Wicketed Bag Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Material (Plastic and Paper), By Product Type (Loose Flap, Bottom Gusset, Side Gusset, and Others), By End use Industry (Food, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Industrial, Consumer Goods, and Others), and Regional Forecast till 2032

The global wicketed bag market is expanding with the extensive product adoption in the food & beverage sector. The industry is focused on the production, distribution, and sale of wicketed bags. The bags are a type of flexible packaging typically made from materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or other plastic films. These bags are distinguished by the presence of small holes, known as wickets, punched near the top of the bag. The holes allow the bags to be stacked together on a metal or plastic wicket, which keeps them aligned and facilitates easy handling, filling, and sealing during manufacturing and packaging processes.

• For instance, according to the Flexible Packaging Association, the largest market for flexible packaging is food (retail and institutional), accounting for about 52% of shipments.

Wicketed Bag Market Driver

Rising Demand in the Food and Beverage Industry is one of the Significant Market Drivers

Wicketed bags are widely used in the food and beverage industry for packaging items such as bread, produce, and frozen foods. These bags provide excellent sealing, helping to preserve freshness and extend shelf life, which is crucial for perishable goods. The trend toward single-serve and portion-controlled packaging in the food industry has increased the demand for wicketed bags, as they are ideal for packaging small, individual portions.

• The largest market for flexible packaging is food (retail and institutional), accounting for about 50% of shipments in the U.S.

Wicketed Bag Market Restraint

Plastic Waste and Pollution May Hinder the Growth of the Market

Wicketed bags are often made from plastic materials such as polyethylene, which contributes to plastic waste and environmental pollution. The increasing global focus on reducing plastic use and waste poses a significant challenge to the market as consumers and businesses seek more sustainable packaging options.

• Between the 1950s and 2017, an estimated 9.2 billion tons of plastic have been manufactured. Of this, a little more than one quarter is still in use, and only 600 million tons have been recycled. About 40% of all plastic products are thrown away within one month.

Wicketed Bag Market Opportunity

Rising Demand for Sustainable Packaging Options to Offer New Growth Opportunities

With increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues, there is a growing demand for sustainable packaging options. Wicketed bag manufacturers can capitalize on this trend by developing and promoting bags made from recyclable or biodegradable materials. Innovations in manufacturing processes, such as automation and advanced printing techniques, provide opportunities for producing high-quality wicketed bags more efficiently and at lower costs. These innovations also allow for more intricate designs and better customization, appealing to brands looking for unique packaging solutions.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the Market
• Key Industry Trends
• Regulatory Landscape for Market
• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)
• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

Analysis by Material

Based on material, the market is divided into plastic and paper.

Plastic is the dominating material segment in the market. Plastic wicketed bags are relatively inexpensive to produce compared to alternatives such as paper or biodegradable materials. The lower cost of raw materials, combined with efficient manufacturing processes, allows businesses to produce large quantities at a lower price point, making them economically attractive for both manufacturers and consumers.

The affordability of plastic wicketed bags makes them a popular choice for companies looking to keep packaging costs down, particularly in price-sensitive markets such as food and retail.

Analysis by Product Type

Based on product type, the market is fragmented into loose flap, bottom gusset, side gusset, and others.

The loose flap segment accounts for the largest share of the market. Loose flap-wicketed bags are highly versatile and can be used for packaging a broad spectrum of products, from food items such as bread and produce to non-food items such as pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and industrial components. This versatility makes them a preferred choice for manufacturers across different sectors.

The loose flap design of these bags allows for secure sealing, which is crucial for protecting the contents from contamination, moisture, and tampering. This feature is particularly important in industries such as food and pharmaceuticals, where product safety and integrity are paramount.

Analysis by End-use Industry

Based on end-use industry, the market is subdivided into food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics & personal care, industrial, consumer goods, and others.

The food industry stands as the dominant segment in the market. Wicketed bags are designed to provide excellent sealing, which is crucial in maintaining the freshness of food products. This is especially important for perishable items such as bread, produce, and dairy, where preventing exposure to air and contaminants can significantly extend shelf life.

Regional Analysis

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Based on region, the market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share of the global wicketed bag market in 2023. The region, with countries such as China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asian nations, is experiencing rapid industrialization and urbanization. This growth drives the demand for packaging solutions, including wicketed bags, particularly in the food, beverage, and retail sectors.

North America is the second-largest market based on the demand for wicketed bags. North America, particularly the U.S. and Canada, represents a mature market, driven by the well-established food and beverage, retail, and healthcare sectors. The demand for convenient packaging solutions in these industries is a major growth driver.

Europe is at the forefront of sustainability efforts, with stringent regulations on plastic use and waste management. Countries such as Germany, France, and the U.K. have implemented regulations that encourage the use of sustainable packaging materials, including biodegradable wicketed bags.

Key Players Covered

The global wicketed bag market is fragmented, with the presence of a large number of group and standalone providers.

The report includes the profiles of the following key players:

• Mondi Group (U.K.)
• Bischof+Klein SE & Co. KG (Germany)
• Coveris Group (Austria)
• UFLEX Limited (India)
• Novel, Inc. (China)
• PPC Flex Company Inc. (U.S.)
• St. Johns Packaging (Canada)
• Integrated Packaging Group (IPG) (Australia)
• Farnell Packaging (U.S.)
• Euphoria Packaging LLP (India)

Key Industry Developments

• In October 2024, Mondi launched the latest addition to its popular portfolio of sustainable pre-made plastic bags. FlexiBag Reinforced is a range of innovative mono-PE-based, recyclable packaging solutions with improved mechanical properties.
• In February 2023, PPC Flexible Packaging LLC, a leading provider of custom flexible packaging, announced the acquisition of Tefen, Israel-based StePac, MAPfresh Holdings (StePac).