{"id":10003,"date":"2025-10-28T05:07:10","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T09:07:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=10003"},"modified":"2025-10-28T05:07:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T09:07:10","slug":"us-flexible-packaging-powers-151-4bn-and-nearly-400k-jobs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=10003","title":{"rendered":"US flexible packaging powers $151.4bn and nearly 400k jobs"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Food, medical and household demand is driving growth in flexible packaging, with lightweight designs cutting transport costs and extending shelf life. \/ Credit: Irina Shats via Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

The United States flexible packaging industry generated an estimated $151.4bn in total economic output and supported 398,780 jobs nationwide in 2025, according to a new economic impact report released by the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA).<\/p>\n

The study, prepared by John Dunham & Associates, highlights the sector\u2019s broad contribution to the US economy, equivalent to about 0.5% of GDP.<\/p>\n

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Flexible packaging\u2014used in items such as pouches, wraps and films\u2014is found across food, healthcare, household and industrial goods, making it one of the fastest-growing segments of the packaging market.<\/p>\n

Jobs and wages across the supply chain<\/h2>\n

The report identifies 98,420 direct jobs in packaging manufacturing, 155,520 supplier jobs, and 144,840 induced positions supported through household spending.<\/p>\n

Combined, these roles generate $33.46 billion in wages and benefits, with the largest share linked to suppliers and service industries connected to the packaging value chain.<\/p>\n

The findings underline the industry\u2019s extensive reach across American states, from factory operations to logistics, design, finance and materials supply.<\/p>\n

Tax revenues and national economic impact<\/h2>\n

The study estimates $13.35bn in federal, state and local tax revenues generated by the flexible packaging sector. Total output of $151.4bn includes direct manufacturing activity along with the wider economic effects of supplier and consumer spending.<\/p>\n

The FPA report notes that the sector\u2019s lightweight and resource-efficient materials reduce transport costs and product waste, strengthening its role in the national economy.<\/p>\n

These factors contribute to steady demand from food and beverage, medical, and consumer goods producers seeking reliable and sustainable packaging solutions.<\/p>\n

Innovation and sustainability in flexible packaging<\/h2>\n

Flexible packaging continues to evolve through investment in new materials, barrier technologies and recycling innovations.<\/p>\n

Industry participants are developing designs that extend shelf life while reducing environmental impact, responding to growing attention on sustainable packaging and circular economy goals.<\/p>\n

The 2025 findings suggest these innovations not only enhance sustainability but also support long-term economic value across US manufacturing.<\/p>\n

The 2025 Economic Impact of the U.S. Flexible Packaging Industry<\/em><\/a> was produced for the FPA by John Dunham & Associates. It quantifies the sector\u2019s contribution through employment, income and tax data, showing how flexible packaging helps power the wider US economy.<\/p>\n

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