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The Future of Packaging Coatings to 2031

The shift to paper-based packaging is reshaping the coatings market. This comprehensive new multi-client study provides an in-depth assessment of how demand is evolving across the packaging coatings market and the strategic insights you need to capitalise on opportunities for growth.
  • The packaging coatings market is being shaped by two powerful forces: rising global demand for convenient, longer shelf-life packaged foods, and mounting regulatory and consumer pressure to adopt more sustainable materials. 
  • Coatings will play a key role as the industry moves towards greater circularity. Solvent-based technologies are in long-term decline, with water-based and radiation-curable coatings gaining ground, while extrusion coatings currently hold the largest volume share. 
  • Asia Pacific, led by China and India, represents the strongest growth opportunity as urbanisation drives a shift towards western-style packaged goods.

Packaging coatings play a critical role in enhancing the performance, functionality, and sustainability of packaging across various formats including flexible packaging, paper & board, printed labels, and folding cartons. As brands and manufacturers seek to improve product shelf life, visual appeal, and recyclability, coatings provide essential properties such as barrier protection, heat resistance, gloss, and print adhesion. Key to growth is understanding the general performance criteria required for most of the market, which requires in-depth insight on the selection factors of customers (beyond cost and barrier performance). This enables suppliers to identify the bigger growth opportunities.

The Future of Packaging Coatings to 2031 is the definitive market study on global flexible packaging adhesives and coatings. This multi-client study contains over 100 tables and figures and 340 slides of granular data and expert insight, with market data presented in tonnage, value, and square metres, segmented by:

  • Packaging type
  • Polymer type
  • Coating technology
  • Coating type
  • End-use application
  • Geography

The full package includes both a PDF report and an Excel spreadsheet of market data, giving you the flexibility to explore and apply the findings in the way that works best for your team.

Key questions answered within this report:

  • What are the required barrier properties for each key packaging type, and how do these requirements vary across different applications?
  • Beyond cost and coating performance, what critical factors influence converters when selecting a coating or considering switching to a different supplier?
  • How are sustainability targets, regulatory requirements, and evolving end-user expectations shaping the coatings market, and what technological advancements are expected in coating solutions through 2030?

Scope of the report

This multi-client study draws on extensive primary research – including in-depth interviews conducted across the value chain – to deliver a uniquely comprehensive view of the packaging coatings market. As part of the primary research engagement, we surveyed over 60 suppliers / users of packaging coatings.

Meet the experts

This report was researched and authored by a team of industry experts and consulting analysts with deep expertise in the coatings industry. With years of  hands-on experience advising businesses across the coatings value chain, our expert team bring a sharp analytical perspective and an in-depth understanding of market dynamics, emerging technologies, and industry trends. 

Keith Jacques – Coatings Expert and Report Author
Robert Outram – Consulting Project Director, Smithers
Adam Page – Vice President, Market Reports, Smithers
Nadeesh Gupta – Consulting Analyst, Smithers 
Cassie Zhao – Consulting Analyst, Smithers 
John Snow – Industry Expert
Sean Smyth – Industry Expert and Report Author

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Bill Allen

Bill Allen

Head of Sales – Europe and Middle East, Smithers Information Division

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Sean Walsh

Sean Walsh

Business Development Manager, Smithers Information Division

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