Exporting Flexible Packaging Films to the US — US Food and Consumer Goods Manufacturers

Flexible packaging films are the backbone of modern food and consumer goods supply chains in the United States. From resealable pouches for snacks and frozen foods to high-barrier films for meat, cheese, and pharmaceuticals, these multi-layer materials protect products, extend shelf life, and reduce waste. For US manufacturers, securing a reliable, cost-effective supply of flexible packaging films is critical to maintaining production schedules and meeting sustainability targets. Latin America, with its growing petrochemical base and proximity to US markets, is emerging as a strategic sourcing region for these films. This page provides a comprehensive guide for US buyers and Latin American suppliers navigating the flexible packaging film trade, covering specifications, supplier landscapes, procurement practices, certifications, pricing, and how Coppermont facilitates connections.

Product Specifications and Grades Relevant to US Buyers

Flexible packaging films are engineered materials typically composed of multiple layers of polymers, adhesives, and coatings to provide specific barrier properties, sealability, and mechanical strength. The most common types of flexible packaging films used in the US food and consumer goods industry include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon (PA), and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) films, often combined in laminates or co-extrusions. Key specifications that US buyers prioritize include thickness (measured in microns or mils), tensile strength, elongation at break, seal strength, and oxygen and moisture vapor transmission rates (OTR and MVTR). For example, a typical stand-up pouch for coffee may require a laminate of PET/AL/PE with an OTR below 1 cc/m²/day and an MVTR below 1 g/m²/day to preserve freshness [1]. Grades vary by application: high-barrier films for meat and cheese require EVOH or PVDC layers, while low-density PE films for bread bags prioritize clarity and sealability. US buyers commonly reference ASTM D882 for tensile properties and ASTM F1249 for water vapor transmission rates [2]. Additionally, films intended for direct food contact must comply with FDA 21 CFR regulations, specifying acceptable additives and migration limits. Sustainability is also a growing concern; many US manufacturers now require films that are recyclable or incorporate post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, driving demand for mono-material structures like MDO-PE that meet the APR Design Guide criteria [3].

Latin American and African Supplier Landscape

Latin America has become a significant production hub for flexible packaging films, driven by access to raw materials, competitive labor costs, and trade agreements with the US. Brazil is the largest regional producer, with companies like Braskem and Videolar-Innova supplying polyethylene resins and converting them into finished films. Argentina and Chile also host sophisticated converters that export to North America. Mexico, as a USMCA partner, offers tariff-free access for many film products and has a robust packaging industry centered in Monterrey and Mexico City. Colombian producers, such as Propilco and Carvajal Empaques, supply BOPP films and laminates used in snack and candy packaging. In Africa, South Africa and Egypt have developed film extrusion capabilities, though export volumes to the US remain limited due to longer lead times and logistical challenges. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) may enhance intra-African trade but does not directly affect US imports. Overall, Latin American suppliers benefit from shorter shipping times (5–10 days via ocean freight to US Gulf ports) compared to Asian competitors, and they often offer flexible minimum order quantities (MOQs) of 500–2,000 kg, which is attractive for mid-sized US manufacturers [4]. However, quality consistency and certification compliance remain key differentiators; suppliers with ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 certifications are preferred.

US Buyer Types: Who Buys and How They Procure

Flexible packaging films are purchased by a diverse set of US buyers, ranging from large multinational consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies to regional food processors and contract packagers. Major CPG firms like PepsiCo, Nestlé, and General Mills source films through centralized procurement teams that issue annual or multi-year contracts with approved suppliers, often requiring rigorous qualification processes including plant audits and lab testing. Mid-market food manufacturers, such as organic snack brands or specialty meat processors, typically buy through distributors or directly from converters, with shorter lead times and smaller order volumes. Contract packagers (co-packers) represent another key segment; they purchase films on behalf of brand owners and need just-in-time delivery to avoid production line stoppages. Specifications are usually dictated by the end-product requirements, such as shelf life, packaging format (e.g., flow wrap, vertical form fill seal), and printing needs (rotogravure vs. flexographic). Procurement decisions are heavily influenced by total cost of ownership, which includes film yield (square meters per kilogram), seal reliability, and machine runnability. Many US buyers now also require environmental product declarations (EPDs) and proof of recycled content to meet corporate sustainability goals and comply with state-level packaging regulations like California’s SB 54 [5].

Certifications and Import Requirements

Importing flexible packaging films into the US requires compliance with several regulatory and industry standards. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees materials intended for food contact under 21 CFR Parts 170–199; films must be manufactured from substances listed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) or subject to a Food Contact Notification (FCN). For example, adhesives used in laminates must comply with 21 CFR 175.105, and colorants with 21 CFR 178.3297. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires proper tariff classification under HTSUS 3920 (other plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip, of plastics) or 3921 (other plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip, of plastics, cellular). Duties range from 0% to 6.5% depending on the specific polymer and structure, with many films from Mexico entering duty-free under USMCA. Suppliers must also provide a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for each lot, documenting physical properties and migration test results. Third-party certifications such as ISO 9001 (quality management), FSSC 22000 (food safety), and BRC Packaging are highly valued by US buyers. For sustainable films, the APR Design Guide recognition or How2Recycle label eligibility is increasingly a requirement. Additionally, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Biopreferred Program may apply to films made from bio-based content [6].

Pricing and Lead Time Context

Pricing for flexible packaging films is influenced by raw material costs (primarily polyethylene and polypropylene resin prices, which follow crude oil and natural gas markets), conversion complexity (number of layers, printing, slitting), and order volume. As of mid-2025, standard PE-based films (2–4 mil thickness) range from $1.50 to $3.00 per pound FOB, while high-barrier multi-layer films with EVOH can cost $3.50 to $6.00 per pound. Lead times from Latin American suppliers typically range from 4 to 8 weeks for standard products, and 8 to 12 weeks for custom structures with printed graphics. Ocean freight from Brazil to the US Gulf Coast adds approximately $2,000–$4,000 per 20-foot container, with transit times of 7–14 days. From Mexico, overland trucking can reduce lead times to 1–2 weeks. Price volatility is a concern; during the 2020–2022 period, resin prices fluctuated by over 50%, prompting some buyers to adopt price adjustment clauses in contracts [7]. Coppermont helps buyers and suppliers navigate this volatility by providing market intelligence and facilitating transparent pricing discussions.

How Coppermont Connects Suppliers to Buyers

Coppermont is a trade advisory platform that specializes in connecting Latin American and African suppliers with US buyers of industrial and commodity goods, including flexible packaging films. For suppliers, we offer a structured pathway to enter the US market: we validate product specifications, assist with FDA and customs compliance, and introduce pre-qualified buyers through our network of CPG manufacturers, converters, and distributors. For US buyers, we reduce sourcing risk by vetting suppliers for quality, certification, and capacity, and by negotiating terms that align with your procurement cycles. Our team provides end-to-end support, from initial product matching to logistics coordination and payment facilitation. Whether you are a supplier seeking to expand your export footprint or a buyer looking to diversify your film sources, Coppermont delivers the expertise and connections to make cross-border trade seamless and profitable. Contact us today to start a conversation about your flexible packaging film needs.

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