The global molded pulp packaging market size is expected to reach USD 8.90 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., expanding at a CAGR of 7.4% over the forecast period 2024 - 2030. This is attributed to the increasing demand for environment-friendly packaging solutions by end-user industries and rising environmental concerns among consumers about single-use plastic.

Plastic is one of the majorly used materials for packaging in various industries including food & beverage, healthcare, cosmetics & personal care, and consumer goods. However, plastic is a non-biodegradable, unsustainable material, and can have an adverse impact on the life of humans as well as animals. In addition, the recycling rate of plastic waste products is low as compared to the consumption rate, which ultimately pollutes land, ocean, and drinking water.

The global pandemic in the year 2020 created a positive impact on molded pulp packaging owing to increasing demand for eggs from the retail chain followed by the rise in demand for doorstep deliveries of fresh fruits & vegetables, and eggs. The rise in egg consumption was due to a variety of factors such as a boost in at-home baking and an increase in demand for healthy proteins. As the food service outlets were closed in most places in the world, egg producers shifted the supply to supermarkets. The standard molded fiber pulp packaging for eggs sold at supermarkets saw significant pressure on inventory leading to a shortage. The shortage has eventually diminished as more people have relaxed and the panic buying & hoarding of eggs has significantly reduced.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Global Molded Pulp Packaging Market

Molded Pulp Packaging Market Report Highlights

• The wood pulp dominated the market in the source segment in 2023 owing to the rising awareness of sustainable packaging among consumers as the wood pulp is considered sustainable due to its 100% degradable properties
• However, higher production costs and abundant availability of substitute sustainable packaging solutions in the market restraint the growth of the molded pulp packaging industry to some extent
• The transfer type segment accounted for the highest market share due to its wide application in the food & beverage industry as it offers anti-shock properties of this packaging restraint damage or breakage to the products, especially beverage bottles and egg trays.
• Molded pulp clamshells segments is expected to dominate the product segment over the forecast period 2023-2030. Plastic clamshells offer higher moisture barrier ability than molded pulp packaging, declining use of single-use plastics is hindering the growth of the market for plastic clamshells. For instance, some countries across the world have banned the use of plastic clamshells for packing eggs. Therefore, such bans on plastic clamshells are likely to positively impact the growth of the market for molded pulp clamshells
• The food packaging application segment is dominating the market. Increasing consumption of vegetables, eggs and fruits by diet-conscious population has been driving worldwide, which, in turn, is expected to bolster these exports and imports between countries, thus, requiring molded pulp packaging
• New product developments coupled with mergers & acquisitions, and capacity expansions are some of the strategies adopted by players. For instance, in June 2022, Huhtamäki Oyj announced its plans to invest USD 100.0 million to expand the production capacity of its molded fiber product manufacturing unit in Indiana, the U.S.

Browse through Grand View Research's Plastics, Polymers & Resins Industry Research Reports.

• Biodegradable Plastic Films Market: The global biodegradable plastic films market size was estimated at USD 1,215.36 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.47% from 2025 to 2030.
• Cross-linked Polyethylene Market: The global cross-linked polyethylene market size was valued at USD 8.0 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2024 to 2030.

Molded Pulp Packaging Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global molded pulp packaging market based on source, molded type, product, application, and region:

Molded Pulp Packaging Source Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Wood Pulp
• Non-wood Pulp

Molded Pulp Packaging Molded Type Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Thick Wall
• Transfer
• Thermoformed
• Processed

Molded Pulp Packaging Product Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Trays
• End Caps
• Bowls & Cups
• Clamshells
• Plates
• Others

Molded Pulp Packaging End-use Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Food Packaging
• Food Service
• Electronics
• Healthcare
• Industrial
• Others

Molded Pulp Packaging Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • UK
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Southeast Asia
• Central & South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa

Order a free sample PDF of the Molded Pulp Packaging Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.