Next-gen Paper-based And Fiber-based Packaging Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material Source (Recycled Fiber, Virgin Fiber), By Application (Food & Beverages, Retail & E-commerce, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The global next-gen paper-based and fiber-based packaging market size was valued at USD 366.54 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2025 to 2030. The next-gen paper-based and fiber-based packaging market is driven by increasing consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions and stringent regulations promoting eco-friendly alternatives to plastics. Additionally, advancements in biodegradable and recyclable material technologies are fueling market growth.

Consumer awareness about environmental sustainability is driving a significant shift toward paper-based and fiber-based packaging solutions. With increasing concerns about plastic pollution and its harmful impact on ecosystems, consumers are actively seeking eco-friendly alternatives. Brands are responding by adopting sustainable packaging to align with consumer preferences and enhance brand loyalty. For example, companies such as Nestlé and Unilever have committed to transitioning their product packaging toward paper and fiber-based solutions. Nestlé’s transition to recyclable paper wrapping for its Smarties products reflects this trend, catering to environmentally conscious consumers while also meeting stringent sustainability targets.

Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations to reduce single-use plastics and promote sustainable packaging. The European Union’s Single-Use Plastics Directive, which aims to phase out non-recyclable plastics, has forced manufacturers to explore alternatives such as paper and fiber-based packaging. Similarly, Canada has introduced regulations to ban harmful single-use plastics by 2025, further accelerating the shift toward biodegradable and recyclable materials. Corporate sustainability goals also play a critical role in driving this market. Many companies, including Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, have announced ambitious targets to achieve 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by 2025, which encourages the adoption of next-gen paper-based solutions.

The rapid growth of e-commerce has created a surge in demand for sustainable and durable shipping solutions. Consumers expect environmentally friendly packaging when ordering products online, driving brands and e-retailers to adopt paper and fiber-based solutions. Companies such as Amazon are leading the way by introducing sustainable alternatives, such as curbside-recyclable paper mailers and fiber-based padding for product protection. Additionally, innovations in molded fiber packaging and corrugated board technologies are helping meet the increasing demand for protective and lightweight shipping solutions that reduce waste and carbon emissions. This trend is expected to continue as e-commerce growth fuels the need for sustainable packaging practices.

Material Source Insights

The recycled fiber segment recorded the largest market revenue share of over 53.0% in 2024 and is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period. Recycled fiber is derived from post-consumer and post-industrial waste materials, including used paper products such as newspapers, cardboard boxes, and office paper. The recycling process involves collecting, pulping, and reprocessing these materials into new fiber-based packaging products. Recycled fiber is widely used in the production of corrugated boxes, folding cartons, and molded pulp packaging, making it an eco-friendly alternative to virgin fiber. The growing emphasis on sustainability and the circular economy is a major driver for recycled fiber in next-gen packaging market.

Virgin fiber is sourced directly from freshly harvested wood pulp, which provides stronger and more durable packaging materials. Virgin fiber-based packaging is preferred for food contact materials due to its purity and compliance with stringent food safety standards. Additionally, the growing preference for premium and luxury packaging in industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and beverages is contributing to the sustained demand for virgin fiber.

Application Insights

The food & beverages segment recorded the largest market share of over 43.0% in 2024. This positive outlook is due to the rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions in food & beverage industry. This segment includes products such as takeaway containers, paper straws, biodegradable trays, and recyclable cartons that cater to the growing need for food safety, convenience, and sustainability. Increasing regulations on single-use plastics and the shift toward renewable packaging materials have led companies in the food industry to adopt fiber-based solutions that ensure product freshness and extend shelf life.

The personal care & cosmetics segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period. This segment is adopting next-gen paper-based and fiber-based packaging for items such as lotions, shampoos, and other beauty products. Brands are focusing on sustainable alternatives such as paper-based tubes, molded fiber packaging, and compostable containers to align with consumer preferences for eco-conscious products while maintaining product integrity and brand aesthetics.

The retail & e-commerce segment is also witnessing significant growth, driven by the surge in online shopping and the increasing need for secure, lightweight, and recyclable packaging solutions. E-commerce companies are focusing on reducing their environmental footprint by using fiber-based packaging solutions such as corrugated boxes, paper fillers, and molded fiber inserts to ensure the safe delivery of goods while meeting customer expectations for sustainable packaging.

Region Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of over 36.0% in 2024. The region's robust consumer awareness around sustainability, coupled with stringent environmental regulations, has created strong market demand for eco-friendly packaging alternatives. Major retailers and consumer brands headquartered in the US and Canada have made ambitious commitments to reduce plastic packaging, creating a ripple effect throughout supply chains that favors paper and fiber-based solutions.

U.S. next-gen paper-based and fiber-based packaging market is experiencing robust growth primarily due to stringent regulations on single-use plastics and increased consumer preference for sustainable packaging. Besides, the country’s abundant forestry resources and established pulp and paper industry is strengthening its position in global market. Companies are leveraging these advantages while implementing sustainable forestry practices and circular economy principles.

Asia Pacific Next-gen Paper-based And Fiber-based Packaging Market Trends

The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.9% over the forecast period. This positive outlook is due to its rapid industrialization and urbanization, particularly in countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations. These demographic shifts have created a surge in consumption of packaged goods across food, beverage, and consumer products, while simultaneously increasing environmental awareness. Governments across the region have implemented strict regulations on single-use plastics, with countries such as China banning non-biodegradable bags and India prohibiting certain single-use plastic items, creating substantial market opportunities for sustainable paper and fiber-based alternatives.

The China next-gen paper-based and fiber-based packaging market is experiencing robust growth primarily due to its massive manufacturing capacity, governmental sustainability initiatives, and strong domestic market demand. As the world's largest paper and paperboard producer, China has leveraged its industrial infrastructure to rapidly adopt and scale innovative fiber-based packaging technologies. This transition is further accelerated by China's strict plastic reduction policies, including the 2020 nationwide ban on non-biodegradable single-use plastics, which has created urgent market demand for sustainable alternatives.

Europe Next-gen Paper-based And Fiber-based Packaging Market Trends

Europe’s growth in the global next-gen paper-based & fiber-based packaging market is due to its stringent environmental regulations and sustainability commitments. The European Green Deal and Single-Use Plastics Directive have accelerated the transition away from conventional plastics toward fiber-based alternatives. Major retailers and brands across the continent have responded by implementing ambitious packaging reduction targets, with companies such as Carrefour, Tesco, and Unilever leading initiatives to eliminate plastic packaging in certain product categories.

The next-gen paper-based and fiber-based packaging market in Germany is primarily driven by its combination of environmental policies, innovative industrial base, and consumer demand. The country has implemented some of the strictest packaging regulations in the world through its Packaging Act (VerpackG), which emphasizes extended producer responsibility and creates significant incentives for companies to adopt sustainable packaging solutions. This regulatory framework has effectively stimulated rapid innovation and adoption of next-generation fiber-based alternatives to traditional plastic packaging.

Key Next-gen Paper-based And Fiber-based Packaging Company Insights

Major players dominate the market, leveraging innovation in biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable materials to gain a competitive edge. They hold a notable market share due to their strong focus on sustainable packaging solutions and global supply chain networks. Meanwhile, emerging players and niche companies are focusing on technological advancements in barrier coatings and lightweight materials to enhance product performance. The market is highly competitive, with companies emphasizing R&D, strategic partnerships, and mergers to expand their product portfolios and strengthen their market position.

• In January 2025, International Paper completed its acquisition of DS Smith, a British multinational packaging company, in a deal valued at approximately USD 7.2 billion. The acquisition positions International Paper as a leading sustainable packaging company, leveraging the strengths of both entities to accelerate growth and improve profitability.

• In December 2024, Nexgen Packaging and Seaman Paper announced a strategic partnership to create a comprehensive portfolio of plastic-free, paper-based packaging solutions for the retail, apparel, and footwear industries. This collaboration aims to address the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics, such as polybags, which are used extensively in these sectors but have low recycling rates.

• In May 2024, Iceland Foods partnered with PAPTIC to introduce an innovative next-generation carrier bag made from wood fibers, rolling out across all Iceland and Food Warehouse stores in the UK. The bag is crafted using PAPTIC material, which is designed to be strong, lightweight, reusable, and moisture resistant. It uses 40% less raw materials compared to conventional paper alternatives and is sourced from sustainably managed forests. At the end of its lifecycle, the bag can be recycled alongside paper or cardboard.

Next-gen Paper-based And Fiber-based Packaging Market Report Scope

Global Next-gen Paper-based And Fiber-based Packaging Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at a global level and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented global next-gen paper-based and fiber-based packaging market report based on material source, application, and region:

• Material Source Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Recycled Fiber

  • Virgin Fiber

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Food & Beverages

  • Retail & E-commerce

  • Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

  • Personal Care & Cosmetics

  • Others

• Region Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • UK

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Australia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE