New Study: Outlook on Green Packaging in a Global Market

"Green packaging" is no longer simply a buzzword at packaging technology trade shows and in the industry. It has become a sought-after demand from markets throughout the entire supply chain from the design board to the end user's home. Over the past decade, consumers and manufacturers around the world are seeking more sustainable and eco-friendly packaging as this growing demand is influencing their purchasing choices and bottom lines.

Infiniti Research, LTD has developed a new study, Global Green Packaging Market 2016-2020, that reports on the demand changes that will be influencing the green packaging market over the next four years. Included in green packaging are the following types:

• Recyclable packaging
• Reusable packaging
• Degradable packaging

Recycling packaging material is gaining popularity among end users because of the benefits it provides such as reduced carbon footprint and energy conservation. In 2015, the recyclable packaging segment accounted for a significant share of over 76% in the global green packaging market. However, this new report suggests that bioplastic packaging may soon be replacing traditional, recyclable plastic packaging products.

Green packaging should be on the radar for manufacturers and packagers. The growing percentage of consumers who desire eco-friendly packaging and the trend of recycled packaging have taken the spotlight.

Market Forecasts Show Europe in the Lead in Adopting Green Packaging Initiatives

When looking at the global market outlook, the forecast shows that consumer interest in eco-friendly, sustainable packaging will have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 7% from 2016 to 2020. This upward trend will greatly affect how manufacturers and processors in the coffee, snacks and pet food industries will supply and market products to their consumers. Instead of just catering to a niche buying segment, green packaging will soon become the norm for consumers.

In regions such as North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific, the green packaging market is diversified. Currently, Europe is in the lead when it comes to green packaging adoption by manufacturers and processors, as this packaging type has steadily risen to up to 31% in the year 2015, and even more in the past year. 

Food Industries Pave the Way

Another market study has revealed that companies in the food industry have also paved the way in accepting eco-friendlier packaging in their processes. In 2015, more than 54% of the food packaging market used green packaging materials. With a growing number of consumers wanting to leave a smaller footprint, sustainable materials have become the ideal choice for this market segment for the products they consume as well as use on a daily basis.

Recycled & Bioplastic Packaging Rising in Demand

The Global Green Packaging 2016-2020 report also indicates that recycled packaging and bioplastic packaging will see an increase in demand. During 2015, the popularity of recycled packaging took a share of the global green packaging market of up to 76%. Consumers enjoy knowing that the packaging surrounding their products leads to more energy conservation initiatives as it will be reused over and over again. Meanwhile, bioplastic packaging is starting to gain a foothold as the better alternative to conventional plastic packaging. The advantages consumers of bioplastic packaging products see are that it is lightweight, uses less natural resources and energy, and does not generate excessive CO2 emissions.

Understanding how green packaging is changing the market landscape on a global scale will allow you to make the best decisions for your manufacturing and processing operations. Let Viking Masek help you successfully invest in the right packaging and labeling equipment so you can continue to be a competitive force in your industry.