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Europe Sustainable Packaging Market Size

ID: MRFR//11157-HCR | 128 Pages | Author: Snehal Singh| May 2024

Europe influences the growth and development of its packaging market for sustainability through various forces. One of the key drivers to sustainable packaging is an increase in awareness towards the need for environmental protection. Consequently, consumers are now demanding alternative ways of packing as they become more knowledgeable about how packaging can affect the environment. As such, they have forced producers to invest in packages that are environmentally friendly like biodegradable materials and recycled packaging.

Still on this aspect, Europe’s sustainable packaging is defined by regulatory measures put in place. This has resulted in a situation where regulations concerning packaging have become some of the strictest in the world. Through these measures recycling targets have become more severe as well as several EPR initiatives which have nurtured adoption of sustainable alternatives regarding package designs. For any company prospecting to remain competitive within the European market, compliance with these regulations has turned into not only legal obligation but also strategic necessity.

Furthermore, corporate sustainability commitments also affect rates of adoption across Europe’s sustainable packaging market. Numerous companies operating in Europe have included their environmental goals among their business objectives especially those touching on product coverage and design innovation. This is seen from ambitious sustainability objectives that often revolve around plastic waste reduction, easier recyclability or total cradle-to-cradle principles. Hence there is a demand for new types of wrapping that accommodate such requirements.

In addition to other elements like conscious consumerism and consumer preferences, this contributes greatly to dynamics driving Europe Sustainable Packaging Market today. Modern consumers are increasingly discerning and place a premium on products that align with their values, including environmental responsibility. Brands therefore had to revaluate themselves so as not only meet this new needs but also stay relevant among this class of people who buy their products based on what it looks like and its benefit to nature; thus differentiating themselves and building customer loyalty through their product packages.

Moreover, technological advancements affect Europe’s sustainable packaging landscape too. There is a continued attempt to find new materials and technologies that can make packaging more sustainable without necessarily reducing its functionality. Such innovations include bio-based polymers or advanced recycling processes, which the market is experiencing as part of its journey towards sustainable and efficient methods of wrapping products. Organizations that would like to stay competitive therefore have to invest in such emerging trends.

On top of these are also economic factors shaping Europe Sustainable Packaging Market. This has led to a realization of economic benefits associated with sustainable practices such as cost savings through reduced material usage and wastage. Even though there may be higher costs upfront for ecological product packaging, long term financial gains with the value on brand make it an astute option for any company operating within European territories.

Europe Sustainable Packaging Market Overview


Europe Sustainable Packaging Market Size was valued at USD 62.9 Billion in 2022. The sustainable packaging industry is projected to grow from USD 68.1 Billion in 2023 to USD 127.8 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.20% during the forecast period (2023 - 2032). Growing globalization, urbanization, and modernity are what are causing the market value to increase. The market will continue to increase in value due to a number of market drivers, including the increasing degree of environmental pollution, the growing demand for convenient parking options, and a surge in manufacturing activity.


Europe Sustainable Packaging Market Overview


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review


Sustainable Packaging Market Trends




  • Growing initiatives by government is driving market growth




Europe's need for eco-friendly packaging has surged due to strict government policies prohibiting the use of single-use plastics and growing consciousness of sustainability. A key element propelling the expansion of the sustainable packaging market CAGR in Europe is government measures to promote the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions. Green procurement laws are being enforced by the government on a larger scale. These policies mandate that public agencies give priority to sustainable products and services when making purchase decisions. In the public sector, this is fueling demand for environmentally friendly packaging options. Eco-labeling programs are being implemented by several governments to inform customers about how products and packaging affect the environment. This is fueling the market for packaging that bears the eco-friendly label. Moreover, companies are encouraged to lessen their carbon footprint by governments imposing levies on carbon emissions. It is anticipated that each of these variables would present the major companies involved in the sustainable packaging market with substantial growth prospects.


In addition, the quantity of waste that ends up in landfills and the ocean is decreased by the natural breakdown of biodegradable packaging materials. Biodegradable packaging is more sustainable as a result of reduced carbon emissions and environmental pollutants. Furthermore, there is a greater need for sustainable packaging options due to companies' and consumers' growing environmental consciousness. Because they are composed of renewable resources and can be recycled or composted, biodegradable packaging materials are in higher demand due to their perceived environmental friendliness. Moreover, Vegware, a UK-based company, specializes in creating biodegradable and reusable food packaging solutions. Vegware offers low-carbon, recyclable, plant-based, and renewable materials for their packaging alternatives. A heated cup with two layers of plant-based materials and an eco-embossed design was recently introduced by the company. Thus, driving the sustainable packaging market revenue.


Sustainable Packaging Market Segment Insights


Sustainable Packaging Material Type Insights


The Europe Sustainable Packaging market segmentation, based on material type includes paper & paperboard, plastic, metal, glass, fabric, and wood. The paper & paperboard segment dominated the market mostly due to consumers' growing inclination for pouches, paper bags, and other types of packaging. A growing number of apparel companies, packaged food product manufacturers, and other end users are emphasizing the need for sustainable packaging in light of growing environmental concerns.


Sustainable Packaging Packaging Type Insights


The Europe Sustainable Packaging market segmentation, based on packaging type, includes bags & sacks, trays & clamshells, cartons & boxes, cans, bottles & jars, films & wraps, pouches & sachets, drums, IBC, vials & ampoules, tapes & labels, and others (jerry cans, bowls, cutlery etc.). The pouches & sachets category generated the most income. Comparing pouches and sachets to more conventional packaging formats like bottles or cans, less material is often used, which lowers resource use and waste. Sustainable packaging, such as sachets and pouches, is also in greater demand as businesses and customers grow more ecologically concerned. This area is essential to the cause of encouraging environmentally friendly packaging options and cutting down on plastic waste.


Sustainable Packaging Distribution Channel Insights


The Europe Sustainable Packaging market segmentation, based on distribution channel, includes Manufacturer (Direct Sales), Distributors, and Retailers. The manufacturer (direct sales) category generated the most income. Manufacturers who sell their goods directly to consumers are classified as "Manufacturer (Direct Sales)" in the sustainable packaging industry. These producers create and supply eco-friendly packaging materials or goods straight to companies and customers, cutting out middlemen like wholesalers or retailers. They are essential in meeting the growing need for packaging options that are environmentally responsible by offering eco-friendly options.


Figure 1: Europe Sustainable Packaging Market, by Applications, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)


Europe Sustainable Packaging Market, by Applications, 2022 & 2032


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review


Sustainable Packaging End Use Insights


The Europe Sustainable Packaging market segmentation, based on end use, includes Food, Beverages, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Chemical, Healthcare, Agriculture, and Other Industrial. The food category generated the most income. Whether by adding recycled material to their current packaging or by developing brand-new packaging solutions made completely of recycled materials, several businesses are employing recycled plastics in their packaging. The food industry is also seeing an increase in the use of reusable packaging.


Sustainable Packaging Regional Insights


During the projected period, Europe is anticipated to become the market with the largest revenue contribution in the sustainable packaging sector. The market for sustainable packaging in Europe is expanding quickly due to rising consumer demand for green packaging options as well as legislative initiatives to cut waste and promote sustainability. Paper and cardboard are two of the most environmentally friendly packaging materials used in Europe; many businesses also use recycled materials in their packaging to lessen their environmental effect. The market for compostable and biodegradable plastics, which are composed primarily of plant-based elements and decompose more quickly in the environment, is also expanding. Moreover, with a significant presence throughout Europe, Smurfit Kappa is a top manufacturer of paper-based packaging solutions. The business provides a selection of environmentally friendly packaging choices, such as biodegradable and recycled paperboard.


Figure 2: EUROPE SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)


EUROPE SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review


Sustainable Packaging Key Market Players & Competitive Insights


Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the sustainable packaging market, grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their  footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, sustainable packaging industry must offer cost-effective items.


Key Companies in the sustainable packaging market include



Sustainable Packaging Market Segmentation


Sustainable Packaging Material Type Outlook



  • Paper & Paperborard

  • Plastic

  • Metal

  • Glass

  • Fabric

  • Wood


Sustainable Packaging Packaging Type Outlook



  • Bags & Sacks

  • Trays & Clamshells

  • Cartons & Boxes

  • Cans

  • Bottles & Jars

  • Films & Wraps

  • Pouches & Sachets

  • Drums

  • IBC

  • Vials & Ampoules

  • Tapes & Labels

  • Others (Jerry Cans, Bowls, Cutlery etc.)


Sustainable Packaging Distribution Channel Outlook



  • Manufacturer (Direct Sales)

  • Distributors

  • Retailers


Sustainable Packaging End Use Outlook



  • Food

  • Beverages

  • Cosmetics & Personal Care

  • Chemical

  • Healthcare

  • Agriculture

  • Other Industrial


Sustainable Packaging Regional Outlook



  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • UK

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Sweden

    • Denmark

    • Luxembourg

    • Norway

    • Austria

    • Rest of Europe



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