Europe Stretch and Shrink Wrap Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Hoods, Sleeves and Labels, Wraps), By Resin (LLDPE, LDPE, PVC, Other Resins), By Application (Food and Beverage, Industrial Packaging, Consumer Goods, Electronics, Paper & Textile, Pharmaceutical) and By Country(U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Russia, Nordic, Benelux, Rest of Europe) Forecasts, 2024-2032

Market Overview

The Europe stretch and shrink wrap market witnessed significant growth in the past and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period (2022-2030).

Use stretch wrap, a thin, flexible plastic sheet to lock and secure cased goods onto a pallet. It is frequently made of polyethylene. Shrink wrap can be heated and used to cover objects loosely. Shrink wrap holds the goods in place after being heated. COVID helped to drive the market for stretch and shrink wrap. The fierce competition from conventional packaging limits the market's growth. On the other hand, the market for stretch and shrink wrap benefits from growing retail product sales and online shopping.

Europe’s stretch and shrink wrap market is driven by palletizing technology, majorly influencing the market demand. Involvement concern acts as a restraint for this market. On the other hand, increasing the e-commerce and retail sector provides an opportunity for Europe’s stretch and shrink wrap market.

Market Dynamics

Europe stretch and shrink wrap market drivers

Palletizing technology majorly influencing the market demand

Compared to other pallet unitization techniques, stretch and shrink wraps are the most recent palletizing technology that provides the most extensive advantages. In recent years, manufacturers of stretch and shrink films have improved packing quality and technique and the quality of the raw materials used to assure better performance. The manufacturing of stretch and shrink films with less thickness and higher flexibility is currently being worked on by stretch and shrink film manufacturers. Stretch and shrink films' efficient load stability and high elasticity have made it possible to serve end-use sectors like construction, food and beverage, textile, and logistics.

Europe stretch and shrink wrap market restraints

Environmental concerns 

Stretch and shrink wrap sales are severely constrained by rising environmental consciousness and laws governing the handling of plastic waste. These goods are mostly made of plastics, which increases trash production and environmental damage. The implementation of strict rules on single-use plastics and the rising demand for sustainable packaging substitutes may constrain market growth.

Europe stretch and shrink wrap market opportunities

Increasing e-commerce and retail sector 

The stretch and shrink wrap market has many prospects thanks to the expanding e-commerce and retail sectors. There is an increasing need for safe and protected packaging materials due to the growth of online shopping and the necessity for effective packaging solutions. Products are delivered intact because of the exceptional protection offered by stretch and shrink wrap. Manufacturers can take advantage of this chance by providing specialized packaging solutions catered to the unique needs of retail and e-commerce companies.

Regional Analysis

The Europe stretch and shrink wrap market is segmented based on country by Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, Spain, and the Rest of Europe. The rest of Europe holds the major share of the country’s market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.0% during the forecast period.

With more than 500 pharmaceutical businesses producing drugs worth USD 39.2 billion in 2019, Germany is a major producer of drugs in Europe. With the country's COVID-19 vaccine production, the value will increase even more in 2020. The leading pharmaceutical firms include Merck, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Bayer. Because they are better for cleanliness and contamination avoidance than other films, stretch and shrink films are used in far greater quantities in the pharmaceutical business than other films. This is anticipated to spur market expansion in the area during the next years.

Furthermore, the region's food and beverage industry has profited from the government's numerous programs to promote Made in Italy products. For instance, the Italian farmers' union Coldiretti proposed in March 2020 a strategic strategy to increase the Made in Italy agri-food exports with a USD 52.7 billion investment. Stretch and shrink films are needed widely because of the continual growth of the Italian food and beverage industry, which is projected to increase supply and transportation for the sector. Over the next years, the market is anticipated to profit from this.

Segmental Analysis

The Europe stretch and shrink wrap market is segmented based on Type, Product, Distribution Channel, and Country.

Based on material, the market is segmented by Hoods, Sleeves, Labels, and Wraps.

Sleeves and Labels hold the major share of the market and are expected to register a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecasted period. Labels made of polyester or plastic that completely encircle a product and fit the packaging's precise geometry are called sleeves and labels. Stretch labels, made of LDPE and stretchable, can be pulled over the product container. When exposed to heat while transported via a heat tunnel, shock sleeves are placed loosely on the product package and molded to it. The product can obtain a high-impact presentation on the store shelf thanks to the 3600-message branding. Stretch and shrink-sleeve labels are a preferred technique of product labeling that is gaining popularity.

Based on Resin, the market is segmented by LLDPE, LDPE, PVC, and Others.

LDPE holds the major share of the market and is expected to register a CAGR of 4.3% over the forecasted period. As more individuals order meals for delivery to their homes, there is an increase in the demand for LDPE, which is largely due to COVID. In India, the cost of LDPE has increased by USD 45 to USD 930–950. These elements fuel the segment's expansion.

Based on End-Users, the market is segmented by Food and Beverage, Industrial Packaging, Consumer Goods, and Pharmaceuticals.

Food and Beverage holds the major share of the market and is expected to register a CAGR of 5.1% over the forecasted period. Demand for thin wall packaging is increasing in the post-COVID era due to the demand for packaged and quickly consumed food. Along with this, the market for stretch and shrink films is supported by the positive trend of cost-effective packaging, such as packaging for cups, jars, food, beverages, and other fragile products. As restaurants quickly innovated and switched to takeaway and delivery, according to statistics, there was a more than 150% increase in the number of restaurants actively using online ordering with up-serve during the Covid era from February to April, along with an 840% increase in weekly sales via online ordering. The elements above all influence sector growth.

Recent Developments

• Feb 2023- Amcor declared that it has successfully acquired Bemis Company, Inc. for USD 6.9 billion. The merger will establish a flexible packaging leader on a worldwide scale.