Vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) Machine Market size, By Technology, By Packaging Type, By End Use Industry, By Material Type, By Distribution Channel, Growth Forecast 2025 - 2034

Vertical Form-Fill-Seal Machine Market Size

The global vertical form-fill-seal machine market was valued at USD 4.4 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 4.7 billion in 2025 to USD 7.8 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 5.9%.
 

Plastics and other environmentally damaging materials are incentivized to be substituted with eco-friendly alternatives. The European Union is reducing plastic waste with their Single Use Plastics Directive which aims to reduce plastic usage by half by 2025. Machines for making VFFS have started to be built for the processing of Biodegradable and Recyclable materials in line with the plastic waste regulations. Companies are expected to invest in advanced VFFS due to the need to comply and enhance their sustainability initiatives. The need for environmental compliance alongside rising consumer demand for VFFS will drive the companies to shift towards advanced technological packaging solutions.
 

In the worldwide vertical form-fill-seal machine market, emerging automation along with improved productivity goals sought by food, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods manufacturers serves as a stimulus for growth. As noted by the Food and Drug Administration, the automation of VFFS processes is becoming more common due to increased requirements for safety, protection from tampering, and long-term storage capabilities. VFFS systems are increasingly attractive to manufacturers seeking improvements in their packaging automation because the automation of processes reduces labor costs, increases throughput, and improves precision over manual operations.  
 

Also, smart VFFS, which have sensors and IoT devices enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, are encouraged by policies such as NIST’s Industry 4.0 framework, further promoting automation and the digital transformation of production systems.
 

Vertical Form-Fill-Seal Machine Market Trends

• The evolution of VFFS technology and design is being driven by the shift to renewable and sustainable materials for packaging. As observed by Ellen MacArthur Foundation, more than twenty percent of packagers have accepted the circular economy paradigm and are now planning and implementing circularity in packaging. This, in turn, is influencing the evolution of VFFS.
   
• Governments are enforcing stricter control around safe packaging, traceability, and recyclable waste across multiple jurisdictions. The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive is increasing the minimum requirement for recyclability, which in turn requires the use of compliant VFFS.
   
• Caring for ecological matters is shifting the need towards adopting biodegradable and recyclable films by manufacturers. EPA’s Waste Reduction Model (WARM) supports the case for ecological sustainability concerning flexible packaging using VFFS.
   
• A periphery focusing trend is noted for compact, affordable VFFS aimed to serve small and mid-sized businesses (SMEs) and niche markets. Increasingly multifunctional innovative packaging is sought by small and medium enterprises as agile VFFS systems respond to these needs, as highlighted by the US Small Business Administration.
   

Vertical Form-Fill-Seal Machine Market Analysis

Based on technology, the vertical form-fill-seal machine industry is segmented into automatic VFFS Machines, semi-automatic VFFS Machines. The automatic segment accounted for revenue of USD 3.4 billion in the year 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 6.1% from 2025 to 2034
 

• The global vertical form fill seal (VFFS) machines automatic market is poised for considerable growth due to the increased need for fast and effective packing systems. Automatic VFFS machines are being embraced more extensively because of the growth in e-commerce, greater consumer interest in packaged products, and the need for sustainable packaging solutions.
   
• VFFS machines eliminate manual work which enhances packaging efficiency and ensures uniform product quality. These machines are adaptable to a variety of packaging sizes and materials, catering to the needs of different industries.
   
• The use of PLCs, touch screen, and real-time monitoring systems enhance the ease of use and performance of the machines.

Based on packaging type, the vertical form-fill-seal machine market is classified into doypacks, gusseted bags, pillow bags, quad seal bags, sachets, stick packs, others. Pillow bags dominated the market in 2024, with share of 26.3%, and is expected to reach USD 2 billion by 2034.
 

• Due to its ease of use and affordability, this type of packaging is popular in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, as well as a personal care industries. The lightweight and easy to carry nature of pillow bags make them ideal for busy customers.
   
• Manufacturers are exploring the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials in pillow bags to address sustainable consumer demand.
   
• Pillow bags are easier to market because of innovations in printing technologies that allow high quality graphics that boost brand awareness and attract consumers. The growth of the packaged food market, the surge in e-commerce market, and the need for longer shelf life of products are other factors propelling the pillow bag market.
   

Based on end use industry, the vertical form-fill-seal machine market is classified into food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics & personal care, chemicals, others. In 2024, food & beverages segment held 55.1% share of the market and is expected to maintain its position during the forecast period.
 

• VFFS for pouches and bags and for liquid, solid, and powder fill products into spouted, stand up, and flat pouches. 
   
• Eco-friendly compostable films have environmentally regulatory compliance plastic waste restrictions  in Europe and North America, that focus on the development of VFFS for pouch and bag packaging. 
   
• Pillow bags are lightweight, protective and customizable, which meets the needs of e-commerce. VFFS’s ability to create these designs using minimal materials adds to the demand.

The U.S. plays a significant role in the global vertical form-fill-seal machine market with a revenue of USD 600 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% in the forecasted years.
 

• The food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods industries, coupled with growing consumer preference for eco-friendly and lightweight packaging, are very much driving the growth of U.S.
   
• In 2024, the China VFFS machine market was valued at USD 500 million. Due to the fast-growing consumer goods industry along with increasing levels of industrialization, China has become one of the most rapidly developing countries in the world for VFFS.
   
• The vertical form-fill-seal machine market in Germany is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period. Germany's strong industrial base in pharmaceuticals, automotive, and food processing is driving the growth of VFFS machines in the country.
   
• Saudi Arabia VFFS machine market was valued at USD 100 million in 2024. The gradual growth of the VFFS market in Saudi Arabia is attributed to support from Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy from an oil-centric growth model. 
   

Vertical Form-Fill-Seal Machine Market Share

• The global market is moderately fragmented, with Top 5 players, such as Syntegon, Bosch Packaging Technology, ProMach, Barry-Wehmiller Group, and Coesia Group holding a market share of 10-15%.
   
• Syntegon: Competes with other industry players through modular, Industry 4.0 based VFFS that use digitalization and sustainability as competitive edge. 
   
• Bosch Packaging Technology: Strives for wider market penetration by designing advance energy saving flexible VFFS for food, pharmacy, and personal care products. 
   
• ProMach: Strengthens its integrated packaging systems of VFFS by acquiring new businesses and forming collaborations offering comprehensive maintenance and support services.
   
• Barry-Wehmiller Group: Unlike competitors, it focuses on customized and responsive solutions designed with dependable innovations shifts paired with global service networks.
   
• Adopts automation and robotics systems, “marks an acceleration of the adoption of automation and robotics systems for precision and high-speed packaging in a variety of sectors." This is Coesia Group's new policy.
   

Vertical Form-Fill-Seal Machine Market Companies

Major players operating in the vertical form-fill-seal machine industry include:

• Barry-Wehmiller Group
• Bosch Packaging Technology
• Coesia Group
• Fres-co System USA, Inc.
• GEA Group AG
• Hayssen Flexible Systems, Inc.
• IMA Group
• Ishida Co., Ltd.
• Matrix Packaging Machinery, LLC
• Mespack SL
• Nichrome India Ltd.
• Pakona Engineers (I) Pvt. Ltd.
• Pro Mach, Inc.
• Rovema
• ULMA Packaging, S.Coop.
   

Reducing carbon footprints, reducing operational cost, smart maintenance, along with operating efficient has brought about a shift towards smart manufacturing. To remain competitive within the market, leading manufacturers of machines are pursuing technological innovation and are undergoing a digital transformation. Integration of IIOT, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics into the systems allows for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and improved operational efficiency. These systems not only guarantee quality of the product during operational workflows but also optimize maintenance workflows which minimizes costs of maintenance and downtime whilst ensuring standard regulations are met.
 

There is an investment in Research and Development towards the construction of vertical form fill seal machines (VFFS) capable of handling compostable, recyclable and biodegradable materials. This is aimed at responding to increased regulatory trends and consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging. It enables the clients and helps the manufacturers strive toward lowering their carbon footprint whilst meeting the requirements of the ever-changing laws regarding packaging.
 

For example, Syntegon has launched a new series of VFFS with Cloud and IoT (Internet of Things) sensors allowing remote diagnostics and process optimization for Industry 4.0. This innovation has assisted customers in the food and pharmaceutical industries to improve productivity while adhering to stringent safety and sustainability standards.
 

Vertical Form-Fill-Seal Machine Industry News

• In November 2023, Coveris launched Formpeel P at the COMPAMED trade fair in Dusseldorff. Besides Formpeel P being a thermoforming film manufactured by Coveris, it is also part of their eco-friendly packaged products, making it a recyclable thermoforming film. This is meant for medical customers with form-fill-seal machines.
   
• In August 2023 Ahlstrom partnered with The Paper People LLC to develop more sustainable packaging for frozen foods. The new design aims to replace fossil fuel-based plastic and film used in frozen food packaging with a certified recyclable fiber-based packaging.
   
• In November 2023, Liquibox and Cryovac advanced the merger of their strategic assets to expedite the provision of sustainable packaging solutions for the world fluids and liquids market, which is approximately USD 3 trillion. The newly created SEE is positioned to be an automated, digitally advanced leader in sustainable packaging.
   
• In February 2021, PC Flexible Packaging LLC acquired StePac, MAPfresh Holdings located in Tefen, Israel. PPC is well known for its innovative work with films, printing, pouches, and prototype packaging. The firm is also an important cleanroom packager for pet care, consumer snacks, specialty produce, organic products, and healthcare.
   

The vertical form-fill-seal machine market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Thousand Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Technology

• Automatic VFFS Machines
• Semi-automatic VFFS Machines

Market, By Packaging Type

• Doypacks
• Gusseted Bags
• Pillow Bags
• Quad Seal Bags
• Sachets
• Stick Packs
• Others

Market, By End Use Industry

• Food & Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Chemicals
• Others

Market, By Material Type

• Plastic
• Paper
• Aluminum Foil
• Multi-layer Films
• Biodegradable Materials
• Others

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Direct
• Indirect

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico 
• MEA
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa