Survey of 230 industry professionals projects fibre-based materials will capture 42% of global food packaging market within two decades.
Fibre-based packaging is set to become the leading material in the global food sector by 2045, capturing 42% market share, up from 37% currently. The shift is driven by advancements in barrier coatings enabling fibre to replace plastics in demanding applications, according to a study involving 230 packaging professionals.
Sustainability is expected to transition from a branding advantage to a regulatory requirement, with 71% of respondents anticipating stricter rules. Extended Producer Responsibility schemes and eco-modulation fees are forecast to favor recyclable formats, while recycling rates are projected to rise from 31% in 2030 to 37% by 2045.
Despite progress, landfill and incineration will remain part of waste management, the study noted. The findings underscore growing industry consensus on the long-term dominance of fibre-based solutions amid evolving regulatory and consumer pressures.