Recycled Paper Bags Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Product Type, Bag Type, Material Type, Thickness, End User and by Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Recycled Paper Bags Market is accounted for $3.29 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $5.12 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 7.68% during the forecast period. Recycled paper bags are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic or non-recycled paper bags, made from post-consumer waste or recycled paper materials. By lowering the need for virgin paper, preserving natural resources like wood and water, and minimizing landfill waste, these bags help to maintain a sustainable environment. Recycling paper bags are considered a circular product in the packaging industry because they are biodegradable and reusable. Recycled paper bags are in greater demand, particularly in retail, grocery stores, and food services, as businesses and consumers grow more environmentally conscious.

According to the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), in 2020, the paper recycling rate in the U.S. was 65.7%, reflecting a strong emphasis on recycling and the growing use of recycled paper products, including recycled paper bags, as part of the circular economy.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Advances in material and design

Recycled paper bags are becoming more attractive and functional owing to design and material innovations. Stronger, more resilient bags that can hold heavier items without sacrificing quality have been made possible by improvements in manufacturing techniques. These bags are now even more competitive when compared to conventional plastic options owing to the development of biodegradable coatings and other sustainable production techniques. Additionally, these developments not only raise the performance of recycled paper bags but also meet consumer demands for green products, which propel market expansion.

Restraint:

Elevated production expenses

Recycled paper bags have substantially higher production costs than plastic bags. The need for environmentally friendly production techniques and sustainable raw materials is the root cause of this discrepancy. Since small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) frequently have smaller operating margins and tighter budgets, higher costs may discourage them from using paper bags as their preferred packaging option. Furthermore, these higher production costs may also result in higher prices for consumers, which could make recycled paper bags less accessible and affordable in the retail sector.

Opportunity:

Growing need for eco-friendly packaging

Growing consumer preference for sustainable packaging solutions can be attributed to increased awareness of environmental issues. Reducing plastic consumption and promoting recyclable materials are the goals of regulatory initiatives that support this trend. Recycled paper bags are becoming an attractive alternative as governments throughout the world impose more stringent regulations on single-use plastics. Moreover, prioritizing sustainability in packaging strategies allows businesses to take advantage of this trend, increasing consumer loyalty and drawing in eco-aware customers.

Threat:

Threat from substitute packaging materials

The fierce competition from alternative packaging materials, especially plastic and reusable cloth bags, is one of the biggest threats to the market for recycled paper bags. Plastic bags are still more affordable and long-lasting than paper bags, which is why many customers and businesses still choose them in spite of the increased environmental consciousness. In price-sensitive markets in particular, the lower production costs of plastic bags may discourage businesses from switching to recycled paper alternatives.

Covid-19 Impact:

The market for recycled paper bags was complicatedly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which offered both opportunities and challenges. Initially, the pandemic affected production and distribution by upsetting supply chains and forcing the temporary closure of manufacturing facilities. However, during the pandemic, there was a noticeable rise in demand for eco-friendly packaging options, such as recycled paper bags, as consumer behaviour changed towards more sustainable practices. The overall trend suggested a growth trajectory for the market for recycled paper bags as companies adapted to shifting consumer preferences and regulatory pressures against single-use plastics, despite some short-term setbacks brought on by supply chain disruptions.

The Flat Paper Bags segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

In the recycled paper bag market, the flat paper bag segment holds the largest share. Their dominance is explained by their adaptability and usefulness in a variety of settings, especially the food service and retail industries. Because of their straightforward design, flat paper bags are preferred because they are convenient to store and transport. Their widespread usage in transporting groceries, takeout, and other consumer goods makes them indispensable in both commercial and private environments. Furthermore, the growth of e-commerce has increased demand for flat paper bags since they offer a practical way to package and ship goods while adhering to environmental standards.

The Pasted Valve segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

In the recycled paper bag market, the pasted valve bag segment is expected to have the highest CAGR. Their growth can be ascribed to their distinctive design and functionality, which let them be especially useful for packaging bulk materials in the food, chemical, and construction industries, among other products. Because of their sealed valve, which minimizes dust and spills and facilitates easy filling, punched valve bags are a cost-effective option for both manufacturers and consumers. Moreover, the demand for pasted valve bags is anticipated to increase dramatically as industries look more and more for environmentally friendly packaging options that improve operational effectiveness.

Region with largest share:

The North American region commands the largest market share for recycled paper bags, largely due to a confluence of robust industrial demand for sustainable packaging solutions and high consumer awareness of environmental issues. An increasing number of public and private sector initiatives to reduce plastic waste have contributed significantly to the region's growth and raised awareness of eco-friendly alternatives such as recycled paper bags. Furthermore, North America's state-of-the-art recycling infrastructure makes it possible for recycled paper bags to be produced and distributed efficiently, meeting the demands of a variety of industries, including retail and food service.

Region with highest CAGR:

With growing government initiatives to reduce plastic usage and growing environmental awareness, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the highest CAGR in the recycled paper bag market. Due to their growing populations and urbanization patterns, nations like China, Japan, and India are experiencing rapid growth, which increases the need for sustainable packaging options. Recycled paper bags are becoming more popular as the region's middle class expands and becomes more conscious of the environment. However, a favourable environment for market expansion is also being created by the increasing prevalence of regulatory measures that encourage sustainable practices and reduce plastic waste.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Recycled Paper Bags market include Nippon Paper Industries Co Ltd, DS Smith PLC, Smurfit Kappa, Mondi Group, WestRock Company, Sonoco Products Company, Cascades Inc., Sappi Limited, Holmen Group, International Paper Company, Steinbeis Papier GmbH, Luna Packaging LLC, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Daklapack group and Novolex.

Key Developments:

In June 2024, Nippon Express Holdings, Inc., has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Controlant, Inc., a leading provider of real-time monitoring devices for pharmaceuticals. Controlant is a leading provider of real-time monitoring solutions for tracking temperature and location information during transport, enables transportation intervention and automated product release in the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry.

In June 2024, Smurfit Kappa, a sustainable packaging solutions provider, has agreed to acquire a Bulgaria-based Bag-in-Box packaging facility, Artemis. The strategic move will expand the company's presence and customer base in Eastern Europe while also increasing its product portfolio and innovation capabilities in the bag-in-box sector.

In March 2024, Packaging giants Mondi and DS Smith have reached an agreement in principle on the key financial terms of a possible all share offer by Mondi for DS Smith. Mondi would then acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of DS Smith.

Product Types Covered:

• Flat Paper Bags
• Satchel Paper Bags
• Twist Handle Bags
• Folded Handle Bags
• Other Product Types

Bag Types Covered:

• Sewn Open Mouth
• Pinched Bottom Open Mouth
• Pasted Valve
• Pasted Open Mouth
• Flat Bottom

Material Types Covered:

• Kraft Paper
• White Paper
• Coated Paper
• Recycled Paper

Thicknesses Covered:

• 1 Ply
• 2 Ply
• 3 Ply
• >3 Ply

End Users Covered:

• Commercial
• Individual/Household
• Other End Users

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

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• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
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• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
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