Global Sustainable Packaging Market Assessment, By Process [Reusable, Recyclable, and Biodegradable], By Type [Flexible, Rigid], By Material [Paper and Paperboard, Plastics, Metal, Glass, and Others], By Product Type [Boxes and Cartons, Bags and Pouches, Bottles and Cans, Films and Wraps, Others], By Packaging Format [Tertiary Packaging, Secondary Packaging, and Primary Packaging], By Application [Food and Beverages, Personal Care and Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Goods, E-commerce, and Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-2032F

Global Sustainable Packaging Market is projected to witness a CAGR of 7.62% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 259.45 billion in 2024 to USD 466.87 billion in 2032. The market's growth is being turbocharged by factors such as rising environmental concerns, evolving consumer preferences, e-commerce push, regulatory pressures, and technological advancements. Leading the demand is the increasing environmental awareness among consumers who are now as mindful as never before about what they are consuming or using and the repercussions their choices will pose on the environment. While consumers want products with minimal environmental footprints, regulatory policies, and initiatives to reduce plastic waste and promote recycling are also powering the sustainable packaging market.

The ongoing surge in online and e-commerce shopping necessitates the availability of high-performance packaging materials. While plastic packaging is widely used, its environmental impact cannot be neglected. Packaging waste is a serious environmental obstacle, and society at large is straining brands to confront the unintentional consequences of their packaging solutions.

Along with this, innovations and trends focused on purpose-driven packaging are being leveraged to encourage sustainable practices and seek consumer loyalty. Firms are investing in futuristic technologies and materials that ultimately prove cost-efficient alternatives to traditional packaging solutions. Packaging is no longer about protecting products but conveying a brand’s commitment to sustainability. However, concerns about durability and product lifecycle, and inadequate recycling practices and infrastructure are some of the challenges impeding the market’s growth.

In August 2023, Sonoco, a leading packaging manufacturer, expanded its EnviroFlex Paper product line by introducing two new cold seal structures- EnviroFlex Paper Ultimate (ULT) 1.0 CS and Advanced (ADV) 4.0 CS. These products, embracing How2Recycle^® Widely recyclable pre-qualification, are curbside recyclable paper packaging options featuring cold seal properties. This milestone highlights Sonoco’s ongoing efforts and commitment to delivering future-forward innovations and sustainable packaging solutions to stay in tune with the dynamic needs of consumer-packaged goods companies in a fierce market.

Government Regulations and Initiatives Spearhead Global Sustainable Packaging Market

Governments across the globe are executing demanding regulations to reduce single-use plastics and encouraging a shift toward green packaging. The UK’s Plastic Packaging Tax leads Europe’s pledge toward sustainable efforts, which incentivizes the use of recycled content by exempting packaging with over 30% recycled material.

Since July 2021, the EU has banned certain single-use plastic products such as cotton bud sticks, cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, and sticks for balloons under EU Directive 2019/904 on Single-Use Plastics (SUP). Similarly, India’s ban on single-use plastic bags and China’s National Sword Policy that prohibits the import of most plastics and other materials underscore reducing plastic waste and promoting a green planet.

The aforementioned policies are persuading corporations to resort to eco-friendly solutions to create a circular economy. Moreover, several countries are providing incentives such as tax exemptions and grants to encourage the deployment of biodegradable and compostable plastic bags.  Consequently, leading companies are taking charge and making the necessary shifts. Manufacturers are keeping a close check on trends related to sustainability. According to the Consumer Brands Association report, the CPG industry is committed to sustainability, with 25 of the largest CPG companies putting in proactive efforts to fulfill their diverse sustainability goals by 2030.

For instance, in October 2023, Coca-Cola India launched 100% recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles for its new range of 250 ml and 750 ml soft drinks across India. The company leverages technology derived by the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to recycle food-grade PET.

Similarly, as part of their goal to make 100% of flexible plastic packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2035, Unilever is working on a range of solutions powered by Nestlé Product Technology Centres (NPTCs).

Consumer Awareness Spearheading the Demand for Green Packaging

Consumers demand more than product functionalities; they seek products that align with their values. The conscious consumers of today’s digital age have taken a front seat in driving the sustainability wave amidst the alarming growth in environmental concerns. The world population is rising, and so is their disposable income. With consumerism at its peak, the demand for packaging solutions also takes center stage as it is an integral part of consumer goods. Therefore, every new product on the market must be packaged in a way that resonates with the brand name and the end-use of the product.

The surging demand for traditional packaging materials like plastic poses a bigger threat to the environment. While plastics remain widely popular among businesses and product providers due to their functional advantages and abundant availability, their environmental impact is alarming. The packaging industry is the largest contributor to single-use plastic waste, with packaging accounting for 36% of all plastics produced globally. According to the Waste and Resource Action Program, over one-third of plastic packaging ends up in the natural ecosystem. Furthermore, the production, use, and disposal of plastic contributes to 1.8 billion tons of carbon emissions annually.

Amidst the skyrocketing concerns, consumer behavior is shapeshifting. Modern buyers are increasingly aware of the environmental harm caused by plastic-based packaging. According to the 2023 Buying Green Report, 82% of consumers across age groups are willing to pay a premium for sustainable packaging, showcasing a notable leap from previous years.

The shift toward sustainability is further driven by growing investments from environmental organizations aimed at raising consumer awareness and highlighting the consequences of poorly designed packaging. As a result, more buyers are gravitating toward brands that resonate with their eco-conscious values, prioritizing solutions that reduce carbon footprint and conserve natural resources.

 In April 2024, at the NCAA Men’s & Women’s Final Four tournament venues, the Coca-Cola Company announced its commitment to vitalize the audience while ensuring sustainable beverage packaging. The company pledged to recycle all the collected beverage bottles, converting them into new packaging materials suitable for food use.

Food and Beverages Sector Dominates the Global Sustainable Packaging Market

Based on application, the food and beverages segment dominate the global sustainable packaging market. With increasing regulations and growing ecological concerns, F&B companies globally are under the radar to implement sustainable practices and embrace green packaging solutions and strategies, such as biodegradable plant-based packaging, recycling, and reuse.

Convenience is reigning supreme across the globe, and so is the demand for packaged foods and beverages, driven by factors such as fast-paced lifestyles, hectic schedules, and evolving consumer preferences. Paper packaging is widely deployed in the F&B industry due to its cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness.

In April 2024, Food Chain ID, a leader in technology and expertise for the food supply chain, unveiled Sustainable Packaging Services; a suite of products and expert-guided services to help food brands and their supply chains meet market demands for sustainable packaging.

Paper and Paperboard Materials Take the Lead in Driving Market Growth

In a drive against plastic packaging, there’s a growing shift towards paper and paperboard packaging materials (the market is expected to grow at a 4.28% CAGR between 2023 and 2032).

Their biodegradability, recyclability, and renewability make them a suitable choice for packaging applications across diverse industries. Government initiatives and campaigns are also encouraging the use of paper and paperboard packaging. Furthermore, the e-commerce boom is also propelling the demand for these alternatives. Paper and paperboard are extremely recyclable materials and have firmly set recycling infrastructure and processes across the globe.

In May 2024, SCREEN partnered with Mondi, a global paper and packaging solutions giant, to promote and advance paper-based applications in the flexible packaging industry. This collaboration was showcased at Drupa 2024, where SCREEN’s Truepress PAC520P inkjet digital printing press utilized Mondi’s fully recyclable Functional Barrier Paper 95/5, syncing with the surging demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Similarly, Nestle continues to push its boundaries for sustainable packaging with paper-based innovations across major brands. In 2024, the giant introduced paperboard canisters for its Vital Proteins brand in the United States, cutting plastic use by 90%. Developed at Nestle’s R&D center in Bridgewater, New Jersey, in collaboration with external partners, the canisters feature a durable, spill-proof, and user-friendly proprietary coverlid.

Asia-Pacific Emerging as the Dominant Force in the Global Sustainable Packaging Market

Asia-Pacific emerges as the most dominating region in the sustainable packaging industry, witnessing robust growth during the projected period. The magnification is driven by countries like China and India, where rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increasing consumer awareness about environmental issues propel the demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions. While the massive availability of raw materials spurs the growth in China, F&B, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, homecare, and retail industries are pushing the demand for eco-friendly products in India and Japan.

In 2023, Go Rewise, a brand by Ganesha Ecosphere (XNSE: GANECOS), a recycling partner and food grade rPET provider is at the forefront of creating a circular economy to recycle 25% of India’s PET bottle waste by 2025.

Download Free Sample Report

Future Market Scenario (2025 – 2032F)

• Government regulations will continue to dominate the shift towards sustainable packaging solutions, especially in food and beverages, e-commerce, and the pharmaceuticals industry.
• The market will witness a stronger inclination towards smart packaging, and groundbreaking innovations such as mushroom packaging, algae-based packaging, and edible packaging.
• Companies will adopt circular economy principles, emphasizing recyclable designs and closed-loop systems to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency.
• Owing to the rising real income in Asia and other developing regions, there will be more spending on packaged products, including food, cosmetics, personal care, and more,
• Flexible packaging will supersede traditional packaging across diverse domains.

Report Scope

“Global Sustainable Packaging Market Assessment, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-2032F”, is a comprehensive report by Markets and Data, providing in-depth analysis and qualitative and quantitative assessment of the current state of global sustainable packaging market, industry dynamics, and challenges. The report includes market size, segmental shares, growth trends, opportunities, and forecast between 2025 and 2032. Additionally, the report profiles the leading players in the industry, mentioning their respective market share, business models, competitive intelligence, etc.

Report Attribute	Details
Base Year of the Analysis	2024
Historical Period	2018-2023
Forecast Period	2025-2032
Projected Growth Rate	CAGR of 7.62% between 2025 and 2032
Revenue Forecast in 2032	USD 466.87 billion
Segments Covered	Process, Type, Material, Product Type, Packaging Format, Application
Regions Covered	North America, Europe, South America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa
Key Companies Profile	Mondi plc, Amcor plc, Tetra Pak International S.A., Sealed Air Corporation, Crown Holdings, Inc., Smurfit Kappa Group plc, Huhtamäki Oyj, Sonoco Products Company, DS Smith Plc, Klöckner Pentaplast Companies
Customization Scope	15% free report customization with purchase
Pricing and Purchase Options	Avail the customized purchase options to fulfill your precise research needs
Delivery Format	PDF and Excel through email (subject to the license purchased)

In the report, global sustainable packaging market has been segmented into the following categories: 

• By Process
  • Reusable
  • Recyclable
  • Biodegradable
• By Type
  • Flexible
  • Rigid
• By Material
  • Paper and Cardboard
  • Plastics
  • Metal
  • Glass
  • Others
• By Product Type
  • Boxes and Cartons
  • Bags and Pouches
  • Bottles and Cans
  • Films and Wraps
  • Others (Trays, Mailers, and Others)
• By Packaging Format
  • Tertiary Packaging
  • Secondary Packaging
  • Primary Packaging
• By Application
  • Food and Beverages
  • Personal Care and Cosmetics
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Consumer Goods
  • E-Commerce
  • Others
• By Region
  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • South America
  • Middle East and Africa

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The global sustainable packaging market is a competitive playground for key players steering the global sustainable packaging market growth with robust innovations to meet environmental mandates and consumer demand. Companies such as Mondi, Amcor, and Sealed Air Corporation lead the charge with breakthroughs in eco-friendly materials and recyclable solutions. These players are leveraging biobased, recycled, and compostable technology to reduce waste and carbon footprint and optimize performance across retail, e-commerce, food, and consumer goods.

In 2024, Amcor launched new eco-friendly packaging for Huggies Eco Protect diapers in Peru, featuring 30% recycled materials. The packaging supports hypoallergenic diapers and reduces energy consumption and carbon footprint by 30% and 23%, respectively.

In January 2024, Sealed Air Corporation (U.S.) unveiled a biobased, industrial compostable tray under its CRYVACA brand for protein packaging. Made from USDA-certified resin with 54% renewable wood cellulose, the tray is compatible with existing food processing equipment, ensuring functionality while fulfilling sustainability goals.

Key Players Operating in the Global Sustainable Packaging Market are:

• Mondi plc
• Amcor plc
• Tetra Pak International S.A.
• Sealed Air Corporation
• Crown Holdings, Inc.
• Smurfit Kappa Group plc
• Huhtamäki Oyj
• Sonoco Products Company
• DS Smith Plc
• Klöckner Pentaplast Companies

Markets and Data’s reports answer the following questions:

• What is the current and future market size of the product/service in question globally or specific to different countries?
• How are the markets divided into different product/service segments and the market size and growth of each segment?
• What is the market potential of different product segments and their investment case?
• How are the markets predicted to develop in the future and what factors will drive or inhibit growth?
• What is the business environment and regulatory landscape specific to the product/service?

If you cannot find what you're searching for or have any custom requirements for the global sustainable packaging market, you may approach our team at info@marketsandata.com