US Shrink Packaging Market: Outlook and Forecast to 2035
The US shrink packaging market comprises advanced packaging solutions made from materials like polyolefin, polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, and PET, utilized across food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care, industrial, and electronics sectors. Shrink packaging refers to plastic films that shrink tightly over products when heat is applied, offering tamper-evidence, improved product shelf-life, and aesthetic appeal. Growth is driven by escalating demand for secure and sustainable packaging, supply chain optimization, and branding needs in retail and e-commerce. Recent innovations emphasize biodegradable materials and digital printing, catering to eco-conscious consumers and brands seeking customization. The market is characterized by strong competition, regulatory compliance requirements, and the rising influence of distribution channels such as online retail. Key market participants are investing in automated and stretch shrink technologies to enhance throughput and reduce operational costs. Overall, the industry is set to experience robust CAGR through 2035, with shifting consumer preferences and digital transformation acting as catalysts.
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Latest Market Dynamics
Key Drivers
- Growing demand for sustainable and recyclable packaging materials is propelling market growth, with companies like Amcor plc introducing recyclable shrink films tailored to food and beverage brands in 2024.
- Rise in e-commerce and retail sectors is driving increased consumption of shrink packaging for product protection and branding, as seen with Berry Global's expansion into automated shrink systems for e-commerce packaging solutions.
Key Trends
- Adoption of digital and flexographic printing technologies for shrink films is rising, enhancing product customization and brand visibility, exemplified by Sealed Air’s recent launch of digitally printed shrink sleeves.
- Shift toward bio-based and compostable shrink films as customers demand eco-friendly options, as demonstrated by Bemis Company’s introduction of PLA-based shrink films in 2024.
Key Opportunities
- Expansion into pharmaceutical and personal care applications offers significant growth potential, with Coveris Holdings S.A. increasing production capacity for medical-grade shrink packaging.
- Integration of smart packaging elements, such as QR codes for traceability, presents new avenues for value-added services, highlighted by Winpak Ltd.'s 2024 investment in smart labeling solutions.
Key Challenges
- Stringent regulations regarding plastic usage and recycling rates create compliance challenges, requiring ongoing innovation from vendors like Reynolds Group.
- Volatility in raw material prices affects profitability and supply chain stability, with Klockner Pentaplast managing risk through forward contracts and sustainable sourcing initiatives.
Key Restraints
- High capital investment requirements for advanced automated shrink packaging lines act as a barrier for small and medium enterprises, noted in discussions by Polyvinyl Films Inc.
- Increasing consumer and regulatory scrutiny regarding single-use plastics may limit growth potential for traditional shrink packaging, as addressed by Intertape Polymer Group’s focus on recycled-content films.
US Shrink Packaging Market Share (%) by Type, 2025
Polyolefin remains the leading material in the US shrink packaging market in 2025, commanding a 38% share thanks to its versatility and cost-effectiveness. Polyethylene follows at 26% as a highly durable and widely used option, particularly in industrial and heavy-duty wrapping. Polypropylene accounts for 14% owing to its clarity and strength, while PVC and PET both hold notable shares for specialty applications. The push toward recyclable and biodegradable options sees modest growth in the ‘Others’ category. This material composition underscores the industry's shift to cost-optimized yet sustainable solutions, fostering investment in advanced film formulations by top vendors.
US Shrink Packaging Market Share (%) by Application, 2025
In 2025, food & beverage stands as the dominant application segment in the US shrink packaging market, accounting for 44% due to rising packaged food consumption and retail shelf-ready products. Pharmaceuticals capture 16%, propelled by increased requirements for tamper-evident packaging in the healthcare supply chain. Personal care items add another 13%, reflecting growing hygiene product demand. Industrial and electronics applications contribute 11% and 8% respectively, driven by logistics and product protection priorities. The ‘Others’ segment covers emerging use cases. This distribution highlights sustained growth in essential consumer categories and regulatory-compliant packaging.
US Shrink Packaging Market Revenue (USD Million), 2020-2035
The US shrink packaging market has shown progressive growth in revenue, with total market value rising from $2,250 Million in 2020 to an estimated $3,800 Million in 2025, and is projected to exceed $6,100 Million by 2035. This steady upward trajectory reflects increasing adoption across key end-use industries, persistent innovation in materials and technologies, as well as favorable regulatory trends supporting recyclable packaging. The rise in revenue underscores the sector’s resilience amidst fluctuations in raw materials, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer behaviors, securing future expansion over the forecast period.
US Shrink Packaging Market YOY (%) Growth, 2020-2035
Year-on-year growth rates for the US shrink packaging market reflect robust but gradually moderating expansion. After a peak YOY growth of 15% in 2025 driven by post-pandemic supply chain normalization and new investments in sustainable packaging, the rates stabilize between 7% and 8% through 2030. This steady growth affirms the ongoing demand for advanced packaging across sectors, while the stabilization indicates a maturing market adapting to regulatory and competitive pressures.
US Shrink Packaging Market by Regions Share (%), 2025
The Northeast region leads the US shrink packaging market in 2025 with a 32% share, attributed to dense urban centers and strong food, pharma, and retail activity. The Midwest follows with 28%, leveraging its manufacturing base and logistics networks. The South holds 23%, reflecting rising industrial growth, while the West accounts for 17%, driven by technology production and health-conscious consumer bases. These regional splits highlight economic diversity and targeted demand throughout the country.
US Shrink Packaging Market Players Share (%), 2025
The US shrink packaging landscape is led by Berry Global Inc. with a 14% market share in 2025, closely followed by Sealed Air Corporation at 12%. Amcor plc and Bemis Company Inc. capture 10% and 9% respectively, with Reynolds Group and others dividing the remaining market. This distribution underscores market consolidation among a handful of global players, resulting in intense competition and significant investments in R&D and automation for continued leadership.
US Shrink Packaging Market Buyers Share (%), 2025
Food & beverage manufacturers constitute the largest buyer category for shrink packaging in 2025 with a 39% share, driven by high packaging volumes and frequent product launches. Pharmaceutical companies follow with 19%, propelled by strict tamper-proofing requirements. Retail/private label buyers comprise 14%, reflecting growing retail brand activities, while industrial and electronics buyers combined account for 18%. The remaining 10% belongs to other sectors such as cosmetics and specialty goods.
Study Coverage
| Metrics | Details |
|---|
| Years | 2020-2035 |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Market Size | 3800 |
| Regions | Northeast, Midwest, South, West |
| Segments | Polyolefin, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, PVC, PET, Others, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care, Industrial, Electronics, Others |
| Players | Berry Global Inc., Sealed Air Corporation, Amcor plc, Bemis Company Inc., Reynolds Group, Coveris Holdings S.A., Winpak Ltd., Sigma Plastics Group, Clondalkin Group, Polyvinyl Films Inc., Intertape Polymer Group, Bonset America Corporation, Allen Plastic Industries Co. Ltd., Klockner Pentaplast, Flexopack S.A. |
Key Recent Developments
- May 2024: Amcor plc launched a new recyclable PE-based shrink film targeting beverage multipacks.
- June 2024: Sealed Air Corporation introduced a proprietary digital print solution for personalized shrink packaging.
- April 2024: Bemis Company Inc. expanded its PLA-based shrink film line for food and personal care brands.
- June 2024: Berry Global announced automation upgrades at its US shrink packaging facilities to improve efficiency.
- May 2024: Coveris Holdings S.A. increased production capacity for medical-grade shrink packaging at its US site.
