US Molded Fiber Food Packaging

US Molded Fiber Food Packaging

Demand for molded fiber food packaging is expected to grow 3.6% annually to $551 million in 2027. While egg cartons and trays will continue to account for the majority of demand, a proliferation of new product introductions will drive healthy growth in unit sales. Market expansion will result from several key factors such as:

• increasing awareness about sustainability and a global shift towards eco-friendly alternatives
• advancements in sustainable manufacturing technologies leading to improved quality and functionality of molded fiber food packaging products
• the rise in corporate responsibility initiatives where companies commit to greener packaging

Sustainability Drives Development of New Molded Fiber Applications

Molded fiber is primarily made from renewable or recycled resources and increasingly uses waste materials such as sugarcane bagasse, bamboo or wheat straw as a fiber source. Increased demand for ecologically sustainable food packaging combined with consumers’ willingness to pay a premium for it drives food packaging companies to offer molded fiber packaging options:

• Bowls have become a more popular option for frozen prepared foods due to their convenience and efficient portioning and molded fiber is increasingly replacing other materials in the packaging of bowl meals.
• Molded fiber cups will see greater use due to recent improvements in aqueous barrier solutions that allow for improved performance.
• Liquid-resistant bottles have created opportunities in such applications as meal replacements.

Technological Advancements & Material Innovations Propel Market Growth

The molded fiber industry is undergoing expansion fueled by technological progress in international markets. This growth is characterized by the expanding slate of high-quality raw materials and the integration of new biodegradable coatings and barrier additives, which are broadening applications and improving the durability and strength of molded fiber. Such developments are stimulating increased demand for sustainable packaging solutions as a preferred alternative to plastic to meet the needs of eco-conscious consumers.

Study Description

This Freedonia industry study analyzes the $532 million US molded fiber food packaging industry. It presents historical demand data (2012, 2017 and 2022) and forecasts (2027) by product (trays and flats, egg cartons, baskets, tills and punnets, and new products) and applications (eggs, fresh produce, prepared foods, meat, poultry, and seafood, and other foods). The study also evaluates company market share and competitive analysis on industry competitors including Footprint, Genpak, Hartmann, Huhtamaki, Pactiv Evergreen, and Tekni-Plex.