From October 18–21, 2026, packaging professionals gathered at PACK EXPO International in Chicago to explore new technologies and opportunities. HongBang Packaging, a China-based custom flexible packaging manufacturer established in 1999, participated in the exhibition and is now preparing for Global Packaging Expo (GPE Guangzhou), November 5–7, 2026.
What do the latest industry figures reveal? Which packaging products offer opportunities for food manufacturers, brand owners, wholesalers, and distributors?
Here are the key developments shaping the flexible packaging market.
1. How Large Is the Flexible Packaging Market?
Flexible packaging remains an important segment of the global packaging industry because it combines product protection, lightweight construction, attractive printing, and convenient storage.
According to the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), the U.S. flexible packaging industry generated $42.6 billion in annual sales in 2024, compared with $41.4 billion in 2023, representing 2.9% growth.
Meanwhile, PMMI reported that U.S. packaging machinery shipments reached an estimated $11.7 billion in 2025. Food applications represented approximately 44% of that total.
These figures measure different industry segments, but together they demonstrate the scale of investment in packaging materials and automated packaging technology.
Table 1. Key Packaging Industry Indicators
| Industry Indicator | Reported Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. flexible packaging sales, 2023 | $41.4 billion | FPA |
| U.S. flexible packaging sales, 2024 | $42.6 billion | FPA |
| Annual flexible packaging growth | 2.9% | FPA |
| U.S. packaging machinery shipments, 2025 | $11.7 billion | PMMI |
| Food share of packaging machinery market | Approximately 44% | PMMI |
| PACK EXPO International 2026 | 2,700+ exhibitors | PMMI |
These statistics suggest that purchasing decisions increasingly involve both packaging materials and their compatibility with production machinery.
For brand owners, this means choosing a packaging supplier capable of delivering consistent quality, reliable specifications, and suitable formats for different filling systems.
2. What Did PACK EXPO International 2026 Reveal?
PACK EXPO International 2026 was held at McCormick Place in Chicago.
According to the organizer, the exhibition welcomed more than 43,000 attendees and approximately 29,000 exhibitor personnel, bringing total industry participation to around 72,000 professionals.
The show covered more than 1.3 million net square feet of exhibition space and featured solutions for over 40 industry sectors.
Major themes included automation, artificial intelligence, sustainable materials, operational efficiency, and packaging innovation.
HongBang Packaging participated at Booth LL-10713, presenting its factory-direct custom flexible packaging capabilities.
For manufacturers, exhibitions of this scale provide valuable opportunities to compare packaging formats, evaluate production technology, and establish international supply relationships.
One important lesson is that packaging should no longer be evaluated only by appearance or price. Material performance, manufacturing consistency, and filling-line compatibility are equally significant.
3. Why Are Custom Flexible Packaging Pouches Becoming More Popular?
Q: What makes flexible packaging attractive to consumer brands?
A: Flexible packaging offers a versatile combination of barrier protection, printable surface area, convenient features, and efficient transportation.
Compared with many rigid formats, pouches can require less storage space before filling and may reduce packaging weight, depending on their construction and application.
Popular features include resealable zippers, tear notches, high-barrier films, dispensing spouts, and custom shapes.
Q: Which products are frequently packaged in flexible pouches?
A: Applications include coffee, snacks, nuts, dried fruit, protein powder, nutritional products, pet food, liquids, cosmetics, and selected medical products.
Each application requires an appropriate film structure, seal design, and packaging format.
Q: Why is custom printing important?
A: Printed packaging communicates brand identity, product information, and differentiation.
High-quality gravure printing supports large-volume production, while digital printing can be suitable for smaller batches, product launches, and multiple artwork versions.
4. Which Flexible Packaging Products Offer the Most Opportunities?
The right format depends on the product's physical characteristics, shelf-life objectives, filling equipment, and distribution conditions.
Table 2. Flexible Packaging Formats and Applications
| Packaging Type | Key Advantages | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Stand Up Pouch | Shelf presentation, resealable options | Snacks, powders, dried fruit |
| Flat Bottom Bag | Stable structure, multiple branding panels | Coffee, pet food, premium food |
| Mylar Bags | High-barrier structures, custom sizes | Small-portion products, herbs |
| Liquid Spout Pouch | Controlled dispensing, convenient handling | Juice, sauces, liquid detergents |
| Packaging Roll Film | Compatible with automated packing systems | Snacks, powders, frozen food |
| Retort Pouch | Designed for validated thermal processing | Ready meals, sauces |
| Vacuum Bag | Air removal and suitable barrier protection | Meat, seafood, processed food |
HongBang Packaging manufactures custom printed flexible packaging in these major categories, including shaped pouches, coffee bags, child-resistant packaging options, and recyclable material structures.
Rather than selecting a bag solely from a product catalog, professional buyers should match packaging design to actual operating conditions.
5. How Can Packaging Manufacturers Support International Buyers?
Q: What should importers look for in a packaging factory?
A: Production capacity, quality-control procedures, technical communication, printing consistency, and export experience are important considerations.
A capable supplier should explain suitable materials and provide relevant testing information before mass production.
Q: Can buyers customize both packaging shape and printing?
A: Yes. OEM/ODM packaging projects can include dimensions, material combinations, printing, surface finishes, closures, and specialized functions.
Q: Are low-volume trial orders possible?
A: HongBang Packaging offers selected custom bag projects with minimum order quantities starting from 500 pieces. Final MOQ depends on specifications, materials, and printing methods.
Q: Why does packaging testing matter?
A: Seal strength, leakage resistance, material compatibility, and product-protection performance affect safety and distribution reliability.
Sample validation can prevent costly problems during filling, transportation, and retail handling.
6. What Can Buyers Expect at GPE Guangzhou 2026?
Following PACK EXPO International in Chicago, HongBang Packaging will participate in Global Packaging Expo (GPE Guangzhou) 2026, an important opportunity to connect with packaging buyers and industry professionals in Asia.
Exhibition Information
Exhibition: Global Packaging Expo 2026 (GPE Guangzhou)
Date: November 5–7, 2026
Venue: Poly World Trade Center Expo, Guangzhou, China
HongBang Packaging Booth: B152
Visitors can discuss solutions for stand-up pouches, flat-bottom bags, coffee packaging, pet food packaging, liquid spout pouches, shaped bags, and packaging roll film.
The event also offers an opportunity to explore material selection, custom printing, sample development, and OEM/ODM manufacturing requirements.
7. What Should Packaging Buyers Prioritize in 2027?
The most competitive packaging strategies will balance performance, cost, customer convenience, and environmental requirements.
Buyers should focus on several questions:
Does the packaging provide sufficient protection throughout distribution?
Is it compatible with existing filling and sealing equipment?
Can the supplier maintain consistent printing and material specifications?
Are sustainable alternatives technically and commercially suitable?
Can production capacity support future growth?
For wholesale distributors, offering multiple pouch formats and customization services can also create opportunities to serve different industry segments.