Molded Pulp Packaging Market Size, Share and Industry Analysis Report by Product (Trays, Cups, Clamshells, Plates, Splitters), Type (Rotary Molding Pulp, Fiber Thermoforming/Wet Press, Industrial Molding Pulp/Dry Press) and Industry (Eggs, Agriculture, Food & Food Service, Electronics, Appliances, Other Industrial), Growth Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2022 - 2028
The global molded pulp packaging market is expected to exhibit a significant growth trajectory through 2028 due to increasing demand for recyclable cups, trays, plates, and other products made from molded pulp in the food and beverage industry.
Recently, industry players have been investing in sustainable packaging that have minimal environmental impact, thereby enhancing overall business growth. Notably, rising climate consciousness, along with mounting purchasing capacity of consumers, has also played a vital role in industry expansion in key regions globally.
The molded pulp packaging market has been segmented in terms of product, type, industry, and region. Based on product, the industry has been bifurcated into trays, cups, clamshell, plates, splitters, and others.
The cups segment is slated to witness steady growth through 2028. Cups made of molded pulp are widely used as disposable cups in settings like theatres, cars, restaurants, offices, and so on. Disposable cups have become an inherent part of modern life. Plastic cups are the most commonly used cups across the globe, which contributes significantly to plastic pollution. As a result, demand for recyclable cups made of molded pulp has soared, which is set to propel segmental growth over the forecast timeframe.
The splitters segment is expected to achieve a substantial market share by the end of 2028. Splitters are packing products that divide the contents of a packaged box into a uniform number. They provide maximum load stability, less contamination, and increased product protection between layers of items, such as aluminum or steel cans, interior packaging dunnage, glass and PET bottles, automotive parts, and blow-molded plastic containers. Packaging splitters are majorly employed in the food and beverage industry. Over the projected timeframe, molded pump splitters would quickly replace traditional plastic splitters due to their increased flexural rigidity and recyclability, which is likely to contribute to segmental expansion.
The molded pulp packaging market size from the others segment is anticipated to reach a significant valuation over the review timeline. Other molded pulp goods extensively utilized in industries and households include paper angle boards, flowerpots, corner guards, bowls, bottles, jars, and end caps. Owing to its insulation and strength, molded pulp corner guards are becoming increasingly popular in offices and homes. Molded pulp bowls and flowers are being widely used in the home remodeling and décor industries to replace plastic. Similarly, molded pulp jars and bottles are becoming more frequent in public spaces as a way to limit the usage of plastic.
With respect to industry, the molded pulp packaging market has been bifurcated into eggs, agro, food & food services, electronics, appliances, other industrial, and others. The electronics segment is projected to showcase sizeable growth over the forecast period. The presence of the electronics sector is prevalent worldwide.
Manufacturers of electronic components for popular electronics, such as laptops, modems & routers, printers, DVDs, hard drives, computers, computer games, set top boxes, toner cartridges, headphones, charger, earphones, and CPU, have established a presence in nations like China, South Korea, and the United States, among many others. The packaging division of the electronics industry is undergoing a transformation. Most electronics firms are transitioning to biodegradable packaging. The demand for molded pulp would rise through the forecast period because of different international rules governing sustainable practices, which is estimated to boost the growth of the electronics segment.
The molded pulp packaging market share from the appliances segment is likely to grow at a notable pace by 2028. Besides sturdy growth in the electronics industry, the thriving electrical assembly and component market has seen increased focus of exports on common household appliances such as TVs, juicers (food processors), grinders, mixers, refrigerators, washing machines, ovens/microwaves, dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, induction, vacuum cleaners, and toasters & coffee makers. In the last decade, rising disposable income owing to economic growth has fueled appliance demand. Surging number of middle-class households, high income levels, and robust appliance demand are likely to augment segmental development.
The molded pulp packaging market share from the other industrial segment is expected to expand substantially through the forecast timeline. Industrial manufacturing, renewable energy, and mining are some other applications of molded pulp. Due to the superior advantages of plastic, molded pulp is employed in limited quantities in these industries. Molded pulp materials are only used in small and medium-scale component packaging in industrial manufacturing. It is not ideal for larger components, and as a result, it has low penetration in the manufacturing industry. In case of mining and renewable energy, similar trends have been observed. Molded pulp has a limited reach in mining and is only used to pack secondary tools while transporting equipment.
The molded pulp packaging market from the others segment is projected to deliver a significant growth rate by 2028. In sectors like personal care and handicrafts, molded pulp is utilized in limited capacities. Molded pulp is a durable substance that acts as a reliable packaging for fragile pharmaceutical instruments, ceramic, and glass handicrafts in transportation and storage for extended periods of time. The material's flexibility would broaden the scope of its use in reliable packaging for complex handicraft designs. Its natural fiber quality would have a lesser impact that leads to surface abrasion compared to plastic and metal packaging, which is anticipated to drive segmental development.
From the regional standpoint, the Latin America molded pulp packaging market is expected to expand significantly through the review timeline as the economy is growing slowly due to concerns about a global drop in commodity demand and recent tariff issues with the United States. However, the region has been exhibiting consistent growth due to factors, such as increased agricultural production, high poultry production, and rising investment in the domestic manufacturing industry. Growing demand for eggs in the region is primed to boost growth of the LATAM molded pulp packaging market. Additionally, mounting export of avocados as well as other fruits from the region is also likely to proliferate market growth.
Meanwhile, the Middle East & Africa molded pulp packaging market is speculated to attain a sizable valuation by the end of 2028. In the past few decades, the region has seen a significant increase in per capita egg consumption. This is mostly credited to the region's improving economic situation. Furthermore, the region's rapidly growing expat population has boosted the demand for eggs, agricultural goods, and other food & food services.
The booming domestic tourism and hospitality industries in MEA are largely responsible for the high demand for food & food services. Moreover, the flourishing industrial sector will provide profitable opportunities for industry participants. In the coming years, product demand will be driven by modest economic expansion, high egg consumption, and the expanding manufacturing sector. These factors are foreseen to promote market progress in the future.
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