Moulded Pulp Packaging Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The global moulded pulp packaging market reached a value of approximately USD 3.98 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.00% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of around USD 5.89 Billion by 2034.

Moulded Pulp Packaging Market Growth Rate

Moulded pulp packaging, crafted from recycled paperboard or similar fibrous materials, is frequently employed to protect delicate items like electronics, glassware, and various consumer goods due to its ability to absorb shocks. It is also used for packaging medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and laboratory supplies due to its sterile and protective properties. Additionally, Continuous advancements in design and technology within the moulded pulp packaging sector propel its growth by improving functionality and aesthetic appeal. Moulded pulp packaging offers superior protection and cushioning for electronic components during transit and storage, effectively shielding them against impact, vibration, and static electricity.

According to Invest India, India's domestic electronics production has grown at a CAGR of 13%, rising from USD 49 billion in FY17 to USD 101 billion in FY23, this indicates the rise in the demand for moulded pulp packaging within the nation.

Key Trends and Developments

Consumer and regulatory emphasis, cost-effectiveness, customisation and design flexibility, and circular economy initiatives are the major trends impacting global moulded pulp packaging market growth.

January 2024

Swedish packaging firm PulPac expanded its operations by establishing a new subsidiary, DMF Tooling, aimed at manufacturing multi-cavity tools for Dry Molded Fiber production. This initiative underscores their dedication to replacing single-use plastics.

July 2023

Portuguese fine and tissue paper producer, The Navigator Company, constructed a molded fiber packaging plant at its Cacia pulp mill complex in Aveiro. This investment aligned with Navigator's strategy for its packaging business.

June 2023

Liquidity Services has teamed up with Tiger Group to sell molded-pulp packaging equipment from the now-defunct manufacturer Zume via their e-commerce platform.

January 2023

Knoll Packaging has introduced patent-pending makeup compacts made from 100% Knoll Ecoform moulded pulp—a blend of bamboo, wood, and sugar cane fibres—offering customizable designs with magnet-free closures and optional removable mirrors.

Consumer and Regulatory Emphasis

Increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging and stricter environmental regulations from governments are driving companies to adopt sustainable options like moulded pulp packaging.

Cost-Effectiveness

Improved manufacturing processes and economies of scale are reducing the cost of moulded pulp packaging, making it more competitive with traditional materials like plastic and foam.

Customisation and Design Flexibility

Advances in moulding technology allow for more customised and intricate designs, catering to specific product needs and enhancing brand differentiation.

Circular Economy Initiatives

Companies are integrating moulded pulp packaging into their circular economy strategies, focusing on reducing waste and promoting the reuse and recycling of materials.

Moulded Pulp Packaging Market Trends

The increasing demand for moulded pulp packaging stems from its expanding use within the food and beverage industry. Its compliance with food safety standards renders it a favoured option for packaging food and beverages.

Ongoing research and development are leading to moulded pulp products with better strength, water resistance, and thermal insulation properties. Advances in material science are resulting in the development of new types of pulp that offer enhanced performance for various applications.

Moulded Pulp Packaging Industry Segmentation

“Moulded Pulp Packaging Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Thick Wall
• Transfer
• Thermoformed
• Processed

Market Breakup by Source

• Wood Pulp
• Non-Wood Pulp

Market Breakup by Product Type

• Trays
• Cups
• Clamshells
• Plates
• Bowls
• Others

Market Breakup by End Use

• Foodservice Disposables
• Food Packaging
• Healthcare
• Electronics
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Moulded Pulp Packaging Market Share

Thermoformed type enhances the moulded pulp packaging market by offering a premium aesthetic appeal, enhancing brand perception and consumer appeal.

Thermoformed moulded pulp packaging provides excellent protection for delicate or fragile items. Its ability to cushion and safeguard products during transit ensures their integrity, making it a preferred choice for manufacturers seeking reliable packaging solutions.

Processed moulded pulp packaging can be engineered to possess specific functional properties, such as moisture resistance, insulation, and barrier properties.

Wood pulp sources contribute to the moulded pulp packaging market growth by specialising in supplying high-quality fibres with consistent characteristics, ensuring reliable and high-performance moulded pulp packaging products that meet diverse industry standards and needs.

Wood pulp is a cost-effective raw material for moulded pulp packaging production, especially when sourced from regions with favourable market conditions and efficient supply chains.

Incorporating non-wood pulp sources, such as agricultural residues (e.g., bagasse, straw), bamboo, and various plant fibres, diversifies the raw material base for moulded pulp packaging production.

The healthcare sector enhances the moulded pulp packaging market by providing specialized packaging solutions tailored to medical and pharmaceutical needs, ensuring product integrity, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards.

The healthcare industry's increasing focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility aligns with the eco-friendly attributes of moulded pulp packaging.

Customisable moulded pulp packaging provides opportunities for branding and marketing, allowing electronics manufacturers to showcase their brand identity and communicate product features and benefits to consumers effectively.

Moulded Pulp Packaging Market Analysis by Region

The Asia-Pacific region is driving the growth of the Global Moulded Pulp Packaging Market due to several key factors. These include its large consumer base, increasing focus on sustainability, government regulations favouring eco-friendly options, thriving manufacturing industry, and the cost-effectiveness of moulded pulp compared to traditional materials.

In 2022, the National Health Expenditure Account (NHEA) reported a 4.1% increase in US healthcare spending, reaching $4.5 trillion. This growth underscores the demand for moulded pulp packaging in healthcare, which safeguards medical devices, pharmaceuticals, specimens, and supplies while offering eco-friendly solutions for hospitals and clinics.

The packaging industry has emerged as one of the most rapidly growing sectors worldwide, establishing itself across all countries. In 2019, the industry surpassed $917 billion and is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 2.8%, reaching $1.05 trillion by 2024, this suggests an increase in demand for moulded pulp packaging within the country.

Leading Manufacturers in the Moulded Pulp Packaging Market

The companies are a provider of sustainable packaging solutions, medical devices, sterile packaging, and PET containers, including bottles, jars, lids, and others.

Huhtamaki OYJ

Huhtamaki OYJ was established in 1920 and based in Kokkola, Finland. The company is a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions for consumers around the world. It operates in 37 countries.

UFP Technologies, Inc.

UFP Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1963 and based in Newburyport, MA. UFP Technologies specialises in designing and manufacturing customised solutions for medical devices, sterile packaging, and various highly engineered products.

Pro-Pac Packaging Limited

Pro-Pac Packaging Limited was established in and based in Reservoir, Victoria. The company provides a combination of product and service solutions for primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging.

Gepack

Gepack was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Aveiras de Cima, Lisboa. The company delivers innovative PET containers, including bottles, jars, lids, caps, and decorative options.

Other global moulded pulp packaging market key players are Thermoformed Engineered Quality LLC among others.

Moulded Pulp Packaging Market Report Snapshots

Moulded Pulp Packaging Market Size

Moulded Pulp Packaging Market Growth

Moulded Pulp Packaging Market Trends

Moulded Pulp Packaging Market Share

Moulded Pulp Packaging Manufacturers

Moulded Pulp Packaging Market Regional Analysis
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