Argentina Flexible Packaging Market - Forecasts from 2022 to 2027

The Argentina flexible packaging market is projected to witness a compounded annual growth rate of 4.40% to grow to US$2,110.252 million by 2027, from US$1,561.345 million in 2020. Flexible packaging is a non-rigid packaging technology that uses flexible materials including aluminium, plastic, and paper. To make flexible packaging items such as plastic bags and pouches, foil bags, lid films, and sachets, these materials go through several processes like printing, coating, laminating, and extrusion. Rising disposable income, growing middle-income group, and increasing purchasing power are expected to drive the market growth during the forecast period. Increasing consumer and manufacturer awareness of plastic waste pollution is expected to reduce the use of plastic packaging materials throughout the forecast period, hurting the industry's overall growth. Moreover, the surging consumer market across the country is anticipated to significantly support the growth of the food industry in the country which is expected to augment the demand for flexible packaging solutions over the forecast period. Consumers are very specific about the health aspects associated with packaged food products such as meat and vegetables, cereal and flour, sugar, dairy, and others.

Argentina has a serious waste problem, with over 5,000 dump sites and haphazard final disposal sites spread across the country. It produces 50,000 tons of garbage each day, according to figures from recyclers' associations. Half of it winds up inside one of the country's 5,000 dumps or sanitary landfills. Hence, people in Buenos Aires protested in December 2021 to demand the passage of the Packaging with Social Inclusion Law. The Packaging Law strives to achieve a socially and environmentally sustainable packaging management system in which the manufacturer's duty for the goods extends from the point of consumption to the point of final disposal. Hence, businesses are encouraged to produce products that are environmentally friendly and fair to workers. This is expected to boost the flexible packaging market in Argentina.

Further, Argentine consumers are known for being rational and thrifty with their money, prioritizing price over quantity. Consumers have also gotten pickier and more hesitant when it comes to new items, as a result, the market for flexible packaging is projected to create immense opportunities for the key players operating in the sector. Argentina's personal care industry offers environmentally responsible packaging with advantages such as tiny packaging, low cost, and environmentally friendly materials. Catering to low-income groups, numerous companies introduced low-cost plastic pouches as an alternative to traditional packaging.

By packaging material, Argentina's flexible packaging market has been classified into paper, aluminum foil, BOPP film, polyethylene, PET, and others.

PET flexible packaging is projected to have a major share of the market. The segment's growth is attributed to the rising demand for PET-based packaging across a variety of applications in food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care, as well as the increasing penetration of organized and e-retail. Furthermore, the surge in demand for cost-effective, lightweight, and convenient packaging solutions can be ascribed to the rise in demand for PET-based flexible packaging. They are widely employed in the production of bottles, jars, containers, cartons, trays, and other types of packaging. For instance, in March 2021, the first fresh milk bottle produced 20 percent in clear post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyethene terephthalate (PET) packaging, which was launched in Argentina, is one of Amcor's latest advancements. Mastellone's La Serensima Original milk brand is positioned as a natural product, and the specially designed 1-liter container supports that branding while also delivering optimum storage life and greater sustainability advantages. Additionally, customers in Argentina are increasingly drawn to transparent dairy package that denotes freshness and premium quality, according to research by global packaging giant Amcor. Dairy producers are responding by increasingly employing clear polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, which are durable and allow customers to see dairy goods before purchasing them.

Rising need for sustainable packaging

Flexible packaging goods are in high demand due to the rising demand for environment-friendly packaged foods, beverages, and new lightweight materials. The country's economic growth and changing lifestyles have resulted in increased demand for various flexible packaging products, which is likely to grow lucratively in the next years. Because of increased media and internet attention to health issues, consumers are more worried about environmental issues. As a result of these concerns, packaged fresh fruit and vegetables, dietary supplements, and natural, organic, and additive-free products have further boosted the demand for flexible packaging options. Consumers are becoming more aware of the contents and additives in the items they buy. Furthermore, beverage consumption is increasing in Argentina. The government of Argentina has put restrictions on the production and disposal of synthetic polymers like plastic. As a result, all beverage manufacturers are concentrating on creative and convenient packaging options. Within the country, there are strict government rules for environmental safety. Additionally, the ongoing trend of consumers frequently purchasing from online channels, owing to time-pressed schedules and the availability of different cuisines online has led to the popularity of the packaged food products which is projected to drive the market growth in the coming years. Companies have realized that packaging will need to respond to changing market trends and consumers' growing desire for more sustainable packaging. For instance, in March 2021, Amcor in collaborated with Mastellone Hnos. SA introduced the first fresh milk bottle constructed with 20% transparent PCR PET resin in Argentina. The LATAM team at Amcor Rigid Packaging collaborated with the brand to launch shelf-stable, white-coloured PET bottles in October 2019.

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic had a positive impact on Argentina's flexible packaging market. The robust outbreak of the virus and its exponential spread resulted in revision and up-gradation of safety standards in order to ensure containment, which led to an increase in demand for effective packaging across numerous industry verticals, booming the demand for flexible packaging as well. Layers of packaging were added to a product, ensuring the product does not get infected, which nudge growth in the market. Panic stockpiling of food, beverages, and pharmaceutical products owing to lockdown uncertainties resulted in a boom in demand for flexible packaging.

Market Segmentation:

• BY PACKAGING MATERIAL

Paper

Aluminium Foil

BOPP Film

Polyethylene

PET

Others

• BY APPLICATION

Food Packaging

• Processed food products
• Bakery Products
• Pet Food Products
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Others

Beverage Packaging

• Bottles
• Pouches
• Others

Cosmetics & Toiletries

Pharmaceutical & Healthcare

Others