Green Packaging Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Recycled Content Packaging, Reusable Packaging, Degradable Packaging) By Application (Food & Beverages, Consumer Products, Shipping, Chemicals, Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global green packaging market was valued at USD 295.28 billion in 2023, and industry growth is projected to be USD 311.99 billion in 2024 to USD 462.71 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.05% during the forecast period. Moreover, the green packaging market in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 117.11 billion by 2032, driven by the businesses are increasingly choosing green packaging to meet their sustainability targets, improve their brand image, and meet consumer demands for eco-friendly products.

Green packaging, also referred to as sustainable packaging, minimizes the use of energy and reduces the negative environmental effects of packaging. In contrast to products such as plastic and Styrofoam, green packing solutions include biodegradable and recyclable materials. Green packaging also reduces power output and diminishes the number of greenhouse emissions they produce.

Green packaging has a lower carbon footprint than conventionally used synthetic packaging, which serves to improve human and ecological sustainability in the long term. Green packaging also requires strategies for reducing the amount of waste and pollution produced during the manufacturing process. One of the market's biggest driving factor is an increasing awareness of environmental protection and sustainable living. This, along with strict government legislation for environmental sustainability and the industrial trend towards using renewable resources in the production process, is catalyzing demand development.

The coronavirus pandemic had spread rapidly across the world, affecting several businesses that helped deliver basic needs, such as supplying food and necessary resources to customers safely, thus declining the demand for green packaging. However, the rising demand for sustainable products due to growing environmental concerns will drive the growth of this market in the post-pandemic phase and create lucrative growth opportunities during the forecast period.

Green Packaging Market Trends

Increasing Demand from Paper Packaging Industry is a Vital Trend

Paper is far more commonly proposed as a plastic packaging alternative than bioplastics (for example, paper cups and bags). However, currently available statistics show that in order to serve the same purpose as its plastic equivalent, paper packaging typically needs many times more bulk. As a consequence, even in the carbon footprint, the net environmental effect of paper appears to be greater. Consumer demand for paper-based alternatives has shifted as a result of the environmental issues over the use of plastic in packaging applications. Governments and organizations are required to play a key role in changing the industry by enacting strict rules and guidelines to protect the environment and facilitate recyclable paper-based solutions.

As opposed to other materials such as metals and plastics, paper packaging materials can be quickly reused and recycled. This is why paper packaging is known as the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective form of packaging. In addition, recycling plants for paper and cardboard are now operating at top capacity and will need to extend their activities to take in more recyclable waste. Even recycled paper doesn't appear to dramatically minimize the cumulative environmental footprint of paper at the moment.

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Green Packaging Market Growth Factors

Increasing Demand for Sustainable Food Packaging to Propel Market Growth

Environmentally friendly materials are used in green packaging such as bioplastics, recyclable paper & plastics, plant-based biomaterial, organic fabrics, refurbished products. These products are easy to use and biodegradable in nature, which can easily replace traditional plastics and have a less environmental effect. These materials are non-reactive with food and keep it protected from contamination and other environmental effects. This factor is causing a high demand for green food packaging in the market.

Food technology has been an enabling factor that is a motivating force for consumers to shift towards convenience foods as these technologies are able to provide comfort food easily. Other types of technologies, such as transportation and communication, have also been significant in supporting the market growth of convenience foods, which in turn, is expected to favor the global green packaging market growth during the forecast period. Most of the packaging manufacturers are focusing on product safety and sustainability.

The increasing demand for sustainable food packaging across consumer packaged goods companies is expected to drive the preference for convenience food products. Green packaging provides various benefits such as less reliability on fossils fuels, lesser use of natural resources, increased use of recyclable products, more energy-efficient manufacturing methods, and use of renewable resources. There have been recent trends in sustainable packaging, such as edible packaging of materials with a primary focus on lowering carbon footprint and waste reduction. It is also economically appealing to both manufacturers and consumers.

The European Union significantly tightened the current packaging and packaging waste guidelines in 2018. All plastic packaging must be recyclable by 2030, with 55 percent of it being successfully recycled. Just about 30% of all plastic packaging is actually collected.

Rising Demand for Green Flexible Packaging to Contribute to Market’s Growth

For pharmaceutical, consumer goods, and food & beverage products, the demand for plastic and other rigid packaging materials is relatively high. However, the rising demand for and development of green flexible packaging products using green polymers and bioplastic is quite high. Moreover, the growing demand for eco-friendly flexible packaging products in the healthcare sector and the rising investments are expected to propel the market growth during the forecast period.

Green flexible packaging has several sustainable benefits, such as low raw material consumption, reduced energy consumption, less carbon footprint, and production of less waste compared to traditional rigid and plastic packaging materials. The development of flexible packaging barrier films made of bioplastic, along with the adoption of packaging formats, i.e. vacuum and modified-atmosphere packaging that help increase the shelf life of the products, is boosting the growth of the market.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Environmental Concerns to Hamper Demand for Sustainable Packaging Solutions

There are several environmental issues related to the packaging solutions, such as the usage of degradable additives & compostable materials and recycling issues. In 2017, a series of clarifications and new policy positions on the use of degradable additives in packaging was published by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, or ISRI. The report highlighted the points that the degradable additives have not been extensively tested, and we do not know the magnitude of the danger to the atmosphere and human health that they can pose.

Recycling firms are unable to market plastic and paper goods at rates that generate profits, in particular, because it involves a series of steps from collection to recycling, which makes it labor-intensive. Therefore, to make up the difference, they charge additional fees. Some cities, such as Philadelphia, have begun selling their recyclables to incinerators that use the energy from incineration to fuel the electricity in the cities. Owing to the high air pollution and carbon emissions generated, this solution is far from perfect.

Many restaurants and public venues are moving to bowls and bins of plant fiber that will make customers feel positive about composting. There is no biodegradation of the fluorinated compounds used for producing this packaging. However, compostable products have been linked to dubious sources, too. For instance, the processing of some palm fiber packaging has been related to the deforestation of rainforest ecosystems in Malaysia. Such factors are expected to restrain the growth of the market in the forthcoming years.

Green Packaging Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Analysis

Recycled Content Packaging Segment to Lead Market in the Near Future

On the basis of the type, the market is segmented into recycled content packaging, reusable packaging, and degradable packaging.

The recycled content packaging segment dominated the market, followed by reusable packaging. The increasing collection operation and processing capacity, combined with increased use of recycled content packaging by companies aiming to show environmental sustainability and distinguish their products, would promote gains in recycled content packaging. Efforts by industry groups, brand owners, packaging companies, and others to encourage sustainability programs to increase the recycling rates of various types of packaging materials will favor the segment’s growth.

In general, recycled plastic packaging includes pallets, bins, reservoirs, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), reusable plastic containers (RPCs), and other handheld containers and totes, trays, and dunnage containers that transfer goods across supply chains easily and securely.

Reusable transport packaging items are primarily intended for business-to-business uses, but the rise in applications for e-commerce and home delivery opens up possibilities for the efficient use of reusable packaging for domestic transport of goods.

By Application Analysis

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Food & Beverage Segment to Dominate Backed by Easy Manufacturing and Portability

The food & beverages segment is the dominant one in the global green packaging market. Convenience food is majorly driving the demand for food & beverage packaging due to easy portability, long shelf life, and easy manufacturing. Convenience food items consist of frozen foods, snacks, finger foods, beverages, and others. The food products usually require less preparation time and are served in hot ready-to-go containers. The rising demand due to the hectic lifestyle of consumers along with the geriatric population has resulted in high use of convenience food.

The major attributes consumers look for in convenience food are nutritional value, ease of packaging, product appeal, and safety of the products. Innovative packaging and advanced technology have widened various food options which are readily available in the market, such as packaged food, frozen, chilled food, etc. Most of the packaging manufacturers are focusing on product safety and sustainability. An increase in food packaging is trending in consumer packaged goods companies, which in turn has shifted the consumer preference to convenience foods.

Many chemical suppliers are moving toward greener options by reducing the amount of plastic used in packaging. Part of the reason for the shift is customer awareness of the importance of sustainability.

Regulators are taking steps, and fast-moving consumer products (FMCG) businesses and manufacturers are proactively making ambitious promises to boost packaging sustainability and reconsider their packaging structures.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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North America is expected to showcase significant growth in the market attributed to stringent regulations supporting green and sustainable packaging. For instance, in 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) organized a sustainable material management program to adopt and implement SMM policies and practices.

Europe is one of the prominent regions in the market. The increasing demand for sustainable packaging materials is driving the local market as it is relatively cost-effective and eco-friendly. Moreover, the growing R&D supporting the use and development of bioplastic by the European-based companies such as Tetrapak, Mondi Plc, and others shall drive the regional market.

Latin America is expected to showcase considerable growth during the forecast period. An increase in per capita consumption of food & beverages in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and the Caribbean region shall aid the growth of the market.

The Middle East and Africa is expected to showcase moderate growth due to the developing economic conditions. The increasing demand for canned products due to convenience in use and extended shelf life is surging the demand for green packaging. Additionally, the local brands that provide various types of canned products are expected to boost the demand for packaging products.

List of Key Companies in Green Packaging Market

Strategic Planning Adopted by Companies to Strengthen Their Market Shares

The market is fragmented in nature with the presence of various major players and some global and regional small-and-medium-sized players worldwide. Many companies are competing on the basis of the offered product quality and the technology used for the manufacturing. Major players are involved in mergers and acquisitions, developing infrastructure, expanding their manufacturing facilities, investing in research and development facilities, and are looking for opportunities to integrate vertically across the value chain.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Amcor Limited (Zürich, Switzerland)


• Ardagh Group SA (Dublin, Ireland)


• Ball Corporation (Broomfield, Colorado, United States)


• Braskem SA (São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil)


• Caraustar Industries Incorporated (Austell​, GA, United States)


• Cargill Incorporated (Wayzata, Minnesota, United States)


• Cascades Incorporated (Kingsey Falls, Canada)


• Other Key Players

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• January 2024 – SEE launched a compostable protein packaging tray at the IPPE 2024 that is made from bio-based food-contact grade resin, and is USDA-certified as having 54% bio-based content chemically derived from renewable wood cellulose.


• Mach 2023 – Hinojosa Packaging Group launched a new line of 100% recyclable primary packaging products, named Foodservice, that is designed for hot & cold beverages and 4th & 5th range prepared foods. Hinojosa aims to help businesses encourage more sustainable consumption patterns in the food industry and facilitate the strategic integration of sustainability.


• September 2020 – Berry Global partnered with Bhoomi to launch a 100% sugarcane-based HDPE bottle. The bottle is widely recyclable and made from the I’m Green™ certified material from Braskem. The bottle provides a range of environmental advantages, including a noteworthy reduction in water usage, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and elimination of fossil fuel consumption.


• June 2019 – Braskem and Atlhetica Nutrition launched a packaging product made from sugarcane for vegan protein. This renewable resource eliminates carbon dioxide from the air during its production, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.


• April 2019 – Amcor introduced special, recyclable, lightweight, high-barrier packaging that can reduce the carbon footprint of a pack by up to 64%.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Green Packaging Market

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The market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies, products, and applications. The market includes insights into market trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various factors that have contributed to the growth of the market over recent years. It includes historical data & forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels, and analyzes the latest market dynamics and opportunities in the industry.

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