How Changing Households Shape Flexible Packaging

The American household is changing, and packaging needs to transform with it. With smaller households, rising price sensitivity, and an aging population reshaping consumer preferences, there is a growing opportunity to rethink packaging materials and their function.

According to the Census Reporter, the average household is shrinking. The US Census reports an all-time high of people living alone. The study also reveals the share of family households with children under 18 has declined. Adults aged 65 and older represent a growing portion of householders. The chart below illustrates today’s demographics.

In order to put 2025 data into perspective, we need to examine statistics of prior decades. Now, let’s compare the above information with a snapshot of the American household in 1975.

*US Census

These demographic shifts are influencing shopping habits. A NielsenIQ report highlights growing demand for food products with smaller portions as consumers become more price-conscious and seek to manage everyday expenses. Smaller package sizes are outpacing traditional multi-serve packages in sales growth across categories such as ready-to-eat cereal and salty snacks.

For individuals living alone or in smaller households, single-serving portions and resealable packages offer greater convenience, help manage food waste, and reduce the cost of each shopping trip. Flexible packaging meets these growing needs. Flexible packaging film converted to stand up or flat/sachet pouches create options for portion control, product freshness, and convenient or limited storage.

Digital printing also creates opportunities to test new sizes, launch targeted products, and refresh designs without committing to large quantities of packaging. With S-OneLP, as your flexible packaging partner, low minimum order quantities (MOQ) are easy.

Flexible Packaging Demand Continues to Grow

According to Freedonia Group's industry study, U.S. demand for flexible food packaging is forecast to increase 3.0% annually and is projected to reach $22 billion in 2027. Flexible packaging's growth is a result of its lightweight construction, cost advantages, and performance benefits that meet the needs of our evolving population. Snack packaging applications such as trail mix, candy, cookies, and nut pouches and food pouches such as rice and pasta mixes, granola, and coffee, offer a lightweight alternative to traditional rigid containers while taking up less shelf space. Additionally, the option of moisture and oxygen barriers in flexible packaging increases food products’ shelf life and protects them from pests.

S-One LP’s Classic line of flexible packaging offers the following benefits:

• Made in the USA from FDA approved films
• Optimized slip
• Low seal initiation temperature
• High seal strengths
• Fast processing speeds
• Durable seams and closures

Meanwhile, many businesses must balance sustainability goals and consumer preferences. Efforts to incorporate recycled content and reduce food and material waste are helping address environmental concerns.

S-OneLP recognizes its responsibility to be eco-conscious and has developed its 3.5mil Metallized PCR 36% Stand Up Pouch Web.

S-OneLP’s PCR Pouch provides these features:

• 36% post-consumer recycled content uses advanced chemical recycling.
• Virgin quality resin delivers a smooth, gel-free laminate surface.
• Easily replace conventional 4mil metallized films.
• Gain dependability with curl control and press performance.
• Delivers compatibility with thermal lamination.
• Designed for upscale stand up pouch applications.
• Premium barrier properties preserve product quality and contents.

Designing for Convenience and Accessibility

An aging population adds another consideration, the ease of opening a package. Reduced hand strength and dexterity can make everyday packaging difficult to handle. Easy-tear tops and zipper opening and closure help improve the consumer experience.

Flexible packaging does more than protect products. It also provides easy and convenient access to its contents.

Preparing for Tomorrow's Packaging Needs

These trends emphasize the importance of adaptable packaging solutions that respond to changing households, budgets, and lifestyles. At S-OneLP, we connect converters and print providers with our innovation, materials, and expertise that support advancement in technology and efficient production. With S-OneLP as your flexible packaging partner, the opportunity is clear: develop packaging that protects its contents, supports consumer demands, and fits the way people live today.

Need more information? Please contact us for assistance.

Americas 941.256.7900 or labelsandpackaging@sone.com