Global Sustainable Packaging Market - Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029

The global sustainable packaging market was valued at USD 319.62 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.44% from 2023-2029.

MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Growth in E-commerce Industry

The growth of the e-commerce market, particularly in the context of sustainable packaging, is a multifaceted trend that has gained significant momentum in recent years. The ever-increasing popularity of online shopping is the key driver behind this trend. With the convenience of purchasing products from the comfort of their homes, consumers are turning to e-commerce platforms more than ever before. This surge in online shopping has led to demand for packaging materials to ship products safely to consumers' doorsteps. However, this growth has also brought attention to the environmental impact of traditional packaging materials, such as plastic, and excessive use of cardboard. Consumers are becoming increasingly eco-conscious and actively seeking sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging options. As a result, e-commerce companies are recognizing the need to align their packaging practices with sustainability goals to meet consumer expectations and reduce their carbon footprint. Such factors are projected to support the growth of the sustainable packaging market.

Increase in Pouch Packaging Across End-Users

The demand for convenience and single-serve packaging enables pouch packaging adoption among various end-users. The surge in pouch packaging across various industries is a compelling driver in the sustainable packaging market. Pouch packaging has gained popularity due to its environmentally friendly attributes and numerous advantages. The flexible pouch packaging replaces metal, glass, and rigid plastic packaging. Compared to rigid packaging products, the demand for packaged food and drinks combined with the ease of use and cost-effectiveness of pouches mainly fuels demand globally. Pouches consume less space and are also light in weight. Further, pouches decrease the transport-related costs relative to rigid packaging such as metal cans and glass bottles.

SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY MATERIAL

Various materials play distinct roles in the sustainable packaging market in addressing environmental concerns and consumer preferences. Paper and paperboard are widely embraced for their biodegradability and renewability, offering a compelling eco-friendly alternative. Paper & paperboard accounted for the highest global sustainable packaging market share in 2023. The emphasis on reducing single-use plastics has fueled innovations in bio-based and recyclable plastics, contributing to a more sustainable packaging landscape. During the forecast period, the plastic segment will likely grow at the highest CAGR in the global sustainable packaging market. Metal packaging, particularly aluminum, is valued for its recyclability and ability to maintain product freshness. Glass, while heavier, is prized for its recyclability and inert nature, ensuring the preservation of product quality.

Segmentation by Material

• Paper & Paperboard
• Plastic
• Metal
• Glass

INSIGHTS BY PACKAGING TYPE

The global sustainable packaging market by packaging type is segmented into rigid and flexible packaging. Rigid packaging, such as glass or metal, is often favored for its durability and recyclability, contributing to a closed-loop system. Rigid packaging held the highest share in 2023. On the other hand, flexible packaging, including materials like compostable plastics or recycled films, offers lightweight and resource-efficient alternatives, reducing transportation-related carbon footprint. Flexible packaging is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Segmentation by Packaging Type

• Rigid
• Flexible

INSIGHTS BY PROCESS

The global sustainable packaging market by process is segmented into recyclability, degradability, and reusability. Recyclable packaging, which can be collected and processed to create new products, addresses the issue of waste accumulation. The recyclable packaging segment accounted for the highest share of the global market in 2023. Many countries have introduced or strengthened laws and regulations related to recycling and packaging waste. Such factors have increased demand for recyclable packaging materials as companies strive to comply with these requirements. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, which make manufacturers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, further motivate the adoption of recyclable packaging. Developed regions like North America and Europe have been at the forefront of sustainable packaging adoption due to strong environmental awareness, stringent regulations, and higher consumer expectations for eco-friendly options. Furthermore, reusable packaging is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Reusable packaging focuses on creating durable containers that can be used multiple times, minimizing the need for single-use items.

Segmentation by Process

• Recyclable
• Degradable
• Reusable

INSIGHTS BY APPLICATION

The food & beverages application segment holds the largest global sustainable packaging market share in 2023. In the food and beverage industry, there is a shift towards sustainable packaging solutions to reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste. With the increasing threat of several airborne diseases, rapid urbanization driving the growth of supermarkets, and increasing demand from people for safe and convenient small-sized packaging, the demand for packaged food is significantly growing globally, thereby propelling the sustainable packaging market growth. Furthermore, the cosmetics and personal care sector also adopts eco-friendly packaging, responding to consumer preferences for sustainable and recyclable materials. Additionally, the pharmaceutical market is increasingly exploring sustainable packaging alternatives to align with corporate social responsibility goals and to meet stringent regulatory requirements. E-commerce and retail segments are incorporating sustainable packaging to address the escalating volume of online deliveries and reduce the carbon footprint associated with packaging materials.

Segmentation by Application

• Food & Beverages
• Personal Care & Cosmetics
• Medical & Pharmaceutical
• E-commerce & Retail
• Others

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

Europe accounted for the highest global sustainable packaging market share in 2023. The European market has been experiencing significant growth due to increased consumer awareness and stringent government regulations regarding using single-use plastics and sustainability. European consumers have been increasingly shifting their preferences towards sustainable products and packaging. A European Consumer Packaging Perceptions Study found that nearly two-thirds of respondents changed the products they bought due to concerns about packaging. Moreover, over three-quarters of all consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly packaging. On top of that, stringent government regulations in Europe are driving the demand for green packaging. These regulations aim to reduce single-use plastics and promote more sustainable packaging alternatives. This regulatory environment is contributing to the growth of eco-friendly packaging options.

Segmentation by Geography

• Europe
• Germany
• The U.K.
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Russia
• Benelux
• North America
• The U.S.
• Canada
• APAC
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Rest of APAC
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Mexico
• Argentina
• Middle East & Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Israel
• South Africa

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The global sustainable packaging market is witnessing a dynamic and competitive landscape driven by the growing global emphasis on environmental conservation and corporate social responsibility. Key players in the global sustainable packaging market include multinational corporations, such as Amcor, Tetra Pak International, and Ball Corporation, leveraging their extensive resources and innovation capabilities to develop eco-friendly packaging solutions. Additionally, niche players like Ecover, Eco-Products, and NatureWorks contribute to the competitive mix with specialized offerings. Collaboration and partnerships between packaging manufacturers and consumer goods companies further intensify competition, fostering the development of comprehensive, end-to-end, sustainable packaging solutions.

Key Company Profiles

• Amcor
• Ardagh Group
• Ball Corporation
• Billerud
• Crown Holdings
• DS Smith
• International Paper
• Huhtamaki
• Mondi
• Sonoco Products Company
• Sealed Air Corporation
• Smurfit Kappa
• WestRock

Other Prominent Vendors

• Ahlstrom
• Berry Global
• Botanical PaperWorks
• Be Green Packaging
• Constantia Flexibles
• DuPont
• Evergreen Resources
• EcoEnclose
• Elevate Packaging
• Futamura Group
• Genpak
• Graphic Packaging International
• LimeLoop
• Nampak
• Notpla
• Novamont
• Numi
• Oji Holdings Corporation
• Plastipak Holdings
• PakFactory
• Reynolds Packaging
• Sappi
• Stora Enso
• Taghleef Industries
• Tetra Pak
• Transcontinental
• UFlex

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

1. How big is the sustainable packaging market?
2. What is the growth rate of the global sustainable packaging market?
3. Which region dominates the global sustainable packaging market share?
4. What are the significant trends in the sustainable packaging industry?
5. Who are the key players in the global sustainable packaging market?