Europe remains the frontrunner when it comes to tackling plastic packaging waste, creating a space for sustainable and eco-friendly products like molded pulp packaging. The region’s push to reduce plastic waste is giving molded fiber pulp packaging a big boost, with sales projected to total US$ 2,702.5 million in 2024.
Industries like food & beverage, cosmetics, automotive, and electronics in Europe are also seeking eco-friendly packaging solutions to comply with regulations and reduce their footprint. Courtesy of this, demand for molded fiber packaging across Europe is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.8%, with total valuation reaching US$ 3,938.1 million by 2034.
Trays made from molded fiber pulp are leading the industry with a 1/3rd share in 2024. Further, sales of molded fiber pulp trays are set to increase at 5.2% CAGR during the assessment years. This can be attributed to their increasing usage across several industries as they offer benefits like protection, stackability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
Forecast for Molded Fiber Pulp Packaging Industry in Europe
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Base Value in 2023 | US$ 2,613.6 million |
| Industry Size in 2024 | US$ 2,702.5 million |
| Industry Revenue in 2034 | US$ 3,938.1 million |
| Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 3.8% |
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Molded fiber pulp packaging sales in Europe recorded a CAGR of 2.2% during the historical period, with total revenue reaching US$ 2,613.6 million in 2023. In comparison, a steady CAGR of 3.8% has been estimated by Future Market Insights analysts for the Europe industry.
The 1.6% difference between future and historical growth rates is indicative of the growing fame of molded fiber pulp packaging among European nations. Both European industries and consumers are becoming aware of the negative impacts of plastic usage, thereby prompting them to seek eco-friendly solutions like molded pulp packaging.
Elevating concerns over environmental conditions and the implementation of stringent regulations on single-use plastic are propelling demand for molded fiber pulp packaging.
The rising adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly packaging is gaining popularity across European countries like Germany and the United Kingdom, creating growth prospects for manufacturers.
Packaging made of molded fiber pulp is cost-effective and offers reliable protection to products against damage caused during transportation and storage. As a result, their demand is growing steadily across European nations.
Molded fiber pulp packaging products can be easily stacked during shipment, which helps in reducing the cost by saving space. They provide better grip, shock absorption, and elasticity and are unaffected by extreme temperatures.
These attributes make molded pulp packaging popular among various industries such as consumer durables, food & beverage, and cosmetics.
Growing preference for sustainable packaging solutions is set to boost growth of the molded fiber pulp packaging industry in Europe during the projection period. Subsequently, increasing plastic pollution levels in the environment will benefit the industry.
Molded fiber pulp packaging has superior vibration lowering and cushioning quality, which makes it a popular choice for primary packaging. The molded pulp packaging is generally made up of recycled materials and includes a recycling process that is less harmful to the environment.
The focus on sustainability is anticipated to fuel demand over the forecast period. Industrial manufacturers are catching on with the eco-friendly trends, and thus, it is not only consumers who are interested in eco-friendly packaging solutions. Increasing regulations around non-biodegradable materials are also contributing to industry growth.
Consumers are also inclined toward packaging solutions that are easy to handle. Thus, the lightweight, convenient, and portability of molded pulp packaging is winning over consumers. The easy-to-handle nature of the material used in the packaging process is also fueling product sales for industrial applications.
Escalating environmental concerns over the use of plastic in the packaging industry has created awareness about plastic pollution among consumers. Increased plastic usage has resulted in contamination of water and wildlife and negatively hampered human health.
Pollution caused by plastic packaging has contributed to the global crises, and manufacturers are being directed towards sustainable solutions like molded fiber-based packaging. Molded fiber is made from a variety of fibrous materials, including recycled paper, cardboard offcuts, or natural fibers, which can be recycled and reused, reducing the environmental impact.
The recycling rate of paper and cardboard packaging is quite high compared to that of plastic. The recycling facilities for paper are also abundant and fully developed, helping increase recycling rates. EPA reported that the recycling rate of paper and paper board has increased by 17% from 1960.
Molded fiber pulp packaging was initially used for protective packaging purposes such as egg cartons and end caps. Advances in manufacturing technology have widened its application by creating more sophisticated and smoother packaging.
The improved appearance of molded pulp packaging due to advanced technology has increased its use in various industries. Companies such as Apple and PUMA, which are global consumer brands, have developed distinctive and elegant retail packaging with molded fiber pulp.
For instance, a smooth white pulp insert for printed rigid boxes is made by Apple for their iPhone packaging. Similarly, PUMA uses a natural and organic appearance with debossed artwork, rounded corners, and kraft-colored corrugated material.
Advances in manufacturing technology are creating new opportunities for the molded pulp packaging industry. Adoption of the latest technologies for manufacturing molded pulp packaging can improve the viability and performance of the products. They can prove to be versatile, more durable, and inexpensive.
Coating technologies coupled with printing and labeling techniques can create a new growth opportunity for the industry. Application of dry molding and forming technologies, especially in the niche segments of beverage cup lids, represents an opportunity for the industry.
Principal Consultant
The table below shows the future growth rates of the top countries. Spain and Italy are set to record high CAGRs of 5.5% and 4.5%, respectively, through 2034.
| Countries | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| Germany | 1.6% |
| France | 3.5% |
| Spain | 5.5% |
| Italy | 4.5% |
| United Kingdom | 3.4% |
Molded fiber pulp packaging demand in the United Kingdom is poised to surge at a steady CAGR of 3.4% during the projection period. Total sales in the country are projected to reach US$ 618.3 million by 2034.
Increasing production and sales of semiconductors across the United Kingdom will create lucrative growth opportunities for molded fiber pulp packaging companies. According to the European Semiconductor Industry Association (ESIA), total electronics semiconductor sales reached over US$ 55.3 billion in 2022.
High electronic semiconductor sales are set to propel demand for molded fiber pulp packaging. This is because molded pulp packaging solutions are often used for protecting these electronic semiconductors during storage and transportation.
The electronics industry in the United Kingdom is also shifting its preference towards sustainable protective packaging. This will further fuel demand for molded fiber pulp packaging.
Since electronics and electrical items are fragile, they require additional protection during transportation and shipping. Molded pulp packaging is frequently used for packaging electronic products due to its high shock absorption, compression resistance, and thermal and atmospheric resistance properties during handling and transportation.
Germany is anticipated to retain its dominance in the European molded fiber pulp packaging industry, holding a share of 17.3% in 2034. Sales of molded fiber pulp packaging products in Germany are set to soar at 1.6% CAGR through 2034.
A combination of factors like limited availability of molded fiber pulp options and high usage of alternative packaging solutions like plastics are resulting in reduced sales in Germany.
On the other hand, escalating demand for eco-friendly and reusable packaging and implementation of stringent emission regulations will provide impetus for growth through 2034.
The Federal Government of Germany stated that the country aims to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gasses by at least 65% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The German Federal Government has set up yearly reduction targets to achieve greenhouse gas emission neutrality by 2045.
Molded pulp packaging is manufactured from recycled materials and fulfills the circular economy goals of the government without causing environmental damage.
The single-use molded fiber pulp products can be manufactured with the use of technologies such as dry molded fiber technology which is the best alternative for single-use plastic products. The growing adoption of molded pulp packaging by several Germany-based industries to reduce emission levels will boost industry growth over the next ten years.
The section below throws some light on top revenue-generation segments and their future growth rates. Companies can use this information to invest in demanding products and use popular pulp forms to stay ahead of the competition.
By molded pulp type, the transfer molded segment currently dominates the industry with a share of 51.0%, while the thermoformed fiber segment is set to record a higher CAGR of 4.9% through 2034. Based on end-users, the food & beverage segment will hold an industry share of 47.6% in 2024.
| Molded Pulp Type | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| Transfer Molded | 3.8% |
| Thermoformed Fiber | 4.9% |
The transfer molded pulp packaging is anticipated to hold around 51% value share in 2024 and grow at 3.8% CAGR over the next ten years. This is attributed to increasing usage of transfer molded pulp packaging solutions across various industries.
Transfer molded pulp is widely used for making sustainable packaging solutions due to its multiple benefits. These include its versatility, affordability, and high strength.
Compostable packaging made from transfer molded pulp is more recyclable than plastic and other available alternatives. Transfer molded fiber pulp products are commonly used in packaging food and beverage items, electrical goods, disposable medical supplies, and appliances.
| End-use | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| Food & Beverage | 4.0% |
| Food Services | 3.4% |
The food and beverage sector remains the leading end user of molded fiber pulp packaging. This can be attributed to growing preference of food & beverage manufacturers towards using sustainable and eco-friendly food packaging.
As per the latest analysis, the food & beverage segment is projected to advance at a CAGR of 4.0% during the assessment period. It will total a valuation of US$ 1,897.0 million by 2034.
Food and beverage industry is growing rapidly due to escalating consumer preferences for processed and convenient packaged foods. This, in turn, is creating demand for molded pulp packaging as it is often used in packaging eggs, fruits, vegetables, and other processed food items.
Molded fiber pulp packaging is eco-friendly in nature, aligning well with the push to reduce plastic waste in the thriving food & beverage industry. It can also be customized in different shapes and sizes as per the requirements of consumers.
Molded pulp packaging also offers other properties that make it perfect for food & beverage products. For instance, it provides excellent cushioning and protection during transport, preventing damage to delicate and perishable items.
Molded pulp packaging is being increasingly used for packing eggs, fruits, wine, and numerous other items. Growing demand for molded pulp egg & cup trays, packaging boxes, and food & cake trays across Europe will continue to boost target segment through 2034.
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Leading manufacturers of molded fiber pulp packaging solutions are concentrating on developing sustainable solutions and innovations. They are looking to use recycled pulp or cellulose to woo more and more eco-conscious customers.
To strengthen their resources, renowned players are also seeking to execute the merger and acquisition strategy. To accommodate the escalating demand for eco-friendly packaging, a few other firms are creating different products.
Recent Developments
The Europe industry value is set to total US$ 2,702.5 million in 2024.
Demand in Europe is set to grow at 3.8% CAGR through 2034.
The Europe molded fiber pulp packaging industry size is set to total US$ 3,938.1 million by 2034.
Growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions and a ban on single-use plastics.
Huhtamaki Oyj and Brodrene Hartmann are top players.
The eco-friendly nature of molded paper pulp makes it ideal for packaging.
Yes, molded cardboard is recyclable.
1. Executive Summary
1.1. Europe Industry Outlook
1.2. Industry Analysis
1.3. FMI Analysis and Recommendations
2. Industry Overview
2.1. Industry Coverage / Taxonomy
2.2. Industry Definition / Scope / Limitations
3. Key Industry Trends
3.1. Key Trends Impacting the Industry
3.2. Product Level Trends
3.3. Business Level Trends
3.4. Demand Side Trends
3.5. Supply Side Trends
3.6. Molded Pulp Type Innovation / Development Trends
4. Key Success Factors
4.1. Product Adoption / Usage Analysis
4.2. Packaging Differentiation Strategy
4.3. Consumer Sentiment Analysis
4.4. Product USP’s / Features
4.5. STP Analysis
4.6. Critical Success Factors Identification
5. PESTLE and Porter 5 Force Analysis
6. Industry Demand Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast, 2024 to 2034
6.1. Historical Industry Volume (000’ tons) Analysis, 2019 to 2023
6.2. Current and Future Industry Volume (000’ tons) Projections, 2024 to 2034
6.3. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis
7. Industry - Pricing Analysis
7.1. Average Selling Price, By Product Type (US$/ Tons)
7.2. Country wise Pricing Analysis
7.3. Europe Average Pricing Analysis Benchmark
8. Industry Demand (in Value or Size in US$ million) Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast, 2024 to 2034
8.1. Historical Industry Value (US$ million) Analysis, 2019 to 2023
8.2. Current and Future Industry Value (US$ million) Projections, 2024 to 2034
8.2.1. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis
8.2.2. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis
9. Industry Background
9.1. Europe Packaging Industry Overview
9.2. In-House & Contract Manufacturing
9.3. Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
9.4. Macroeconomic-Factors
9.5. Forecast Factors - Relevance & Impact
9.6. Key Regulations in Industry
9.7. Value Chain Analysis
9.7.1. Exhaustive List of Raw Suppliers
9.7.2. Exhaustive List of Manufacturers
9.7.3. Exhaustive List of End Users / Brands (Potential Customers)
9.8. Case-based Scenario - Impact Assessment
9.8.1. Current Statistics
9.8.2. Short-Mid-Long Term Outlook
9.8.3. Likely Rebound
9.9. Industry Dynamics
9.9.1. Drivers
9.9.2. Restraints
9.9.3. Opportunity Analysis
9.10. Supply Demand Analysis
10. Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Molded Pulp Type
10.1. Introduction / Key Findings
10.2. Historical Industry Size (US$ million) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis, By Molded Pulp Type, 2019 to 2023
10.3. Current and Future Industry Size (US$ million) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis and Forecast, By Molded Pulp Type, 2024 to 2034
10.3.1. Thick Wall
10.3.2. Transfer Molded
10.3.3. Thermoformed Fiber
10.3.4. Processed Pulp
10.4. Industry Attractiveness Analysis, By Molded Pulp Type
11. Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Product Type
11.1. Introduction / Key Findings
11.2. Historical Industry Size (US$ million) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis, By Product Type, 2019 to 2023
11.3. Current and Future Industry Size (US$ million) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis and Forecast, By Product Type, 2024 to 2034
11.3.1. Trays
11.3.2. Drink Carriers
11.3.2.1. 2 Cups
11.3.2.2. 4 Cups
11.3.2.3. 6 Cups
11.3.2.4. More than 8 Cups
11.3.3. Boxes
11.3.4. End Caps
11.3.5. Plates
11.3.6. Bowls
11.3.7. Cups
11.3.8. Bottles
11.3.8.1. Below 250 ml
11.3.8.2. 250 ml to 750 ml
11.3.8.3. Above 750 ml
11.3.9. Clamshell Containers
11.4. Industry Attractiveness Analysis, By Product Type
12. Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Source
12.1. Introduction / Key Findings
12.2. Historical Industry Size (US$ million) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis, By Source, 2019 to 2023
12.3. Current and Future Industry Size (US$ million) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis and Forecast, By Source, 2024 to 2034
12.3.1. Virgin Pulp
12.3.2. Recycled Pulp
12.4. Industry Attractiveness Analysis, By Source
13. Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Application
13.1. Introduction / Key Findings
13.2. Historical Industry Size (US$ million) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis, By Application, 2019 to 2023
13.3. Current and Future Industry Size (US$ million) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis and Forecast, By Application, 2024 to 2034
13.3.1. Primary Packaging
13.3.2. Secondary Packaging
13.3.3. Edge Protectors
13.4. Industry Attractiveness Analysis, By Application
14. Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By End Use
14.1. Introduction / Key Findings
14.2. Historical Industry Size (US$ million) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis, By End Use, 2019 to 2023
14.3. Current and Future Industry Size (US$ million) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis and Forecast, By End Use, 2024 to 2034
14.3.1. Consumer Durables
14.3.1.1. Mobile Phone
14.3.1.2. Television
14.3.1.3. Laptops
14.3.1.4. Tube Light & Bulbs
14.3.1.5. Others (Air Conditioners, Refrigerators)
14.3.2. Food & Beverage
14.3.2.1. Egg Packaging
14.3.2.1.1. 4 Eggs
14.3.2.1.2. 6 Eggs
14.3.2.1.3. 12 Eggs
14.3.2.1.4. 24 Eggs
14.3.2.1.5. More than 30 Eggs
14.3.2.2. Wine Packaging
14.3.2.2.1. 375 ml
14.3.2.2.2. 750 ml
14.3.2.2.3. 1.5 Liter
14.3.2.2.4. More than 3 Liter
14.3.2.3. Fruit Packaging
14.3.2.4. Others
14.3.3. Cosmetics
14.3.4. Food Services
14.3.5. Healthcare
14.3.6. Automotive
14.3.7. Logistics
14.3.8. Others (Candles, Flower Packaging)
14.4. Industry Attractiveness Analysis, By End Use
15. Industry Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Country
15.1. Introduction / Key Findings
15.2. Historical Industry Size (US$ million) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis, By Country, 2019 to 2023
15.3. Current and Future Industry Size (US$ million) and Volume (000’ tons) Analysis and Forecast, By Country, 2024 to 2034
15.3.1. Germany
15.3.2. France
15.3.3. Spain
15.3.4. Italy
15.3.5. BENELUX
15.3.6. United Kingdom
15.3.7. Russia
15.3.8. Poland
15.3.9. Nordic
15.3.10. Greece
15.3.11. Portugal
15.3.12. Rest of Europe
15.4. Industry Attractiveness Analysis, By Country
16. Country wise & Cross-Sectional Industry Analysis 2024 to 2034
16.1. Germany Industry Analysis
16.1.1. By Molded Pulp Type
16.1.2. By Product Type
16.1.3. By Source
16.1.4. By Application
16.1.5. By End Use
16.2. France Industry Analysis
16.2.1. By Molded Pulp Type
16.2.2. By Product Type
16.2.3. By Source
16.2.4. By Application
16.2.5. By End Use
16.3. Spain Industry Analysis
16.3.1. By Molded Pulp Type
16.3.2. By Product Type
16.3.3. By Source
16.3.4. By Application
16.3.5. By End Use
16.4. Italy Industry Analysis
16.4.1. By Molded Pulp Type
16.4.2. By Product Type
16.4.3. By Source
16.4.4. By Application
16.4.5. By End Use
16.5. BENELUX Industry Analysis
16.5.1. By Molded Pulp Type
16.5.2. By Product Type
16.5.3. By Source
16.5.4. By Application
16.5.5. By End Use
16.6. United Kingdom Industry Analysis
16.6.1. By Molded Pulp Type
16.6.2. By Product Type
16.6.3. By Source
16.6.4. By Application
16.6.5. By End Use
16.7. Russia Industry Analysis
16.7.1. By Molded Pulp Type
16.7.2. By Product Type
16.7.3. By Source
16.7.4. By Application
16.7.5. By End Use
16.8. Poland Industry Analysis
16.8.1. By Molded Pulp Type
16.8.2. By Product Type
16.8.3. By Source
16.8.4. By Application
16.8.5. By End Use
16.9. Greece Industry Analysis
16.9.1. By Molded Pulp Type
16.9.2. By Product Type
16.9.3. By Source
16.9.4. By Application
16.9.5. By End Use
16.10. Portugal Industry Analysis
16.10.1. By Molded Pulp Type
16.10.2. By Product Type
16.10.3. By Source
16.10.4. By Application
16.10.5. By End Use
17. Industry Product Type Analysis
17.1. Industry Analysis by Tier of Companies
17.2. Industry Share Analysis of Top Players
17.3. Industry Presence Analysis
18. Competition Analysis
18.1. Competition Dashboard
18.2. Competition Benchmarking
18.3. Competition Deep Dive/ Portfolio Analysis (Key Europe Industry Players)
18.3.1. Huhtamaki Oyj
18.3.1.1. Overview
18.3.1.2. Molded Pulp Type Portfolio
18.3.1.3. Profitability by Industry Segments
18.3.1.4. Sales Footprint
18.3.1.5. Strategy Overview
18.3.2. Sonoco Products Company
18.3.3. Brodrene Hartmann
18.3.4. International Paper Company
18.3.5. Sabert Corporation
18.3.6. Novolex
18.3.7. Detpak
18.3.8. Henry Molded Products, Inc.
18.3.9. Robert Cullen Ltd
18.3.10. Omnipac Group
18.3.11. KIEFEL GmbH
18.3.12. Bio pak
18.3.13. Useo
18.3.14. PAPACKS Sales GmbH
18.3.15. Decapulp, SL
18.3.16. Pulp-Tec Limited
18.3.17. James Cropper plc.
18.3.18. TRIDAS
18.3.19. Cemosa & El Taller CM.
19. Assumptions and Acronyms Used
20. Research Methodology
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Molded Fiber Pulp Packaging Industry Analysis in Europe
