Nick Vindel, Heaford’s International Sales Manager, has dedicated time in the first half of 2026 to visiting customers and attending events throughout South America.

Now he shares his latest thoughts on the state of the region’s flexo market and reasons for optimism.

What are the opportunities for flexo in South America?

“The flexible packaging industry in Latin America is expected to grow 3.5% year-on-year for the next 10 years. This means there are large opportunities for flexographic printing, which remains the major form of printing for packaging

“In addition, rising demand for recyclable packaging, the rapid expansion of e-commerce, and growing consumption of dairy and personal care products across the region are factors contributing to strong yearly growth.”

What are the challenges for flexo in South America?

“Political stability is generally an issue, although the investment decisions of many company owners is not based just on stability; which side of the political spectrum is in power also has an impact, with a general trend towards more investment when right wing governments are in power.

“As wages rise, so will the demand for greater automation. In certain countries, finding a younger, committed workforce is in itself a challenge. This will lead to the rise in automation.“

How has the flexo market in South America recovered in the years since 2022?

“Latin America is a diverse market, led by Brazil, Mexico and to a lesser extent Colombia, followed by the rest.

“Sometimes, when one country is down, another is up. I do not believe there has been a post-Covid  ‘recovery’; there are simply some years that are better than others, with many extenuating factors, including politics, dollar exchange rate or whether it’s a drupa year!“

Which external factors are having the biggest impact on printers in South America?

“Currently tariffs and their uncertainty are having a huge influence. However, as with the rest of the world, the current situation in Iran and with the Strait of Hormuz has made PE and BOPP prices increase massively, reducing capital investment.“

Which countries are displaying the strongest growth signals?

“Brazil is generally top. Countries in Central America are doing quite well, as well as Peru and lately Bolivia, which is opening up again.”

What are modern flexo printers in the region needing from their equipment?

“Reliability, flexibility, modernity, and some level of automation.

“However mid-size converters are very price sensitive, which curtails investment decisions until there is absolute clarity on the financial benefit.”

What does the future look like for flexo in South America

“Argentinien is slowly opening with currency controls, meaning more optimism in importing capital equipment.

“Bolivien is improving with higher CapEx levels due to the right wing government that has opened the country up foreign currency and bank lending.

“Brasilien is a huge market and ever-growing.

“Central America (Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, etc) is stable although tariffs have hit some exporters.

“Chile is very difficult, with local converters suffering from cheap imports of finished products from China.

“Kolumbien is a large and stable market

“Ecuador is also stable with some investments being made.

“Mexiko has seen investments decrease and tariffs haven’t helped.

“Peru is more buoyant than normal, with printers exporting and investing.

“In Venezuela, the opening up of US dollar controls means that this market may grow in 2026/2027.”

Nick Vindel and Heaford are attending Flexo & Labels Expo 2026 in Sao Paulo, Brazil on 26-29 May.
Find Heaford on the Maquinarium stand (#0009 Street 3/B). Find out more at Hier.