Sustainable Packaging Market Size

The global sustainable packaging market experienced significant growth in recent years, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.52% from 2019 to 2023. This expansion is largely driven by the rising demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions, fueled by increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues, stricter regulatory requirements, and the growing need for businesses to implement sustainable practices.

Packaging constitutes a significant share of global plastic production, with 36% of all plastic being used for packaging purposes. Despite efforts to manage plastic waste, a significant portion ends up in landfills or as environmental waste. Governments, particularly in the EU and Asia, are enforcing stricter regulations, pushing businesses to adopt eco-friendly packaging solutions.

The increasing focus on sustainability has also led to a demand for recyclable packaging. Recycled materials play a crucial role in reducing waste, with recyclable packaging accounting for over 50% of the market share. However, challenges in the global recycling infrastructure, particularly for plastics, hinder further progress. Less than 9% of plastic waste is currently recycled globally, underlining the need for better waste management solutions and recycling systems.

Major Developments in Sustainable Packaging

Rigid Packaging Dominance:

• Rigid packaging, including materials like glass, metal, and specific plastics, holds the largest share of the sustainable packaging market.
• Its popularity is attributed to its durability and high recyclability.

Flexible Packaging Growth:

• Flexible packaging, while expanding rapidly, currently represents a smaller segment of the market.
• Its growth is driven by lightweight properties and consumer convenience.

Food & Beverage Sector Leadership:

• The food and beverage industry is the largest adopter of sustainable packaging.
• Major players, such as PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Unilever, are at the forefront, investing in eco-friendly alternatives.

Cosmetics & Personal Care:

• This sector is increasingly shifting to recyclable and biodegradable materials.
• Brands are adopting sustainable packaging to align with consumer preferences for environmentally friendly products.

Pharmaceutical Sector Trends:

• Demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions is rising in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Companies are balancing environmental priorities with the need for product safety and integrity.

Balancing Costs: The Challenge and Promise of Sustainable Packaging Materials

While sustainable packaging materials are in demand, they often come at a higher cost compared to traditional packaging materials. Bioplastics and recycled paper, for example, can cost up to 50% more than conventional plastics. This cost disparity may present a challenge, particularly for smaller businesses that are unable to absorb the increased costs of switching to sustainable packaging. However, as economies of scale improve and demand for sustainable materials rises, the costs are expected to decrease in the long term.

Global Sustainable Packaging Market by Process, % Share, 2023

Recyclable packaging currently dominates the global sustainable packaging market by process,. This growth is driven by stricter regulations aimed at improving recycling systems and managing packaging waste. Companies, such as Zara, are adopting sustainable packaging solutions, with Zara using recycled plastic for packaging boxes and recycled paper for customer bags. Meanwhile, degradable packaging, including biodegradable and compostable materials, is gaining traction as a sustainable alternative. It is becoming increasingly popular among environmentally conscious consumers and businesses due to its potential to reduce the long-term environmental impact of plastic packaging.

Global Sustainable Packaging Market by Material, % Share, 2023

The global sustainable packaging market is primarily driven by paper and paperboard materials. These materials are favored for their biodegradability, recyclability, and renewable sourcing from managed forests, with common applications in e-commerce and food packaging. Their high recyclability makes them a preferred choice across industries.

Sustainable plastics follow, driven by efforts to reduce plastic's environmental impact. Innovations in biodegradable and compostable plastics made from renewable resources like cornstarch and sugarcane are emerging, but the plastic packaging sector still contributes significantly to waste and carbon emissions, with 141 million metric tonnes of plastic packaging produced annually, one-third of which escapes collection systems.

Global Production Capacities of Bioplastics by Application, ‘000 Tons, 2023

Future Outlook of the Global Sustainable Packaging Market:

The global sustainable packaging market is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of ~5%-7%, driven by increasing environmental awareness and the pressing need for resource conservation.

Escalating concerns about environmental degradation emphasizes the urgency of adopting sustainable packaging solutions. According to the Global Footprint Network, humanity’s current resource consumption is 1.7 times the Earth’s capacity, a figure expected to reach the equivalent of two Earths by 2030 if current trends persist.

The European Union (EU) is at the forefront of sustainable practices, aligning its strategies with its goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. By that year, the EU aims for 50% of food packaging materials to be sourced from renewable, non-food resources, with the remaining 50% derived from closed-loop recycling systems. Furthermore, initiatives to reduce the average annual packaging waste per citizen, currently at 180 kg, are being implemented through circular economy policies.

Scope of the Global Sustainable Packaging Market Report

Makreo Research has recently released a detailed report titled “Global Sustainable Packaging Market Size and Forecast (2019-2029) - Focus on Paper & Paperboard, Sustainable Plastic, Metal, Glass, End-User Applications, and Geography”, offering an in-depth analysis of the global sustainable packaging industry. The report thoroughly examines the influence of economic, political, technological, and demographic factors on the market. It evaluates the historical and current market performance and explores trade activities across key industries associated with sustainable packaging.

The study also provides a detailed competitive analysis, including individual company profiles of major market players. It further analyzes the production, consumption, and market value of sustainable packaging materials across various regions. The report includes regional breakdowns, highlighting crucial insights such as market share, segment-wise performance, and trends across leading regions and countries.

Additionally, the report addresses significant market challenges and uncovers growth opportunities driving the sector forward. This comprehensive research serves as a valuable resource for stakeholders and industry professionals, offering insights into the dynamic landscape of the rapidly expanding sustainable packaging market.

Competitive Landscape

This section provides a detailed market comparison of key players in the Global Sustainable Packaging market based on various parameters. It also highlights their recent investments, merges and acquisitions (M&A), and funding activities in the market. Additionally, it includes comprehensive profiles of selected industry players, covering their financials and latest business activities.

• How has the Global sustainable packaging market performed historically, and what is the current scenario? 

• Which regions emerge as dominant players in the Global sustainable packaging market? 

• What does the performance of the European sustainable packaging market look like? 

• How is the performance of the sustainable packaging market in North America? 

• What is the current situation of the Asia-Pacific sustainable packaging market? 

• How is the Middle East and Africa sustainable packaging market performing? 

• Who are the key players in the global sustainable packaging market? 

• What are the market shares of the major companies in this segment? 

• What are the key drivers for the growth of the global sustainable packaging market?

• What is the future outlook for the global sustainable packaging market, and how does it differ across regions?