Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Global Market Report 2026

Eco-friendly food packaging involves the use of materials that are environmentally safe and capable of degradation when packaging food products. The primary objective is to prevent tampering or contamination from physical, chemical, or biological sources, with active packaging being a widely adopted method to ensure the safety of food items.

The key types of eco-friendly food packaging include recycled content packaging, reusable packaging, and degradable packaging. Degradable eco-friendly food packaging serves as an alternative to petrochemical-based polymers, utilizing common biodegradable materials like chitosan, starch, gelatin cellulose, and polylactic acid. Various materials, including paper and paperboard, metal, glass, and plastic, are employed in the process, utilizing techniques such as active packaging, molded packaging, multipurpose packaging, and alternate fiber packaging. These eco-friendly packaging solutions find applications in diverse sectors, including food and beverages, bakery and confectionery, dairy products, meat products, fruits and vegetables, convenience food, among others.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are impacting the eco-friendly food packaging market by increasing costs of imported biodegradable polymers, specialty papers, coatings, and processing equipment used in active and molded packaging solutions. Food packaging manufacturers in North America and Europe are most affected due to reliance on imported sustainable raw materials, while Asia-Pacific faces cost pressure on export-oriented packaging production. These tariffs are increasing material costs and affecting pricing strategies. However, they are also encouraging local sourcing, regional material innovation, and domestic production of eco-friendly packaging solutions.

The eco-friendly food packaging market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides eco-friendly food packaging market statistics, including eco-friendly food packaging industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a eco-friendly food packaging market share, detailed eco-friendly food packaging market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the eco-friendly food packaging industry. This eco-friendly food packaging market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The eco-friendly food packaging market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $271.54 billion in 2025 to $299.28 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing consumer awareness of sustainable packaging, expansion of packaged food consumption, rising regulatory restrictions on plastic usage, growth in food processing industries, availability of recyclable packaging materials.

The eco-friendly food packaging market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $439.9 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for compostable food packaging, rising investments in sustainable material innovation, expansion of circular economy initiatives, growing adoption of eco-friendly packaging by food brands, increasing focus on reducing packaging waste. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of biodegradable packaging materials, rising demand for active food packaging solutions, growing use of recycled content packaging, expansion of alternate fiber packaging techniques, enhanced focus on food safety and shelf-life extension.

The growth of the eco-friendly food packaging market is being driven by a rising consumer awareness of the drawbacks associated with plastic products in food packaging. The extensive use of single-use and non-degradable plastic packaging has detrimental effects on the environment, as plastic takes an extended period to decompose in landfills. The persistent presence of plastic waste poses significant harm to the environment, impacting plant and animal life, as well as human well-being. Countries like Germany and Austria lead in recycling waste, with rates of 56% and 52%, respectively, according to the World Economic Forum. Additionally, Wales has set ambitious recycling goals, targeting zero waste by 2050, while the EU is contemplating a new 2030 target of at least 65%. Increasing consumer awareness of the hazards associated with plastic food packaging is expected to fuel the growth of the eco-friendly food packaging market in the coming years.

Leading companies in the global eco-friendly food packaging market are concentrating on creating innovative solutions, such as sustainable packaging services, to minimize environmental impact, improve product safety, and cater to the increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly options. Sustainable packaging services encompass a variety of solutions aimed at producing packaging that is environmentally friendly and reduces the negative effects on the planet. For example, in April 2024, Foodchain ID, a US-based company specializing in food safety and quality, introduced Sustainable Packaging Services, which significantly lowers environmental impact by reducing waste and carbon footprints through the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials. These services also bolster brand loyalty and market competitiveness by aligning with consumer preferences for eco-friendly practices, ultimately promoting sales growth and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.

In December 2023, Inno-Pak LLC, a US-based designer and manufacturer of eco-friendly packaging solutions, acquired Albany Packaging for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is intended to strengthen Inno-Pak's integrated manufacturing capabilities in North America, build a more resilient supply chain, increase investments in eco-friendly paper packaging solutions, and position the company to take advantage of favorable market trends in the food service and grocery sectors. Albany Packaging is a US-based manufacturer specializing in eco-friendly packaging boxes designed for the food industry.

Major companies operating in the eco-friendly food packaging market are Amcor plc, Mondi plc, Sealed Air Corporation, Ball Corporation, Tetra Pak International SA, Huhtamaki Oyj, Smurfit Kappa Group, Sonoco Products Co., Pactiv Evergeen Inc., European License Of PURE-PAK, Winpak Ltd., Printpak Holdings Inc, PaperFoam BV, Be Green Packaging, DS Smith plc, Crown Holdings Inc., Ardagh Group Company, Uflex Limited, Graphic Packaging, Vegware Ltd., LimeLoop, Notpla Ltd., EcoEnclose LLC, Genpak LLC, Biopak Pty Ltd., Stora Enso Oyj, International Paper Company, Novamont S.p.A., NatureWorks LLC, Berry Global Inc., Reynolds Group Holdings Limited, BioMass Packaging, Sabert Corporation, World Centric

North America was the largest region in the eco-friendly food packaging market in 2025. The regions covered in the eco-friendly food packaging market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the eco-friendly food packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The eco-friendly food packaging market consists of sales of biodegradable material, sustainable packaging, green packaging, environmentally-friendly packaging, recyclable, reusable, and non-toxic material. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses eco-friendly food packaging market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for eco-friendly food packaging ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The eco-friendly food packaging market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
• The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
• The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
• The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
• The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
• The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Type: Recycled Content Packaging; Reusable Packaging; Degradable Packaging
• 2) By Material: Paper And Paperboard; Metal; Glass; Plastic; Other Materials
• 3) By Technique: Active Packaging; Molded Packaging; Multipurpose Packaging; Alternate Fiber Packaging
• 4) By Application: Food And Beverages; Bakery And Confectionery; Dairy Products; Meat Products; Fruits And Vegetables; Convenience Food; Other Applications
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Recycled Content Packaging: Recycled Paper and Cardboard Packaging; Recycled Plastic Packaging; Recycled Glass Packaging
• 2) By Reusable Packaging: Reusable Containers; Reusable Bags; Reusable Wraps
• 3) By Degradable Packaging: Biodegradable Plastics; Compostable Packaging; Oxo-degradable Packaging
• Companies Mentioned: Amcor plc; Mondi plc; Sealed Air Corporation; Ball Corporation; Tetra Pak International SA; Huhtamaki Oyj; Smurfit Kappa Group; Sonoco Products Co.; Pactiv Evergeen Inc.; European License Of PURE-PAK; Winpak Ltd.; Printpak Holdings Inc; PaperFoam BV; Be Green Packaging; DS Smith plc; Crown Holdings Inc.; Ardagh Group Company; Uflex Limited; Graphic Packaging; Vegware Ltd.; LimeLoop; Notpla Ltd.; EcoEnclose LLC; Genpak LLC; Biopak Pty Ltd.; Stora Enso Oyj; International Paper Company; Novamont S.p.A.; NatureWorks LLC; Berry Global Inc.; Reynolds Group Holdings Limited; BioMass Packaging; Sabert Corporation; World Centric
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain.
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
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