Flexible packaging powers $151 billion to US economy, report suggests

Advocate for the US’s flexible packaging industry The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), has released a new report which suggests that the flexible packaging industry drives more than $150 billion in total economic output and supports nearly 400,000 American jobs across all sectors of the US economy.

The report, titled “2025 Economic Impact of the US Flexible Packaging Industry”, was prepared by economic research and consulting firm John Dunham & Associates. It showcases the flexible packaging industry’s role in fuelling the US economy. 

“Flexible packaging is one of those industries that most people never think about, but can’t live without,” said Dan Felton, president and CEO of the Flexible Packaging Association. “From food and medicine to critical household goods, flexible packaging keeps products protected, extends shelf life, and helps reduce waste. This report shows just how vital our sector is, supporting hundreds of thousands of American jobs and strengthening local economies in every state.” 

The data in the report suggests that the packaging manufacturing industry contributes $151.4 billion (£113.6 billion) in total US economic output, representing approximately 0.5% of GDP. It supports 398,780 jobs nationwide, including 98,420 direct positions in packaging manufacturing, 155,520 supplier jobs, and 144,840 induced jobs – jobs supported by the spending of wages from those direct and indirect workers.

Playing a vital role across manufacturing, food and beverage, healthcare, and consumer goods, flexible packaging is one of the fastest-growing and most sustainable packaging segments in the US, the report stated. The 2025 study quantifies this, illustrating the industry’s broad economic influence from the factory floor to the national level. 

“The flexible packaging sector doesn’t just produce packages – it produces opportunity,” Mr Felton added. “As our members continue to invest in new materials, technologies, and recycling innovations, the economic and environmental value of flexible packaging will only continue to grow.”