Molded Fiber Packaging Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 14.79 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 19.05 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 5.20 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Europe |
| Largest Market | Europe |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Molded Fiber Packaging Market Analysis
The Molded Fiber Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 14.79 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 19.05 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.20% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The growing need for sustainable packaging made from renewable and recyclable materials shows continued interest in the potential of the molded fiber packaging market. Factors such as expanding demand in end-user industries and applying environment-protective packaging solutions are sorting the market. Waste non-wood products like wheat and bagasse are used more frequently to make pulp.
- Consumers are more aware of the long-term effects of their purchasing decisions than a decade ago. In terms of where and how to spend their money, modern consumers carefully consider their purchases. This awareness mainly focuses on package sustainability in the contemporary period as environmental concerns increase. Over 83% of younger consumers (aged 44 years and under) indicated a willingness to spend more for items that employ sustainable packaging, according to Trivium Packaging's Global Buying Green report.
- PulPac developed and owned dry molded fiber, a fiber-forming technology that can affordably and sustainably replace single-use plastic with fiber-based alternatives. Converters who set up their production can use this unique technique. PulPac created the PulPac Modula standardized machine platform with partners to hasten the transition. This platform is accessible to licensees and is available at the PulPac Tech Centre for sample and bridge volume production.
- Molded pulp packaging has been a popular option for organizations wanting to reduce their environmental impact as the packaging sector has come under greater scrutiny in recent years. Pulp-based packaging, made from fibrous materials like recycled cardboard and paper or natural fibers like bamboo, wheat, or sugarcane, is highly recyclable and can be used up to seven more times after serving its initial function.
- Producers of fast-moving consumer goods increasingly prioritize convenient and eco-friendly packaging for end users. Technological advancements and printing and coating processes for molded fiber pulp products have significantly gained traction. Even with technological shifts, this burgeoning industry is poised to maintain its trajectory during the forecast period.
- However, fluctuations in the cost of raw materials might hinder market growth. However, total fiber availability is a concern in the paper industry. Imports have climbed to 3 million tons, and numerous nations' governments have adopted import laws and restrictions and increased tariffs and excise levies. Due to a container shortage in December, international liners raised their prices.
Molded Fiber Packaging Market Trends
Food and Beverages to be the Largest End-user Industry
- Molded fiber products are increasingly used in the food-related sector to replace plastics and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products. Applications for the food market are subject to strict standards, and they must comply with them. In addition to some basic strength specifications, such as tensile and thermal qualities, improved barrier properties are crucial for materials in the food market sector.
- The food packaging products made of molded pulp include clam-shell and takeout meal containers, egg trays and cartons, and fruit, vegetable, berry, and mushroom trays. The majority of the food packaging items on the market utilize trays.
- Further, the packaging must have barrier qualities that reduce the exchanges of gases and water vapor between the food and the environment to slow down food's chemical, physical, and microbiological changes. As a result, for materials intended for food-related product packaging, the permeability to water vapor and oxygen are crucial properties to consider.
- The relatively big e-commerce, wine, and other beverages segments are expected to register the most significant sales increases in the protective packaging industry. Prices for custom tooling are reducing, and people are becoming more conscious of molded fiber's environmental and performance benefits.
- Soft drink companies are still trying to decrease the amount of pollution and waste produced by their packaging materials. Even though people are becoming more negative towards plastic, it is still the most used material for soft drink packaging worldwide. However, many companies in the molded fiber packaging market are expanding their footprints and boosting their market segment.
- Further, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the sales value of packaged foods in 2018 was valued at USD 1 billion and was expected to reach USD 1.42 billion in 2023. Such growth in the food industry is expected to further drive the market for molded fiber packaging.
Europe is Expected to Dominate the Market
- Western Europe has emerged as one of the most important markets for mold fiber packaging, with industrialized countries such as the United Kingdom having a larger urban population and higher disposable income. According to the Packaging Federation of the United Kingdom, the package manufacturing industry generates GBP 11 billion (USD 13.99 billion) in yearly sales. It employs over 85,000 people, accounting for 3% of the manufacturing workforce in the country. It contributes substantially to the UK economy and is essential to the packaging supply chain.
- Germany's packaging is extensively used in the food industry. Consumers seek products that provide convenience, protection, and ease of transportation, which drives demand for various packaging, particularly plastic replacements in food products, particularly dairy food, meat, and prepared meals. Furthermore, strict limits on single-use plastics and high demand for sustainable packaging drive market expansion.
- The growing demand for eco-friendly protective packaging in bowls, trays, and other products is anticipated to boost market growth in Italy. Molded fiber packaging is a 100% recyclable, environment-friendly packaging solution made from plant fibers. The raw materials used to manufacture molded fiber packages are pulp, natural fibers, and water. Molded dissolving pulp products are primarily used as packaging solutions in the food industry, which is currently driving the market.
- Spain's growing urbanization, tourism, and e-commerce markets are expected to generate demand for the molded fiber packaging industry. The expanding middle class in emerging European economies, such as Spain, is creating demand for protective packaging solutions, such as heavy-duty molded pulp packaging, subsequently driving the market.
- With the rapidly increasing food service business in Eastern European countries, the Eastern European market is expected to grow over the projection period. Eastern European countries' demand for molded pulp materials for egg, meat, and fruit packaging is expected to contribute to market growth.
Molded Fiber Packaging Industry Overview
The molded fiber packaging market is fragmented, with the presence of major players like Huhtamaki OYJ, Henry Moulded Products Inc., Omni-Pac Group UK, Pulpac AB, Cullen Packaging Ltd, Sabert Corporation, and Brødrene Hartmann A/S. Players in the market are adopting strategies such as partnerships and acquisitions to enhance their product offerings and gain sustainable competitive advantage.
- June 2024: Sabert Corporation, a global leader in sustainable and innovative food packaging, expanded its celebrated Paper Bowl line. It introduced new Paper Rectangle Bowls and unveiled a 44-oz. size Paper Square Bowl. As consumers increasingly gravitate towards sustainable, renewable fiber-based packaging solutions, this is tailored to the company's customers' unique needs and the planet's well-being.
- April 2024: PulPac, the pioneers behind Dry Molded Fiber technology, announced its membership with Two Sides, a prominent advocacy group for the print and paper industry. PulPac equips packaging producers with cutting-edge manufacturing technology, championing sustainable packaging that aligns with industry demands for scalability, rapid production rates, and cost efficiency. With PulPac's competitively priced, fiber-based alternatives, producers address the market's and planet's call for responsible packaging and position themselves as industry frontrunners.
Molded Fiber Packaging Market Leaders
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Huhtamaki OYJ
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Henry Moulded Products Inc.
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Cullen Packaging
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Pulpac AB
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Sabert Corporation
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Molded Fiber Packaging Market News
- December 2023: Pulpac launched the Dry Molded Fiber Phone Tray Insert, available to producers. This offering underscores PulPac's dedication to delivering cost-effective and environmentally responsible packaging solutions. The Phone Tray Insert meets the rising demand for sustainable options in the packaging sector. Opting for Dry Molded Fiber applications, like the Phone Tray Insert, ensures a cost-effective choice with a minor environmental impact compared to traditional plastic or fiber-based alternatives.
- June 2023: Sabert Corporation announced the launch of new proprietary molded fiber blends, Pulp Plus and Pulp Max, which are intentionally PFAS-free. As part of its commitment to eliminate all intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from its product portfolio by the end of 2023, Sabert's new pulp formulations aim to help customers achieve their sustainability goals.
Molded Fiber Packaging Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumption and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET INSIGHTS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.2.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.2.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
4.2.3 Threat of New Entrants
4.2.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.2.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
4.3 Industry Value Chain Analysis
4.4 Import Export Analysis of Molded Fiber
5. MARKET DYNAMICS
5.1 Market Drivers
5.1.1 Shift in Consumer Preferences Toward Recyclable and Eco-friendly Materials
5.1.2 Growing Disposable Income and Augmented Demand for Sustainable Packaging From End Users
5.2 Market Challenges
5.2.1 Strict Government Rules and Regulations
5.2.2 Fluctuations in the Cost of Raw Materials
6. MARKET SEGMENTATION
6.1 By Type
6.1.1 Thick wall
6.1.2 Transfer
6.1.3 Thermoformed
6.1.4 Processed
6.2 By Formal Type
6.2.1 Wet
6.2.2 Dry
6.3 By End-user Industry
6.3.1 Food and Beverages
6.3.2 Electronics
6.3.3 Healthcare
6.3.4 Other End-user Industries
6.4 By Geography
6.4.1 North America
6.4.1.1 United States
6.4.1.2 Canada
6.4.2 Europe
6.4.2.1 United Kingdom
6.4.2.2 France
6.4.2.3 Germany
6.4.2.4 Italy
6.4.2.5 Spain
6.4.3 Asia-Pacific
6.4.3.1 China
6.4.3.2 India
6.4.3.3 Japan
6.4.4 Australia and New Zealand
6.4.5 Latin America
6.4.5.1 Brazil
6.4.5.2 Mexico
6.4.6 Middle East and Africa
6.4.6.1 United Arab Emirates
6.4.6.2 Saudi Arabia
6.4.6.3 South Africa
7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
7.1 Company Profiles*
7.1.1 Huhtamaki OYJ
7.1.2 Henry Molded Products Inc.
7.1.3 Omni-Pac Group UK
7.1.4 Cullen Packaging Ltd
7.1.5 Brodrene Hartmann A/S
7.1.6 EnviroPAK Corporation
7.1.7 Heracles Packaging Company SA
7.1.8 Sabert Corporation
7.1.9 Keiding Inc.
7.1.10 Berkley International
7.1.11 Pulpac AB
8. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
9. FUTURE OF THE MARKET
Molded Fiber Packaging Industry Segmentation
The study covers the molded fiber packaging market tracked in terms of consumption and the sales of molded fiber packaging products offered by various vendors operating across the geographies. The consumption value of molded fiber packaging is considered in (USD) for the market size and forecasts.
The molded fiber packaging market is segmented by type (thick wall, transfer, thermoformed, and processed), formal type (wet and dry), end-user industry (food and beverages, electronics, healthcare, and other end-user industries), and geography (North America [United States and Canada], Europe [United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Rest of Europe], Asia-Pacific [China, Japan, India, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America [Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America], and Middle East and Africa [United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East and Africa]). The market sizes and forecasts are in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.
| By Type | |
| Thick wall | |
| Transfer | |
| Thermoformed | |
| Processed |
| By Formal Type | |
| Wet | |
| Dry |
| By End-user Industry | |
| Food and Beverages | |
| Electronics | |
| Healthcare | |
| Other End-user Industries |
| By Geography | |||||||
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| Australia and New Zealand | |||||||
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Molded Fiber Packaging Market Research FAQs
How big is the Molded Fiber Packaging Market?
The Molded Fiber Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 14.79 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 5.20% to reach USD 19.05 billion by 2029.
What is the current Molded Fiber Packaging Market size?
In 2024, the Molded Fiber Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 14.79 billion.
Who are the key players in Molded Fiber Packaging Market?
Huhtamaki OYJ, Henry Moulded Products Inc., Cullen Packaging, Pulpac AB and Sabert Corporation are the major companies operating in the Molded Fiber Packaging Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Molded Fiber Packaging Market?
Europe is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Molded Fiber Packaging Market?
In 2024, the Europe accounts for the largest market share in Molded Fiber Packaging Market.
What years does this Molded Fiber Packaging Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Molded Fiber Packaging Market size was estimated at USD 14.02 billion. The report covers the Molded Fiber Packaging Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Molded Fiber Packaging Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Molded Fiber Packaging Industry Report
Statistics for the 2023 Molded Fiber Packaging market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Molded Fiber Packaging analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
