Research and Analysis of Market Development Trends for New-Generation Composite Flexible Packaging Functional Films

　　Flexible packaging refers to packaging whose shape can change after the contents have been filled or removed. Various bags, boxes, sleeves, and pouches made from paper, aluminum foil, fibers, plastic films, and their composites all fall under the category of flexible packaging.

　　In the packaging industry, flexible packaging has emerged as one of the dominant forms of product presentation on store shelves, thanks to its vibrant colors, versatile functionality, and diverse aesthetic appeal. The rapid advancement of China’s flexible‑packaging sector has significantly boosted the growth of industries such as food and daily chemicals; in turn, this expansion has further fueled demand for flexible packaging, providing the industry with substantial market momentum. With the ongoing development of functional packaging materials and continuous improvements in processing technologies, flexible packaging is assuming an increasingly pivotal role across a wide range of applications. This article provides an overview of the current state of the domestic flexible‑packaging industry.

　　A composite flexible packaging functional film just one sheet of ordinary paper thick is, in fact, produced by co-extrusion blow‑molding from a seven‑layer polymer laminate, with the thinnest layer measuring only 0.005 mm and the thickest no more than 0.02 mm. Recently, after three years of joint research and development by Huangshan Yongxin Co., Ltd. and Hefei University of Technology, this innovative composite flexible packaging functional film—integrating multi‑layer co‑extrusion blow‑molding technology, solvent‑free lamination, and high‑line‑count wide‑web flexographic printing—has been successfully manufactured for the first time in China and has begun mass production. The achievement was awarded the First Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress of Anhui Province in 2011. According to reports, this ultra‑thin seven‑layer co‑extruded functional film can, by adjusting its formulation and structural design, be tailored to meet customer needs, yielding transparent high‑barrier films for packaging chilled fresh meat products and baked sausages; high‑strength heat‑seal films for chemical raw material packaging, rice bags, and petrochemical product packaging; and high‑temperature retort‑resistant films suitable for ready‑to‑eat cooked food packaging. Testing confirms that the new composite flexible packaging functional film meets national standards and rivals the performance of internationally renowned brands, with some parameters even surpassing those of leading global brands. At present, most domestic flexible packaging materials are made by laminating two‑ or three‑layer films using solvent‑based adhesives, which involves extensive use of raw materials, complex processing, high labor intensity, and long production cycles. Moreover, organic solvents pose environmental and health risks, and the subsequent drying stage consumes substantial energy. Huangshan Yongxin Co., Ltd. and Hefei University of Technology have pioneered breakthroughs in key technologies—including ultra‑thin multilayer co‑extruded film structures, solvent‑free lamination adhesives, and high‑line‑count wide‑web flexographic printing—and have achieved significant advances in formulating and designing ultra‑thin seven‑layer co‑extruded functional films for applications such as transparent high‑barrier films, retort‑resistant films, and high‑strength functional films. They have also developed a novel solvent‑free two‑component adhesive and integrated high‑line‑count wide‑web flexographic printing technology, thereby breaking through barriers imposed by foreign green manufacturing processes for composite flexible packaging. These innovations have resolved critical bottlenecks that have long hindered progress in China’s flexible packaging industry, enabling greener production across printing, lamination, and film‑making stages, and achieving the goals of benzene‑free, non‑toxic, pollution‑free, and waste‑reduction manufacturing. Currently, the product is being used by well‑known brands such as Procter & Gamble, Nestlé, Kraft, Bayer, Heinz, and Mead Johnson, with portions exported to over ten countries and regions in Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia.

　　According to the “2012–2017 In-Depth Market Survey and Investment Value Analysis Report on China’s Flexible Packaging Industry” published by China Market Research Online, Chinese flexible packaging manufacturers should further intensify their R&D efforts, prioritize the development of high‑tech, high‑value‑added products, and enhance product quality, customer service, and overall service capabilities. By doing so, they can strengthen their competitive edge, boost the visibility and recognition of domestic brands, and gradually narrow the gap with international brands.