The global water soluble packaging market size is expected to reach USD 4.69 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period of 2023 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growth is attributed to the rising demand from various end-user industries such as household products, agriculture, medical, and others. This packaging solution is easily dissolvable and eliminates the need for disposing of the packaging materials.
The packaging is made from water-soluble polymers, surfactants, and fibers, and is widely used in household products such as laundry detergent pods and other cleaning products. Moreover, such packaging solutions help reduce the amount of plastic waste generated in the case of traditional packaging materials. When water-soluble packaging is used, it dissolves in water, leaving no residue behind.
Water-soluble packaging can also help to eliminate the exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Some traditional packaging materials can release harmful chemicals into the environment or the products they contain. Water-soluble packaging, on the other hand, is made from materials that are safe for use in household cleaning products and do not release harmful chemicals.
Furthermore, stringent government regulations for a worldwide plastic ban also drive the market. Many countries have banned the use of single-use plastic packaging, which further gives rise to water-soluble packaging alternatives. For instance, in 2022, the Canadian government launched initiatives to reduce plastic waste, including a ban on single-use plastics and promoting the use of eco-friendly packaging such as water-soluble packaging solutions to achieve their zero-plastic waste goal by 2030.
Industry players are adopting several strategies, including expansions, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, and partnership agreements, to increase the customer base and individual market share. For instance, in August 2022, Aquapak Polymers Ltd. announced a partnership with TIPA Ltd., an eco-friendly packaging provider. The collaboration helps the company to offer a wider range of solutions to meet the growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging, thus positively impacting the water-soluble packaging market.
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Polymers dominated the material segment in 2022. Polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol are easily dissolvable in water, making them a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional packaging solutions
Bags dominated the water-soluble packaging product segment in 2022, owing to their wide application in household products, medical, and other end-user industries. The pouches segment is expanding at a fast CAGR due to its eco-friendly and sustainable properties
The abundant availability of substitute sustainable packaging alternatives, such as compostable packaging, restrains the market growth to some extent. Furthermore, the increasing cases of children being harmed due to the consumption of detergent pods are also expected to create a challenge for the market growth of water soluble packaging
Hot water solubility is more convenient and opted for by several manufacturers, as the packaging can be simply dropped into hot water to dispose of, eliminating the mess and potentially harmful manual handling of products like detergents and cleaners
There is a rising demand from the medical industry for packaging tablets, capsules, and medical supplies such as surgical gloves. These items can be packaged in water-soluble bags, which can be easily dissolved and disposed of after use
North America recorded the largest market share in 2022, due to the rising need for convenience as a result of the busy lifestyles of regional consumers, which has led to an increased demand for cleaning pods from the household end-user sector
Asia Pacific is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to stringent government regulations and rapidly rising end-user industries such as household products, agriculture, and medical, among others, in the region. China is one of the largest contributors to the demand for water-soluble packaging solutions in the region
Several key companies are collaborating to strengthen their market positions in the water-soluble packaging market. For instance, in December 2022, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation announced a collaboration with CHUKYO YUSHI CO., LTD to manufacture sustainable packaging solutions that are dissolvable in water to diversify and expand its product range in focus markets such as consumer goods
Grand View Research has segmented the global water soluble packaging market based on material, product, solubility type, end-use, and region:
Water Soluble Packaging Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)
Polymers
Surfactants
Fibers
Water Soluble Packaging Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)
Bags
Pouches
Pods & Capsules
Water Soluble Packaging Solubility Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)
Cold Water
Hot Water
Water Soluble Packaging End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)
Household Products
Agriculture
Medical
Retail
Chemicals
Water Treatment
Animal Waste
Fishing
Others
Water Soluble Packaging Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)
North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
U.K.
Germany
France
Spain
Italy
Asia Pacific
China
Japan
India
South Korea
Australia
Southeast Asia
Central & South America
Brazil
Chile
Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
South Africa
List of Key Players in Water Soluble Packaging Market
Kuraray
Lithey Inc.
Mondi Group
SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
Soltec Development
Soluble Technology Limited
Aquapak Polymers Ltd.
Rovi Packaging, S.A.
INVISIBLE COMPANY
AICELLO CORPORATION
Medanos Claros HK Limited
Cortec Corporation
Acedag Ltd
Changzhou Haoteng Environmental Protection New Material Technology Co., Ltd.
Green Master Packaging
Guangdong Proudly New Material Technology Corp.
Solupak
EOS Plast Srl
Solubag
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