Packaging Solutions Market Driven by 16.2% E-Commerce Sales Share in Q1 2025

Packaging Solutions Market in 2025 Led by Europe; Asia Pacific Poised for Rapid Growth

According to market projections, the packaging solutions industry is expected to grow from USD 1.253 trillion in 2024 to USD 1.907 trillion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 4.33%. In 2024, Europe led the packaging solutions market, with plastic and recycled packaging dominating by material and type. Asia Pacific and paperboard packaging are set for strong growth, driven by rising demand in food, beverage, and healthcare industries.

Last Updated: 01 July 2025 Category: Others Packaging Insight Code: 5646 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

The global packaging solutions market is set to grow from USD 1.307 trillion in 2025 to USD 1.907 trillion by 2034, with an expected CAGR of 4.33% over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The rising expansion of the retail and e-commerce sector, increasing demand from emerging markets, rising integration of advanced technologies into packaging, and increasing demand for packaging solutions from various industries food and beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care, and others are expected to drive the global packaging solutions market over the forecast period.

In addition, the market is expanding exponentially in various developing and developed regions, particularly Asia Pacific, fuelled by the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging and surging demand from multiple industries.

Packaging Solutions Market Size 2024 - 2034

Key Takeaways

  • Europe dominated the packaging solutions market in 2024.
  • Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a significant rate in the market during the forecast period.
  • By material, the plastic segment accounted for the dominating share in 2024.
  • By material, the paper and paperboard segment is expected to witness a significant share during the forecast period.
  • By packaging type, the recycled segment held a dominant presence in the market in 2024.
  • By packaging type, the new segment accounted for considerable growth in the global packaging solutions market over the forecast period.
  • By end-user industry, the food and beverage segment registered its dominance over the global packaging solutions market in 2024.
  • By end-user industry, the healthcare segment is projected to expand rapidly in the market in the coming years.

Market Overview

In the packaging industry, packaging solutions include various types of packaging materials that are designed to protect the product during handling, storage, and transportation. They also provide crucial information about the contents and other necessary details. The recycled segment continues to dominate owing to the rising environmental concerns and evolving customer preferences. In recent years, sustainability has become a key focus in the packaging industry, which has compelled the key players to heavily focus on adopting sustainable packaging materials.

  • In July 2024, in a collaboration, ag-tech solutions firm Wandarra is expected to utilize PAPACKS’ turnkey solution to replace fossil plastic packaging with hemp-based alternatives, intending to reduce waste and pollution in Australia. The country manufactures 5.5 million tonnes of packaging material annually. Only 49% of this figure is believed to be recycled at end-of-life. This collaboration will have a significant market impact by introducing world-leading sustainable packaging solutions.

Key Metrics and Overview

Metric Details
Market Size in 2024 USD 1.253 Trillion
Projected Market Size in 2034 USD 1.907 Trillion
CAGR (2025 - 2034) 4.33%
Leading Region Europe
Market Segmentation By Material, By Packaging Type, By End-User Industry and By Region 
Top Key Players Amcor PLC, Sealed Air Corporation, Ball Corporation, International Paper Company, WestRock Company
  • The rising need for lightweight, durable, versatile, and economical packaging solutions is anticipated to boost the market’s revenue during the forecast period.
  • The surging investment in eco-friendly material innovation, along with an increasing government initiative to reduce carbon footprints, is expected to propel the growth of the packaging solutions market.
  • The surge in international trade and increasing focus of businesses on better protection of goods during shipment of electronics, pharmaceuticals, clothing, food and beverage items, and other products significantly contributes to the overall growth of the packaging solutions market.
  • The rising shift of end-use industries from plastic packaging to biodegradable packaging solutions, in response to increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging materials, is expected to accelerate the market’s growth in the coming years. 
  • The rapid urbanization and evolving customer preferences are expected to support the growth of the packaging solutions market during the forecast period.

How is Artificial Intelligence Integration Impacting the Growth of the Packaging Solutions Market?

As AI technology continues to evolve, Artificial intelligence integration holds great potential to reshape the landscape of the packaging solutions market by improving sustainability, optimizing packaging dimensions, and reducing material waste. Artificial intelligence (AI) integration can effectively streamline design processes to optimising supply chains in the market. By harnessing the power of automation and machine learning (ML), companies can create more cost-effective, versatile, durable, sustainable, and consumer-friendly packaging solutions. AI-driven software is rapidly reshaping the design phase by allowing businesses to develop efficient and innovative packaging solutions. ML algorithms can effectively analyse large datasets to predict design trends, significantly assisting brands to stay ahead in the long run.

Market Dynamics

Driver

Rapid Expansion of the Ecommerce and Retail Sector

The rapid expansion of the e-commerce industry is expected to boost the market’s expansion during the forecast period. In the retail and e-commerce industry, packaging solutions play a crucial role and are widely used to protect the product during handling, storage, and transportation. Packaging solutions also provide important information about the contents of the product and other required information to educate the customers. Packaging solutions allow for shipping lightweight goods with durability and strength. In the form of various types of packaging, such as paper and paperboard, plastic, metal, glass, and others, packaging solutions improve handling efficiencies, reduce product damage, enhance the shelf life, and also offer an economical option for the retail and e-commerce industries.

  • According to the article published by the Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce in May 2025, e-commerce sales in the first quarter of 2025 accounted for 16.2 percent of total sales.

Restraint

Fluctuating Raw Material Costs

The price volatility is expected to hinder the market's growth. The fluctuation in the price of raw materials has led to an increasing production cost of packaging solutions, which can adversely impact the profitability of manufacturers. In addition, insufficient infrastructure for recycling packaging materials, particularly in middle- and lower-income countries, may limit the expansion of the global packaging solutions market.

Opportunity

Growing Consumer Demand for Sustainable Packaging Solutions

The rising consumer demand for sustainable packaging materials is projected to offer lucrative growth opportunities to the packaging solutions market in the coming years. The rising environmental concerns and increasing awareness of circular economy models influence sustainable packaging practices and are reshaping the packaging landscape. Recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable packaging is gaining immense popularity as it is offering an eco-friendly packaging solution and a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic packaging. Several manufacturers have significantly increased their product offerings to include a more extensive range of sustainable packaging solutions for a wide range of industries. Therefore, eco-friendly packaging solutions align with the principles of the circular economy and are expected to accelerate the market’s revenue in the coming years.

  • In May 2025, ProAmpac, a global leader in flexible packaging and material science, partnered with ScottsMiracle-Gro to revolutionize the packaging used in the new O.M. Scott and Sons brand of natural grass seed, clover seed, and grass food products. The packaging features ProAmpac’s PRO-EVO Recyclable SOS Bags, which have helped the O.M. Scott and Sons brand transition to fiber-based solutions that are curbside recyclable and support top-tier product protection. (Source: Business Wire)

Segmental Insights

By Packaging Type

The recycled segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2024, owing to the supportive government framework for recycled materials to minimize waste and promote the circular economy. Recycled includes the packaging that is manufactured from recycled materials such as cardboard, glass, metal, aluminium, paper, paperboard, and others. Recycled packaging solutions aim to reduce waste and conserve natural resources. Moreover, manufacturing increasingly prefers recycled materials as it requires less energy than creating new ones, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, the new segment is growing at a notable rate. This type of packaging is generally made from newly manufactured materials, often sourced from virgin resources. New packaging has the optimal performance capability and certain crucial properties to protect the product from damage during storage and transportation. Thus, driving the segment’s growth during the forecast period.

How the Plastic Segment Dominated the Packaging Solutions Market in 2025?

The plastic segment held a dominant presence in 2024, owing to its maximum strength, cost-effectiveness, versatility, and durability. Several manufacturers prefer plastic material to lower their production costs while offering protection to the product against contamination, ensuring product freshness, and maintaining integrity. In recent years, bio-based plastics have rapidly gained momentum in the market as a sustainable choice among eco-conscious individuals, as they are made from renewable sources. Bio-based plastics are assisting in promoting a circular economy. On the other hand, the paper and paperboard segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR. The growth of the segment is attributed to the growing need for eco-friendly materials. These packaging solutions are made out of recycled materials and paperboard, offering both durable and eco-friendly options to reduce carbon emissions and boost sustainability.

Rising Demand from the Food and Beverages Industry Supports Dominance

The food and beverages industry segment accounted for the majority share of the packaging solutions market in 2024. The growth of the segment is majorly driven by the rapid urbanization and increasing demand for packaging solutions for food packaging in fresh produce, ready-to-eat meals, and frozen foods. Packaging solutions play a crucial role in the food and beverages industry by offering durability, protection, cost-effectiveness, versatility, and availability in a wide range of sizes and innovative designs. Moreover, the increasing expansion of the ecommerce sectors has increases the online shopping of groceries, consumer goods, consumer care, and cosmetics, and others are expected to fuel the segment’s expansion during the forecast period.

On the other hand, the healthcare segment is expected to witness remarkable growth during the forecast period, owing to the rising expansion of the healthcare sector in the developed and developing economies. Packaging solutions cover and protect the pharmaceutical product and offer extra external security. The common types of healthcare packaging include bottles, vials, blister packs, sachets, syringes, and others. Such factors are bolstering the market’s growth.

Regional Insights

Europe

Europe’s government-led sustainability initiatives and stricter environmental regulations compel companies to adopt eco-friendly alternatives, boosting the market’ expansion. European countries such as the Netherlands, Spain, France, Germany, and the UK are leading with robust recycling measures and EPRs. Policies like the European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan encourage companies to invest more in sustainable packaging solutions. The incorporation of smart technologies into corrugated packaging, such as QR codes, NFC tags, and RFID tags, allows for real-time tracking, authentication, and improved consumer engagement. Moreover, the rising consumer and business inclination towards sustainable packaging solutions is expected to drive the market’s revenue in the region.

Asia Pacific

On the other hand, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a significant rate in the market during the forecast period, owing to the rising consumer inclination for sustainable packaging solutions, surge in online shopping, and increasing demand for lightweight and cost-effective packaging solutions from various industries. The Asia Pacific region has a robust presence of food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, retail and ecommerce, personal care and cosmetics, and the apparel industry, which are all major users of packaging solutions. Several manufacturers are heavily investing in developing innovative packaging designs and printing on packaging to better connect with customers and stand out from the competition.

Packaging Solutions Market Key Players

Packaging Solutions Market Companies

Latest Announcement by the Industry Leader

  • In June 2025, Sanner launched its manufacturing operations in Greensboro, North Carolina. The new facility to produce injection-moulded components that can be used in medical devices and pharmaceutical packaging, as well as desiccant solutions. This move aligns with Sanner’s long-term growth strategy, enabling the company to provide its customers with efficient and scalable manufacturing solutions. (Source: Interplas Insights)

Recent Developments

Packaging Solutions Market Segmentations

By Material

  • Paper and Paperboard
  • Plastic
  • Metal
  • Glass
  • Others

By Packaging Type

  • New
  • Recycled

By End-User Industry

  • Food and Beverage
  • Healthcare
  • Personal Care
  • Industrial
  • Others

By Region 

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Denmark
    • Norway
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Thailand
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina
  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)
    • South Africa
    • UAE
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Kuwait
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  • Insight Code: 5646
  • No. of Pages: 150
  • Format: PDF/PPT/Excel
  • Last Updated: 01 July 2025
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021–2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Yogesh Kulkarni is an experienced Research Analyst specializing in the packaging sector, with a strong foundation in statistical analysis and market intelligence. He currently contributes his expertise to Towards Packaging.

Learn more about Yogesh Kulkarni

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years in packaging market research, specializes in food, beverage, and eco-friendly packaging. She ensures accurate, actionable insights, driving Towards Packaging 's excellence in industry trends and sustainability.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

Related Insights

FAQ's

The market is driven by the rising expansion of retail and e-commerce, increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging, and the growing need for advanced, durable, and lightweight materials across industries. The integration of AI and digital technologies is optimizing logistics and product safety, while sustainability trends and regulatory pressures are accelerating the shift toward recyclable and biodegradable packaging.

Asia Pacific is projected to register the fastest growth due to rising online retail, rapid industrialization, and increasing consumer preference for sustainable packaging. Europe currently leads the market, backed by strong regulatory frameworks and adoption of circular economy practices. Both regions present lucrative opportunities for long-term investment.

AI is revolutionizing packaging design and production by reducing material waste, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and enabling rapid prototyping. ML algorithms are helping predict consumer preferences and optimize designs for both aesthetics and sustainability. Companies investing in AI-driven systems are likely to gain cost and operational advantages.

Sustainability is a central theme driving competitive differentiation. Companies with recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable packaging portfolios are aligning with customer values and ESG goals. Regulatory support and consumer demand are pushing market leaders to innovate with fiber-based and bio-based packaging materials, which are increasingly replacing plastic.

Volatile raw material prices and inadequate recycling infrastructure in developing regions pose significant barriers. These factors affect cost-efficiency and scalability for manufacturers, particularly those dependent on traditional materials or without diversified supply chains.

Plastic continues to dominate due to its strength, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. However, paper and paperboard are expected to witness the fastest growth, driven by the global shift to sustainable packaging and regulatory restrictions on single-use plastics.

The food and beverage sector remains the leading end-user, accounting for a significant share due to demand for safe, fresh, and attractive packaging. The healthcare sector is also growing rapidly, driven by the need for secure, tamper-proof packaging for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

Investments in recyclable and biodegradable packaging technologies, AI integration, and temperature-controlled packaging for healthcare are offering high ROI potential. Companies focusing on sustainable innovations and regional expansion in Asia Pacific and Latin America are positioned to outperform the market.