Eco-Friendly Packaging Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Product Type, Material Type, Type, Technique, Layer, Application and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Eco-Friendly Packaging Market is accounted for $209.59 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $318.08 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period. Eco-friendly packaging refers to materials and practices used in the packaging of products that have a minimal impact on the environment. It involves the use of materials that are biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable, thereby reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Key aspects of eco-friendly packaging include the use of renewable resources, such as plant-based plastics or recycled materials, and designing packaging that minimizes energy consumption and carbon emissions during production and transportation.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the e-commerce industry was valued at USD 220 billion in the U.S. in 2014, growing at a rate of 17% every year reaching USD 601.75 billion in 2019.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Brand image and reputation

Enhancing brand image and reputation through eco-friendly packaging involves aligning a company's values with sustainable practices, which resonates positively with environmentally conscious consumers. By adopting eco-friendly packaging, brands demonstrate their commitment to reducing environmental impact, which can enhance consumer trust and loyalty. This shift not only meets regulatory requirements and addresses consumer preferences but also positions the brand as a leader in corporate social responsibility (CSR). Consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability, and brands that proactively embrace eco-friendly practices are seen as ethical and forward-thinking.

Restraint:

Lack of standardization

The lack of standardization in eco-friendly packaging poses a significant obstacle to its widespread adoption and effectiveness. Currently, there is no universally agreed-upon definition or set of criteria for what constitutes eco-friendly packaging, leading to confusion among consumers and businesses alike. This ambiguity makes it challenging for companies to make informed choices regarding packaging materials and practices that genuinely minimize environmental impact. The absence of standards hampers efforts to compare different packaging options objectively. It complicates regulatory frameworks and certification processes, making it difficult to verify claims of sustainability.

Opportunity:

Corporate sustainability initiatives

Corporate sustainability initiatives are increasingly focusing on enhancing eco-friendly packaging practices to reduce environmental impact across supply chains. Companies are adopting strategies such as using biodegradable materials, minimizing packaging waste, and optimizing packaging designs to be more recyclable. By prioritizing eco-friendly packaging, businesses not only meet regulatory requirements but also align with consumer preferences for sustainable products. These initiatives often involve collaborating with suppliers to source sustainable materials and implementing innovative technologies to improve packaging efficiency while lowering carbon footprints.

Threat:

Regulatory compliance

Regulatory compliance poses a significant challenge to the adoption of eco-friendly packaging solutions. While the demand for sustainable practices is increasing, stringent regulations often create barriers for businesses aiming to implement environmentally friendly packaging options. These regulations can encompass a wide range of criteria, including material composition, recyclability, biodegradability and overall environmental impact assessments. Meeting these standards requires substantial investments in research, development, and testing, which can be financially burdensome for companies, especially smaller enterprises or startups.

Covid-19 Impact:

The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the eco-friendly packaging industry. Initially, the heightened concern over virus transmission prompted a surge in single-use plastics and packaging as a perceived safer option. This shift was driven by the prioritization of hygiene and safety over environmental considerations. Many businesses, especially in the food and healthcare sectors, opted for disposable packaging to mitigate infection risks, reversing progress made towards sustainability. However, logistical challenges and disruptions in supply chains during the pandemic further complicated efforts to maintain eco-friendly practices.

The Containers segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

Containers segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period. The containers segment is increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly packaging solutions to reduce environmental impact across industries. This shift is driven by growing consumer awareness and regulatory pressures aimed at minimizing plastic waste and carbon footprints. Manufacturers are focusing on developing containers made from sustainable materials such as biodegradable plastics, recycled paperboard, and plant-based polymers. These materials offer advantages like lower greenhouse gas emissions during production and reduced landfill waste.

The Molded Packaging segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Molded Packaging segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period by employing innovative materials and manufacturing techniques. Traditionally, molded packaging utilizes materials such as molded pulp or biodegradable plastics derived from renewable sources like corn starch or sugarcane. These materials offer several environmental benefits, including reduced carbon footprint, biodegradability, and recyclability. Manufacturers in this segment focus on minimizing environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle, from sourcing raw materials responsibly to optimizing packaging designs for efficient transportation and end-of-life disposal.

Region with largest share:

North America region commanded the largest share of the market over the extrapolated period. Companies across the region are increasingly adopting strategies that prioritize reducing waste and promoting sustainability throughout the product lifecycle. This approach involves designing packaging that uses recyclable materials, minimizing resource consumption, and ensuring products are easily recyclable or compostable after use across the region. Moreover, innovations in packaging materials and technologies are driving the regional shift towards circularity, enabling businesses to meet consumer demand for environmentally responsible products. Regulatory frameworks and consumer awareness campaigns further support these efforts, encouraging companies to rethink traditional packaging practices and embrace more sustainable alternatives across the region.

Region with highest CAGR:

Europe region is projected to hold profitable growth during the forecast period, by implementing stringent guidelines and incentives, governments encourage industries to prioritize sustainability in packaging materials and practices. These regulations often include mandates for recyclability, reductions in plastic usage, and requirements for using biodegradable or compostable materials across the region. Such policies not only aim to mitigate environmental impact but also stimulate innovation within the packaging industry. Companies are compelled to invest in research and development of sustainable alternatives, fostering a market for eco-friendly products across the region.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Eco-Friendly Packaging market include Amcor plc, Ardagh Group, Bemis Company, Inc, BioBag International AS, Clearwater Paper Corporation, DS Smith Plc, Mondi Group, NatureWorks LLC, Sealed Air Corporation, Smurfit Kappa Group and WestRock Company.

Key Developments:

In July 2023, BioPak, which is a UK-based food packaging company, launched a packaging material using FSC-certified paperboard, which is industrially compostable. This material will replace non-degradable plastics to create a more sustainable environment.

In July 2023, Amcor, a global packaging material company, developed a new range of materials called sustainable shrink bags for meat and cheese packaging; these bags increase the shell life and also decrease early spoilage.

Product Types Covered:

• Pouches and Sachets
• Containers
• Boxes
• Bags
• Bottles and Jars

Material Types Covered:

• Plastic
• Glass
• Paper and Paper Board
• Metal
• Starch-Based Materials

Types Covered:

• Reusable
• Recyclable
• Degradable

Techniques Covered:

• Molded Packaging
• Alternate Fiber Packaging
• Active Packaging

Layers Covered:

• Secondary Packaging
• Tertiary Packaging
• Primary Packaging

Applications Covered:

• Pharmaceutical
• Personal Care
• Food & Beverages
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances