Global Sustainable Packaging Market to Rise

Carlsberg Green Fibre Bottle, the world’s first “paper bottle” for beer.

The sustainable packaging market is expected to propel the growth in the coming years pertaining to rising government regulations and consumer awareness. Various initiatives have been taken by packaging manufacturers such as use of technology in packaging products and eco-friendly packaging materials. These initiatives are supported by governments and organizations of various regions. In order to reduce carbon footprint, sustainable packaging manufacturers are planning to develop biodegradable plastics. With the rising awareness for sustainability, many experts in consumer products and packaging have shifted their focus on green packaging. Green packaging helps in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions owing to the reduced dependence on fossil fuels.

The global sustainable packaging market is anticipated to grow at a robust CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period 2018-2026. Some of the key players in this market include Amcor Limited, Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings, Inc., International Paper Company, Sealed Air Corporation, Bemis Company, Inc., Genpak LLC, and Reynolds Group Holdings.

Brink’s Free Range Chicken by Curious Design. Trays are all sustainable, renewable and recyclable.

Focus Shifting to Biodegradable Plastics over Conventional Plastics due to Rise in Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions
The global demand for sustainable packaging market has surged in the last few years, which has prompted the packaging manufacturers to use biodegradable plastics than traditional packaging. This major shift has contributed to the rise in demand for sustainable packaging globally. Furthermore, with the changing lifestyle and increasing awareness towards pollution created by plastics, end-users have started investing on packaged food items.

As per packaging type, the sustainable packaging market is divided into boxes, trays, bottles, bags, sachets and pouches, films, and drum and others. As per material type, the market is classified into plastic, paper and paperboard, and aluminum metal. Of these, paper and paperboard segment is likely to lead the sustainable packaging market with a market share of 55.1% in the year 2018 and is estimated to dominate the global market during the forecast period. However, the plastic segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2018-2026. Additionally, other segments are also predicted to expand at a CAGR of 4.6% in the forecast period.

Europe to Dominate the Global Sustainable Packaging Market
According to regions, the sustainable packaging market is divided into North America, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. Among these, Europe is projected to lead the market owing to the increase in disposable salary and the wide presence of sustainable packaging manufacturers. North America is also expected to grow in the forecast period due to the high consumption of packaging. Also, the Middle East and Africa region is likely to grow at a significant rate from 2018-2026. In Latin America, growth is estimated to be moderate in the forecast period.

Natural packaging for natural products by Synthesis creative lab – a great solution to expensive raw material

High Priced Raw Material to Hamper the Growth of Sustainable Packaging Market
Transparency Market Research states that there are some factors responsible for restricting the sustainable packaging market growth globally. Expensive raw material and low accessibility are some of the reasons which are hampering the growth and reducing the demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Also, many companies are not adopting green packaging as an effective solution to this market due to the high production cost and lack of government initiatives especially in emerging countries. The raw material used for sustainable packaging consists of bio-polymers, liquid biofuels, recyclable and cellulosic fiber, and some additives which are high in cost and thus restrict the overall growth of sustainable packaging market.

About the author
Kishor Kanade works as an Analyst at Transparency Market Research, a market-intelligence firm based in India and the United States and works with the company’s editorial team.