial film capacity increase, the segment's overall growth is still strong, helped by India's remarkable 8.2% GDP growth in FY2023–2024 as well as strong demand from the FMCG, pharmaceutical, and retail industries.

The industry is seeing an ongoing supply of foreign direct investment, as major international players like Amcor are growing their presence in India through acquisitions like Phoenix Flexibles. Because of their competitive price, reactivity, and accessibility to important markets, domestic manufacturers are also prospering and are preferred by FMCG firms. India's flexible film production capacity has increased by 45% in the last four years, and another 20% expansion is anticipated, underscoring the sector's dynamic dynamism. With the help of the Packaging Industry Association of India, the industry has increased exports while maintaining its independence with little need for imports. When taken as a whole, these elements make India one of the most competitive and attractive markets for flexible packaging globally.

India Flexible Packaging Market Dynamic’s

Rising disposable incomes, urbanization, the growing demand for processed and packaged goods, and the thriving e-commerce industry are some of the causes driving this increase.  Also, government programs designed to increase the need for superior and standardized packaging solutions is being driven by organized retail and maintaining food safety. The packaging industry, which ranks as the 5^th largest sector of the Indian economy, had grown steadily and has a lot of room to grow, particularly in the export market.  With a trained workforce and processing and packing costs up to 40% lower than in some parts of Europe. India’s packaging industry has attracted significant foreign investment, thanks to progressive government policies—most notably, the allowance of 100% FDI under the automatic route. This has been a transformative step for the sector. According to the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the paper and pulp segment alone received FDI inflows of USD 1.7 billion between April 2000 and December 2023, reflecting strong international investor in India's packaging market.

Imports of paper and paperboard, especially from ASEAN nations, have increased significantly, creating pressure on India's paper packaging industry.  According to numbers from the Commerce Ministry, imports rose 34% in the fiscal year 2023–2024 to 19.3 lakh tons, up from 14.3 lakh tonnes the year before, as reported by the Economic Times. The Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) has raised concerns, warning that this surge is adversely affecting the domestic paper industry. They argue that it undermines the goals of the 'Make-in-India' program and the broader vision of a self-reliant Aatmanirbhar Bharat. 'The bulk of these imports includes printing paper, coated paper, and various types of                paperboards. This influx continues despite significant investments by Indian manufacturers in upgrading technology, improving product quality, and adopting sustainable forestry practices. ASEAN nations—including Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos—are among the leading exporters contributing to this rise. Additionally, the high costs involved in procuring and transporting these specialty papers are further driving up manufacturing expenses for Indian companies.

A growing middle class that demands the best goods and shifting rural markets are the results of the massive increase in per capita spending.  To extend the shelf life of food products, the industry is utilizing a variety of advanced technologies, including biodegradable, retort, and aseptic packaging.  Also, in 2024 the market for plastic packaging is growing at a rate of 20–25% annually and is currently valued at 6.8 million tons, while the paper packaging sector is valued at 7.6 million tons.  The growing market for flexible packaging and the growing use of cutting-edge packaging technology are driving the packaging industry's rapid growth. Regarding packaging, one developing sector that has witnessed the greatest number of developments in branding and packaging is the food packaging industry.  Customers want their food products to be safe, clean, and visually appealing.  MNCs have a very good ecology when it comes to food packaging.  They have a specialized R&D house that uses the newest technologies to carry out a variety of research-based trials. They are constantly coming up with new ideas to make sure that the consumer benefits.

India Flexible Packaging Market Segment Analysis

The India Flexible Packaging Market is segmented into By Material Type, By Product type, By End user Industries.

By Material Type,

Based on Material Type, the market sub-segmented into Plastic, Paper and Aluminium Foil. The Plastic Segment is dominated the market in 2024 with 52%. The material's adaptability, affordability, lightweight nature, and ability to be moulded into a variety of forms and sizes are the main reasons for its popularity. Both flexible and rigid packaging options are possible thanks to the technologies used to make plastic packaging, which include blow moulding, injection moulding, rotomolding, and extrusion. Plastic is ideal for packaging in a range of industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and e-commerce, because it can be readily moulded into a large variety of shapes.  In price-sensitive economies like India, plastic is a desirable choice for packaging due to its low production costs and lightweight nature.  Plastics can be formed into a variety of shapes and sizes, from stiff containers to flexible films, which makes them appropriate for a wide range of goods and uses.

By End User Industries

Based on End User Industries, the market is sub-segmented into Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical and Healthcare, Personal Care and Cosmetics, Household Care, Tobacco and Other End-User Industries. The Food & Beverages (F&B) segment dominates the Indian flexible packaging market, with a 52.5% share in FY 2024 and expected to grow to 54.31% by FY 2030. India's increased demand for packaged and convenience meals, backed by changing lifestyles, urbanization, and rising disposable incomes, is driving its dominance in India Flexible Packaging Market. 

In FY 2024, pharmaceuticals sector accounted for 18.0% of the market, and are expected to grow to 19.35% by FY 2030.  This segment requires strong packaging that meets tight rules and assures the safety, integrity, and effectiveness of drugs and healthcare items.  The growing healthcare and pharmaceutical industries in India are driving demand for packaging solutions.

India Flexible Packaging Market Competitive Analysis:

India's flexible packaging market is moderately intense, with significant local players, foreign firms.  UFlex Limited is the market leader, with revenues over USD 1 billion and a significant presence in both domestic and foreign markets for products such as BOPP films, laminates, and aseptic packaging.  Polyplex Corporation and Cosmo Films combined control a sizable portion of the polyester and specialty films market, with Polyplex reporting global revenues of more than USD 2 billion and a large Indian manufacturing base. Global companies such as Amcor, Huhtamaki, Tetra Pak, and SIG are expanding their presence in India, aided by rising FDI inflows (USD 1.7 billion in paper and packaging between 2000-2023) and rising demand for premium, sustainable solutions. For example, Amcor's 2023 acquisition of Gujarat-based Phoenix Flexibles (USD 20 million in revenue) exemplifies the industry's continued consolidation tendency.

Despite these major players, unorganized and small-scale converters supply roughly 35-40% of the market, catering to regional FMCG and low-cost sachet demand.  However, organized enterprises are rapidly gaining market share due to their ability to comply with recyclability regulations, invest in R&D, and create eco-friendly solutions such as mono-material laminates and compostable films.  Another competitive driver is technological innovation, with companies differentiating their goods with digital printing, barrier films, and holographic anti-counterfeit technologies. Going forward, industry competition is projected to heat up as sustainability laws under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) drive smaller players to consolidate, while large firms use economies of scale and global collaborations to gain a larger market share.

India Flexible Packaging Market Scope:

India Flexible Packaging Market Key Players –

1. Uflex Limited

2. Cosmo Films Ltd

3. JPFL films Pvt. Ltd (Jindal Poly Films Limited)

4. Purity Flexpack Limited

5. Paharpur 3P

6. Jupiter Laminators Pvt. Ltd

7. Safepack Solutions

8. Swiss Pac Pvt. Ltd

9. Huhtamaki India Ltd (Huhtamaki OYJ)

10. Solos Polymers Pvt. Ltd

11. Ester Industries Ltd

Frequently Ask Questions –

1. Who are the major Key players of India Flexible Packaging Market?

Ans - The Major Key players of India Flexible Packaging Market are Uflex Limited,

Cosmo Film Limited and Purity Flexpack limited.

2. What was the market size of India Flexible Packaging Market in 2024?

Ans - In 2024, market size of the India Flexible Packaging Market is USD 18387.40 Million.

3. Which Segment is expected to lead the market during forecast period?

Ans - Material Type Segment is the top segment hold the largest share in India Flexible Packaging Market during forecast period.

4. What will be the market size of India Flexible Packaging Market in 2030?

Ans - The market size of India Flexible Packaging Market in 2030 will be USD 33,708 Million.

5. What is the CAGR for the India Flexible Packaging Market from 2025 to 2030?

Ans - The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.98 % from 2025 to 2030.