The Europe molded pulp packaging market size is expected to reach USD 1.89 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. This market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2024 to 2030. 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.
Request a free sample copy or view report summary: Europe Molded Pulp Packaging Market Report
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
Food packaging dominated the application segment of Europe’s molded pulp packaging market in 2023, 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 2023 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 July 2023, The Kroger Co., a grocery store chain, and MPS Egg Farms, an egg producer, partnered with Hartmann to introduce carbon-neutral eggs in Hartmann’s Hybrid egg carton in U.S. stores. These eggs are produced using a sustainable, closed-loop system that prioritizes environmental consciousness and animal welfare, with all eggs being 100% cage-free. This collaboration is anticipated to significantly enhance the demand for Brødrene Hartmann A/S’s hybrid egg packaging
Grand View Research has segmented the Europe molded pulp packaging market on the basis of source, type, product, application, and region:
Europe Molded Pulp Packaging Source Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Wood Pulp
Non-wood Pulp
Europe Molded Pulp Packaging Type Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Thick Wall
Transfer
Thermoformed
Processed
Europe Molded Pulp Packaging Product Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Trays
End Caps
Bowls & Cups
Clamshells
Plates
Others
Europe Molded Pulp Packaging Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Food Packaging
Food Service
Electronics
Healthcare
Industrial
Others
Europe Molded Pulp Packaging Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Western Europe
UK
Germany
France
Italy
Spain
Netherlands
Belgium
Austria
Slovakia
Czech Republic
Eastern Europe
Poland
Hungary
Romania
Scandinavia
Sweden
Denmark
Finland
List of Key Players in the Europe Molded Pulp Packaging Market
Brødrene Hartmann A/S
Omni-Pac Group
Huhtamaki Oyj
Pulp-Tec Limited
TART
PAPACKS Sales GmbH
KIEFEL GmbH
James Cropper plc
TRIDAS
Goerner Formpack GmbH
buhl-paperform GmbH
Robert Cullen Ltd.
Eco-Products, Inc.
Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
Great Northern Corporation
MFT-CKF, Inc.
Transcend Packaging
Ecolution Packaging
International Paper
"The quality of research they have done for us has been excellent..."