Global Recycled Packaging Materials Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2031

Recycled Packaging Materials Market Analysis

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's report that plastic and packaging waste account for nearly one-third of total annual trash highlights a significant market opportunity and a pressing challenge for the recycled packaging industry. This substantial proportion of waste underscores the urgent need for sustainable packaging solutions and drives the growing demand for recycled packaging materials. Innovations in recycling processes and the development of new types of recycled materials enhance the quality and availability of recycled packaging. These technological improvements enable companies to offer high-performance recycled packaging solutions, thus expanding market opportunities and meeting the increasing demand for sustainable packaging options.

Recycled Packaging Materials Market Size

Global recycled packaging materials market size was valued at USD 46.31 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 70 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 5.30% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, geographically represented company-wise production and capacity, network layouts of distributors and partners, detailed and updated price trend analysis and deficit analysis of supply chain and demand.         

Report Scope and Market Segmentation         

Recycled Packaging Materials Market Definition

Recycled packaging materials refer to packaging products made from previously used materials that have been collected, processed, and repurposed into new packaging items. This process involves recovering waste or used packaging materials, such as paper, plastic, glass, or metal, and reprocessing them to create new packaging solutions.

Recycled Packaging Materials Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Consumer Preference for Eco-Friendly Products    

There is a growing consumer preference for products with eco-friendly packaging, driven by increased awareness of environmental issues and sustainability. Consumers are more conscientious about their purchasing decisions, favoring brands that prioritize sustainable practices. This shift in consumer behavior is significantly influencing the market, as companies respond by adopting recycled packaging materials to align with consumer values. As the demand for eco-friendly products rises, businesses that incorporate recycled packaging can attract environmentally conscious consumers, thereby gaining a competitive edge in the marketplace.                  

• Increasing government regulations and policies         

Regulations such as plastic bans extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs, and other environmental mandates compel companies to transition towards recycled and recyclable packaging materials. These policies are designed to reduce environmental impact and encourage sustainable practices across industries. As regulations become more stringent, businesses are motivated to adopt recycled packaging solutions to comply with legal requirements and enhance their environmental credentials. Increasing government regulations and policies aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability are key drivers for the adoption of recycled packaging materials.

Opportunities

• Innovation in Recycled Materials         

Innovations in material science are leading to the creation of packaging with recycled materials that offers improved performance and functionality. These advancements enable the introduction of novel packaging solutions that meet diverse industry needs and consumer preferences. For instance, in November 2022, 3M introduced PACkT by Scotch, a range of eco-friendly and sustainable mailroom essentials. The PACkT packaging is made entirely from recycled materials, and 3M uses soy-based ink for all printing, enhancing the environmental friendliness of the products. This new line offers shoppers, shippers, and businesses more sustainable options. The development of new types of recycled materials, including advanced biodegradable options and enhanced recycled plastics, is expanding the market and creating new opportunities.               

• Technological Advancements in Recycling 

Technological advancements in recycling processes are significantly enhancing the quality and availability of recycled materials. Innovations such as more efficient sorting technologies, improved recycling techniques, and new processing methods are making it easier to produce high-quality recycled packaging. For instance, in February 2024, American Packaging Corporation (APC), a prominent player in flexible packaging solutions, unveiled a new addition to its RE™ sustainable packaging lineup. The latest RE™ Design for Recycle technology is specifically developed for frozen food items, including frozen fruits and vegetables. This innovation complements APC's existing sustainable packaging solutions, which encompass Design for Compost, Circular Content, Renewable Content, and various Design for Recycle options. The launch of the new RE™ Design for Recycle technology is helping market growth by setting a benchmark for innovation in the sustainable packaging sector. As technologies for recycling of packaging materials continue to evolve, they will facilitate the broader adoption of recycled materials and strengthen the market's overall capacity, creating new opportunities for market growth.

Restraints/Challenges

• High Costs of Recycled Materials

The initial cost of recycled packaging materials is often higher compared to virgin materials, presenting a barrier to market adoption. This cost disparity can be particularly challenging for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which may struggle to absorb the higher expenses associated with recycled materials. The financial burden of switching to recycled packaging can deter some companies from making the transition, potentially limiting market growth.

• Quality and Consistency Issues

Recycled materials can sometimes face quality and consistency issues, including variability in performance and appearance. These problems can affect the reliability and visual appeal of recycled packaging, potentially leading to reluctance among users to adopt these materials. Variations in quality may result from differences in the recycling process or the source of the recycled materials.

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an analyst brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions.

Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Latest Developments in Recycled Packaging Materials

• In April 2024, GEKA introduced a pioneering formulation-compliant recycled polypropylene (PP) material specifically designed for cosmetics packaging. This innovative post-consumer recycled (PCR) PP is the first of its kind to meet the rigorous requirements for primary cosmetic packaging. The material boasts exceptional color brilliance, maintains visual effects without compromise, and reduces CO2 emissions by 75% compared to conventional virgin materials
• In January 2024, Mars China launched a Snickers bar with dark chocolate cereal, packaged in mono-material flexible packaging. Introduced in December 2023, this innovative product provides a low-sugar and low-glycemic index (GI) alternative. The packaging, crafted from a single polypropylene (PP) material, aligns with the 'Designed for Recycling' concept, making it easy to recycle through designated channels
• In March 2023, Electrolux Group introduced innovative recycled and paper-based packaging that reduces ink usage by 70%. This new packaging, utilized for Electrolux and AEG small appliances, is made from Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper material and is free of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

Recycled Packaging Materials Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of material type, packaging type, and end-user industry. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyze meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Material Type

• Glass
• Paper
• Plastic
• Tinplate
• Wood
• Aluminum
• Biodegradable Plastic
• Recycled Papers

Packaging Type

• Paper & Cardboard
• Void Fill Packing
• Bubble Wrap
• Pouches & Envelopes

End-Use Industry

• Healthcare Industry
• Personal Care & Cosmetics Industry
• Food & Beverages Industry

Recycled Packaging Materials Regional Analysis

The market is analyzed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, material type, packaging type, and end-user industry as referenced above.

The countries covered in the market report are U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, rest of South America, Germany, France, Italy, U.K., Belgium, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, rest of Asia-Pacific, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, South Africa, and rest of Middle East and Africa

Europe is expected to dominate the market due to a robust combination of environmental awareness, stringent regulations, and consumer preferences. There is a growing consciousness regarding environmental protection, which is driving both regulatory and consumer shifts toward sustainable packaging solutions.  

Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region due to rising consumer preference for eco-friendly stamped products, which aligns with the broader global trend towards sustainability. Additionally, governments in the region are implementing initiatives to promote sustainable packaging practices, which supports market expansion.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.

Recycled Packaging Materials Market Share

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

Some of the major players operating in the market are:

• Lacerta Group, Inc. (U.S.)
• American Packaging Corporation (U.S.)
• Graham Packaging Company (U.S.)
• 3M (U.S.)
• Mondi (U.K.)
• Salazar Packaging, Inc. (U.S.)
• Amcor plc (Australia)
• Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) Sinar Mas (Indonesia)
• Gerresheimer AG (Germany)
• Ball Corporation (U.S.)
• Ardagh Group S.A. (Luxembourg)
• Crown Holdings (U.S.)
• DS Smith (U.K.)
• International Paper (U.S.)
• Berry Global Inc. (U.S.)
• BASF SE (Germany)
• Ebro Color GmbH (Germany)
• Avery Dennison Corporation (U.S.)
• Smurfit Kappa (Ireland)

SKU-60524