Plastic Free Packaging Market Report 2025

This Plastic Free Packaging Market report delivers an in-depth analysis of the market’s key characteristics, including size, growth potential, and segmentation. It provides a detailed breakdown of the market across major regions and leading countries, highlighting historical data and future growth projections. The report also examines the competitive landscape, market share insights, emerging trends, and strategic developments shaping the market.

The plastic free packaging market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $6.04 billion in 2024 to $6.64 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to rising environmental awareness, increased investments by food and beverage manufacturers, greater awareness of the harmful side effects of plastic, bans on plastic bags and other plastic products, and the growing popularity of e-commerce and online retail.

The plastic free packaging market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $9.59 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to stringent government regulations and policies, along with a growing emphasis on circular economy principles. Key trends during this period include advancements in packaging materials and technologies, the development of biodegradable and compostable materials, innovations in material science, collaborations between manufacturers, suppliers, and research institutions, and the exploration of reusable packaging solutions.

The increasing popularity of e-commerce and online retail is expected to drive the growth of the plastic-free packaging market in the future. E-commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods and services via the internet, while online retail specifically focuses on the direct sale of products to consumers through digital platforms. The rise of e-commerce and online retail is fueled by factors such as convenience, broader product selections, competitive pricing, and the growing adoption of digital technologies by consumers. Plastic-free packaging benefits e-commerce and online retail by enhancing sustainability, minimizing environmental impact, and meeting consumer demand for eco-friendly options, all while ensuring product safety and appealing to environmentally conscious shoppers. For example, according to data from the United States Census Bureau, in the second quarter of 2024, U.S. retail e-commerce sales reached $291.6 billion, reflecting a 6.7% increase compared to the same quarter in 2023 and a 1.3% rise from the first quarter of 2024. As a result, the growing popularity of e-commerce and online retail is contributing to the growth of the plastic-free packaging market.

Major companies in the plastic-free packaging market are focusing on developing innovative edible packaging alternatives, such as plant-based barrier coatings, to reduce plastic waste and offer sustainable solutions for consumers. A plant-based barrier coating is an eco-friendly material made from plants that provides a protective layer on packaging surfaces. This coating serves as a barrier against moisture, air, oils, and other elements that could potentially affect the quality of the packaged product. For instance, in January 2022, Melodea Ltd., an Israel-based packaging solutions provider, introduced two plant-based plastic alternatives made from cellulose crystals extracted from wood pulp sourced from industrial forests. The new materials include MelOx, a high-performance barrier coating offering protection against oxygen, oil, and grease transmission, and Melodea VBcoat, which shields against water vapor, oil, and grease transmission. These innovations highlight the industry's shift toward more sustainable and functional packaging solutions.

In December 2024, Cartonpack Group, an Italy-based provider of flexible packaging, acquired a majority stake in FIMAT S.p.A. for an undisclosed amount. With this acquisition, Cartonpack seeks to expand its portfolio of sustainable packaging solutions and strengthen its position in the market for ecological packaging of fresh and perishable products. FIMAT S.p.A. specializes in eco-friendly packaging solutions for fresh and perishable goods using sustainable materials.

Major players in the plastic free packaging market are WestRock Company, International Paper Company, Amcor plc, Tetra Pak International S.A., Huhtamaki OYJ, Mondi plc, Futamura Group, Beatson Clark Limited, Vegware Ltd., TemperPack Technologies Inc., PaperFoam B.V., BioPak Pty Ltd, Pappco Greenware Pvt. Ltd., TIPA Corporation Ltd., Alter Eco Americas PBC, Sulapac Ltd., No Evil Foods Inc., Ecologic Brands Inc., EnviGreen Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Loop Industries Inc.

North America was the largest region in the plastic free packaging market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in plastic free packaging report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the plastic free packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Plastic-free packaging refers to packaging solutions that eliminate plastic materials, opting for environmentally friendly alternatives. These alternatives are designed to reduce environmental impact, minimize plastic waste, and promote sustainability within the packaging industry.

The primary types of plastic-free packaging include pouches, boxes and cartons, bottles, blisters, trays, and others. Pouches, being flexible and lightweight, are commonly used for liquids, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals, offering convenience in handling, storage, and disposal, making them ideal for various consumer goods. Materials used for plastic-free packaging include paper, glass, metal, aluminum foil, and others. These solutions are employed by various end users, including those in the food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care and cosmetics, consumer goods, and electrical and electronics industries.

The plastic free packaging market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides plastic free packaging market statistics, including plastic free packaging industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a plastic free packaging market share, detailed plastic free packaging market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the plastic free packaging industry. This plastic free packaging market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The plastic-free packaging market consists of sales of packaging solutions, rigid packaging, flexible packaging, and hybrid packaging. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, meaning the value of goods sold by manufacturers, whether to other entities (such as wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services provided by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises generate from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values, meaning the revenues generated by organizations in that specific geography within the market, regardless of where the goods are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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