Molded Pulp Packaging Market: Sustainability Innovates Packing Processes

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Molded Pulp Packaging Market Sustainability
Innovates Packing Processes According to United
Nations Environment Programme, around 36 of all
plastics produced are applied in packaging,
including single-use plastic containers. However,
plastic pollution is a grave environmental
concern, with around 85 of plastic packing
ending up in landfills or as unregulated waste.
The widespread plastic contamination has fostered
the growth of plastic-free packaging solutions
like molded pulp. Based on our estimates, the
molded pulp packaging market is set to advance
significantly over the forecast period 2023-2030,
with a CAGR of 7.19.
Molded pulp or molded fiber packaging has been
restricted to niche segments, including egg
trays. However, the growing use of various wood
and non-wood pulp sources in manufacturing has
expanded its application scope to various
sectors, including beauty, food, and electronics.
For instance, Knoll Packaging introduced its 100
Ecoform molded pulp compacts (using bamboo, wood,
and sugarcane fibers) to replace conventional
plastic compacts. Consumer inclination towards
greener products has dramatically increased
molded fiber inclusion across multiple consumer
goods industries, especially food
packaging. Sustainability Reforms Packaging
Approach Food packaging is among the major
application categories in the molded pulp
packaging market. Since the material is
fabricated of a microporous structure enabling
water absorption, its demand for perishable food
packing has elevated. Moreover, its lightweight
and high-strength properties have fueled its
adoption for ready-to-eat meals and beverages.
Plates, clamshells, cups, and bowls are widely
adapted as packing solutions for various
consumables, including vegetables, fruits, and
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juices. As per the World Economic Forum, the food
industry accounts for over a third of global
greenhouse gas emissions, which significantly
drives the demand for sustainable solutions like
molded pulp fibers. Our analysis shows that
Asia-Pacific leads the molded pulp packaging
market globally. The rising disposable income and
strategic initiatives heavily prompt the regions
growth. For instance, in March 2023, PulPac
announced Nippon Molding Co Ltd as its first
licensee in Japan, expanding its dry molded fiber
production to Asia. Further, in April 2023,
Sanofi and Haleon associated with PA Consulting
and PulPacs Bottle Collective Mission to develop
a recyclable high-speed, low-cost dry molded
fiber bottle production process. Such steps are
thus expected to widen the scope of the studied
market across the APAC region. Technology-Driven
Packaging A Step Ahead for Molded Pulp Advanced
technologies like 3D printing have made molded
pulp packaging manufacturing less
energy-intensive. One such instance is HPs
Molded Fiber Advanced Tooling Technology, which
enables fast and advanced design and production
of molder fiber in 2 weeks as opposed to 4-6
weeks via conventional methods. As per the
company, the end-to-end solution helps reduce
maintenance and offers mass customization
capabilities. Over the past years, manufacturing
technology has advanced immensely, giving final
products smoother surfaces and refined designs.
This upgraded appearance has also expanded the
application range of pulp packaging across
healthcare, industrial, and personal care
industries. Based on the premise of eliminating
costly production, 3D printing further emerges as
an eco-friendly manufacturing solution. This
ultimately creates opportunities for molded pulp
manufacturers. E-Commerce Expansion Amplifies
Molded Packaging Online shopping trends have
existed for several years. However, COVID-19
accelerated its growth, resulting in e-commerce
sales surging from 16 to 19 in 2020, as per
UNCTAD report. Particularly, the food delivery
sector witnessed robust growth, leading to the
expansion of various delivery applications,
including UberEats, Postmates, and DoorDash.
Since molded pulp packaging offers easy
transportation and supports recycling, several
e-commerce players have adopted this packaging
method. Therefore, expanding online sales creates
a profitable market space for molded pulp in the
packaging industry. FAQs Q1) Which are the key
types in the molded pulp packaging market? Thick
wall, thermoformed, transfer, and processed as
key molded types in the market. Q2) Which are the
major molded pulp manufacturers? Genpak LLC, UFP
Technologies Inc, Sabert Corporation,
Eco-Products Inc, Thermoform Engineered Quality
LLC, Huhtamaki OYJ, Pro-Pac Packaging Group,
Brodrene Hatmann AS, Sonoco Products Company, and
Fabri-Kal are major molded pulp manufacturers.