The Europe molded pulp packaging market size is estimated to reach USD 1.89 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The expansion of the molded pulp packaging market in Europe is driven by several factors. These include the environment-friendly characteristics of molded pulp, rising consumer inclination towards recyclable materials, a surge in disposable income levels, and an increasing demand for packaging solutions that are both reusable and sustainable.
Major European countries such as Germany, France, Austria, Russia, and the UK are among the leading global egg producers. As egg production and consumption continue to rise, there is an increasing demand for sustainable solutions to accommodate their packaging. Molded pulp packaging provides a protective and environment-friendly option for packaging eggs, ensuring their safe transportation and storage. Consequently, the molded pulp packaging market in Europe is experiencing growth, driven by a rising need for lightweight and cost-effective solutions to transport delicate products, including eggs.
Moreover, a surge in the consumption of on-the-go products and single-serve meals, driven by an increasing working professional population in Europe and a demand for convenience, is anticipated to propel the demand for molded pulp packaging products in the food service industry through 2030. The increased preference for molded fiber packaging products in the food service sector can be attributed to the growing number of working professionals in European countries.
As per Eurostat, Europe’s working professional population is projected to surpass 250 million, and it constituted approximately 73.1% of the total EU population in 2021. Furthermore, the employment rate in all EU member states experienced growth in 2022 compared to 2021. This rise in the working population has resulted in a growing consumer trend favoring ready-to-eat meals, on-the-go snacks, and beverages from restaurants and fast-food chains due to the convenience and time-saving benefits offered by molded pulp packaging.
The ban on plastic in European countries is expected to be a significant factor driving the regional molded pulp packaging market growth. For instance, in October 2023, England introduced a ban on specific single-use plastic items, which prevents businesses from providing products such as polystyrene cups and plastic cutlery. This initiative is part of a larger goal to eliminate all "unnecessary plastic waste" entirely by 2042. Such an outlook is expected to boost demand for alternative packaging materials that are more sustainable and eco-friendly, such as molded pulp packaging, across the UK.
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Rising consumption of on-the-go products and single-serve meals across Europe is expected to drive the demand for molded pulp packaging in this region over the forecast period
The food packaging segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share in 2024, in terms of revenue. Molded pulp packaging products, such as wine shippers, trays, inserts, and divider sets, are used for shipping wine or champagne. These packaging solutions provide a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative for transporting wine bottles
Electronics is projected to be the fastest-growing application segment in the molded pulp packaging market in Europe. Molded pulp packaging provides excellent protection for delicate electronic components during transit and storage. The customizable nature of molded pulp allows for creating packaging specifically tailored to the shape and size of electronic devices, ensuring a secure fit
Western Europe emerged as the dominant region in 2024 and is expected to expand at the highest CAGR through 2030, in terms of revenue. The demand for molded pulp packaging products, including egg cartons and trays, is driven by the growing production and consumption of eggs in Western Europe. Additionally, rising wine consumption in this region fuels the demand for fiber-molded wine or champagne shippers
In June 2023, Omni-Pac Group announced the opening of a new facility in the United States to enhance its production capacity for molded pulp packaging. This strategic expansion was designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and to strengthen the company’s position in the market. The facility featured advanced technology and equipment, which allowed for increased efficiency and improved product quality.
Grand View Research has segmented the Europe molded pulp packaging market based on source, molded type, product type, application, and region:
Europe Molded Pulp Packaging Source Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)
Wood Pulp
Non-wood Pulp
Europe Molded Pulp Packaging Molded Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)
Thick Wall
Transfer
Thermoformed
Processed
Europe Molded Pulp Packaging Product Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)
Trays
End Caps
Bowls & Cups
Clamshells
Plates
Others
Europe Molded Pulp Packaging Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)
Food Packaging
Food Service
Electronics
Healthcare
Industrial
Others
Europe Molded Pulp Packaging Country Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)
Germany
France
UK
Italy
List of Key Players in Europe Molded Pulp Packaging Market
Omni-Pac Group
Huhtamaki
Pulp-Tec Limited
PAPACKS Sales GmbH.
KIEFEL GmbH
James Cropper PLC
buhl-paperform GmbH
International Paper
Graphic Packaging International, LLC
Great Northern Corporation
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