The Global Market for Molded Fiber Packaging 2024-2035

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As a green and sustainable packaging materials, molded fiber, also known as molded pulp, has increased in commercial use as a replacement for single-use plastics. Molded fiber packaging (MFP), traditionally used for packaging dunnage, egg boxes, and cartons, is finding increasing applications in primary and secondary packaging as a sustainable alternative to plastics. MFP is used for handling and packaging a wide range of products, including food containers, household items, industrial supplies, electronics, and single-use medical service items. It offers protection during shipment, customer convenience, and various economic and environmental benefits. Molded pulp products are a sustainable substitute for rigid single-use plastics, with applications spanning food containers and tableware, electronic product packaging, compostable containers for agricultural seedlings, medical and health products, building materials, and furniture. The development of innovative barrier solutions and the growing demand for fiber-based packaging have led to the adoption of MFP in other markets, such as FMCG.

The raw materials for MFPs are typically derived from biodegradable lignocellulosic fibers, which include recycled paper, newsprint, cardboard, and other natural planted fibers. MFP is recyclable, compostable, and eventually biodegradable, making it a viable alternative to oil-based packaging products like expanded polystyrene (EPS) or vacuum-formed polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The market for natural fiber packaging products has experienced consistent growth for over a decade, leading to a struggle among molded fiber producers to keep up with the increasing demand. As a result, production capacity expansions have become necessary to meet the growing market needs.

The Global Market for Molded Fiber Packaging 2024-2035 offers an in-depth analysis of the latest trends, innovations, and opportunities in this rapidly growing industry. The report provides a detailed market segmentation by application, including food service, retail food and drink, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), industrial packaging, single-use medical, and horticulture. Each segment is thoroughly examined, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities within these sectors. The report also offers regional market insights and forecasts for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World, enabling stakeholders to identify high-growth markets and tailor their strategies accordingly.

One of the key focuses of the report is the technological advancements in materials, manufacturing processes, and barrier coatings. These innovations are enhancing the functionality and versatility of molded fiber packaging, making it a viable alternative to traditional plastic packaging across a wide range of applications. The report explores the latest breakthroughs in materials science, such as the use of agricultural waste and novel fibers, as well as cutting-edge manufacturing techniques like 3D printing and precision molding.

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape, the report includes detailed profiles of over 70 key players in the molded fiber packaging industry. These profiles range from established manufacturers with global reach to innovative startups. Companies profiled include HZ Green Pulp, Omni-Pac, PulPac, Sabert Corporation, Tanbark Molded Fiber Products and TekniPlex (Full list of profiles provided in table of contents). 

The report also identifies the primary growth drivers, challenges, and opportunities within the molded fiber packaging market. It examines the impact of changing consumer preferences, regulatory pressures, and sustainability goals on the demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions. Additionally, the report explores the potential for molded fiber packaging to replace traditional materials in a wide range of industries, from food and beverage to electronics and automotive. 

For packaging manufacturers, suppliers, investors, and end-users looking to capitalize on the expanding molded fiber packaging market while contributing to a more sustainable future, this report is an indispensable resource. With its comprehensive analysis, long-term outlook, and actionable insights, this report empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions, forge strategic partnerships, and stay ahead in this dynamic and rapidly growing industry.

As the world transitions towards a circular economy and seeks to reduce its environmental footprint, the molded fiber packaging market is poised for significant growth. This report is a vital tool for anyone looking to understand the complexities of this market, anticipate future trends, and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. By investing in molded fiber packaging, companies can not only meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions but also contribute to a greener future for generations to come.

 

1             EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 14

  • 1.1         Plastics packaging issues          14
  • 1.2         Molded fiber market     15
    • 1.2.1     Increased demand in recent years will continue            16
    • 1.2.2     Meeting sustainability needs   17
    • 1.2.3     New coatings technologies       19
    • 1.2.4     In-house tooling              20
  • 1.3         Advantages of molded fiber packaging                22
  • 1.4         Packaging megatrends 22
  • 1.5         Industry developments 2020-2024       23
  • 1.6         Main market players     26
  • 1.7         Global revenues for molded fiber/pulp packaging, 2018-2035 (millions USD) 26
  • 1.8         Market segmentation for molded fiber/pulp packaging, 2018-2035 (millions USD)       28
  • 1.9         Regional segmentation for molded fiber/pulp packaging, 2018-2035 (revenues, millions USD)             30
  • 1.10       Market and technology challenges        31

 

2             TECHNOLOGY ANALYSIS          33

  • 2.1         Cellulose fiber sources               33
    • 2.1.1     Virgin fibers       33
      • 2.1.1.1 Bagasse              33
      • 2.1.1.2 Shredded bamboo         34
      • 2.1.1.3 Wheat straw     34
    • 2.1.2     Recycled fibers               34
  • 2.2         Manufacturing processes          35
    • 2.2.1     Mechanical pulping and chemical pulping        35
    • 2.2.2     Forming process             37
    • 2.2.3     Drying process 37
    • 2.2.4     3D printing         39
  • 2.3         Types of molded pulp   41
    • 2.3.1     Wet molding     41
      • 2.3.1.1 Thick-wall          42
      • 2.3.1.2 Transfer Molded              43
      • 2.3.1.3 Thermoformed Fiber    44
      • 2.3.1.4 Processed Pulp               45
    • 2.3.2     Dry-molded/thermoformed fiber           46
  • 2.4         Properties of molded products                47
    • 2.4.1     Grades and prices         48
    • 2.4.2     Additives            48

 

3             MARKETS AND APPLICATIONS 49

  • 3.1         Food service     50
    • 3.1.1     Products             50
    • 3.1.2     Global Market 2018-2035          52
      • 3.1.2.1 Revenues           52
      • 3.1.2.2 Tonnes 54
  • 3.2         Retail food and drink     56
    • 3.2.1     Products             56
    • 3.2.2     Global Market 2018-2035          59
      • 3.2.2.1 Revenues           59
      • 3.2.2.2 Tonnes 61
  • 3.3         Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) including cosmetics    62
    • 3.3.1     Products             62
    • 3.3.2     Global Market 2018-2035          63
      • 3.3.2.1 Revenues           63
      • 3.3.2.2 Tonnes 65
  • 3.4         Industrial or engineered packaging       66
    • 3.4.1     Electronics packaging 68
    • 3.4.2     Vehicle packaging         69
    • 3.4.3     Global Market 2018-2035          70
      • 3.4.3.1 Revenues           70
      • 3.4.3.2 Tonnes 71
  • 3.5         Single Use Medical        73
    • 3.5.1     Products             73
    • 3.5.2     Global Market 2018-2035          74
      • 3.5.2.1 Revenues           74
      • 3.5.2.2 Tonnes 76
  • 3.6         Horticultural    77
    • 3.6.1     Products             77
    • 3.6.2     Global Market 2018-2035          78
      • 3.6.2.1 Revenues           78
      • 3.6.2.2 Tonnes 79

 

4             COMPANY PROFILES  81

  • 4.1         Acorn Pulp Group           81
  • 4.2         Advanced Paper Forming, LLC 81
  • 4.3         AIM Sweden AB               82
  • 4.4         Be Green Packaging LLC            83
  • 4.5         BIO-LUTIONS International AG               84
  • 4.6         Blue Ocean Closures   85
  • 4.7         Brødrene Hartmann A/S             86
  • 4.8         Buhl Paperform GmbH 87
  • 4.9         Celwise AB        88
  • 4.10       Cirkla   89
  • 4.11       CKF Inc.              90
  • 4.12       Cruz Foam         90
  • 4.13       Cullen Eco-Friendly Packaging               91
  • 4.14       E6PR     92
  • 4.15       Ecologic Brands, Inc.    93
  • 4.16       Eco-Products, Inc.         94
  • 4.17       Eco-SQ                94
  • 4.18       Ecovative Design LLC  95
  • 4.19       EnviroPAK Corporation               96
  • 4.20       E-molding International              97
  • 4.21       Fibercel Packaging LLC              98
  • 4.22       Fibmold              98
  • 4.23       Footprint, LLC  99
  • 4.24       Frugalpac           99
  • 4.25       Genera 100
  • 4.26       Genpak LLC      101
  • 4.27       Golden Arrow   102
  • 4.28       Henry Molded Products, Inc.    103
  • 4.29       Heracles Packaging Company SA          103
  • 4.30       Huhtamaki Oyj 104
  • 4.31       HZ Green Pulp 105
  • 4.32       International Paper Company  106
  • 4.33       Keiding, Inc.      106
  • 4.34       Kiefel GmbH    107
  • 4.35       Lean Orb             108
  • 4.36       Matrix Pack       109
  • 4.37       MCC Verstraete              110
  • 4.38       Metsä Spring    111
  • 4.39       Michelsen Packaging Company              112
  • 4.40       Molded Pulp Engineering            112
  • 4.41       The Navigator Company             113
  • 4.42       Nippon Molding Co., Ltd.            114
  • 4.43       Nippn Corp        114
  • 4.44       Omni-Pac Group            115
  • 4.45       Paper Bottle Company (Paboco)            116
  • 4.46       Pacific Pulp Molding, LLC          117
  • 4.47       Pactiv LLC         117
  • 4.48       Papacks              118
  • 4.49       Paperfoam NV 119
  • 4.50       Primapack-S.A.E.          119
  • 4.51       Pulp Molded Products Inc. (PMP)           120
  • 4.52       PulPac AB          121
  • 4.53       Pulp-Tec Ltd.    122
  • 4.54       Qingdao Wing Fat Molded fiber Co. Ltd.              123
  • 4.55       Rottneros Packaging AB              123
  • 4.56       RyPax   124
  • 4.57       Sabert Corporation       125
  • 4.58       Starfleet Impex Pvt Ltd 126
  • 4.59       Stora Enso Oyj 126
  • 4.60       Sustainable Fiber Technologies              128
  • 4.61       SustainaPac LLC           128
  • 4.62       Taiwan Pulp Molding Co., Ltd.  129
  • 4.63       Tanbark Molded fiber Products, Inc.     129
  • 4.64       TART, s.r.o.        130
  • 4.65       TAW Holdings Limited 131
  • 4.66       TECNARO GmbH           131
  • 4.67       TekniPlex Consumer Products 132
  • 4.68       Tellus Products, LLC    133
  • 4.69       ThermoFibre (Polyco Healthline Group)             134
  • 4.70       Tridas Technology s.r.o                135
  • 4.71       UltraGreen Packaging 135
  • 4.72       Varden Pty Ltd 136
  • 4.73       UFP Technologies, Inc.                137
  • 4.74       Yangi® AB           139
  • 4.75       Yash Pakka        140
  • 4.76       YFY Jupiter         140
  • 4.77       Western Pulp Products               141

 

5             RESEARCH SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY        143

  • 5.1         Report scope    143
  • 5.2         Research methodology               143

 

6             REFERENCES   145

 

List of Tables

  • Table 1. Commonly used plastics in packaging.             15
  • Table 2. Megatrends for molded fiber/pulp packaging.                22
  • Table 3. Molded fiber packaging Industry developments 2020-2024.   23
  • Table 4. Global revenues for molded fiber/pulp packaging, 2018-2035 (millions USD).              26
  • Table 5. Market segmentation for molded fiber/pulp packaging, 2018-2035 (millions USD).    28
  • Table 6. Regional segmentation for molded fiber/pulp packaging, 2018-2035 (revenues, millions USD).          30
  • Table 7. Market and technology challenges for molded fiber packaging.            31
  • Table 8. Properties of forming-drying processes.           37
  • Table 9. Properties of types of molded pulp products. 41
  • Table 10. Types of procedure for moulding pulp materials.      45
  • Table 11. Examples of molded fiber products in food service. 50
  • Table 12. Global market revenues for molded fiber products in food service, 2018-2035 (millions USD).         52
  • Table 16. Global market volume for molded fiber products in food service, 2018-2035 (‘000 tonnes).                54
  • Table 13. Examples of molded fiber products in retail food and drink. 56
  • Table 14. Molded fiber packaging for wine bottles.        57
  • Table 15. Global market revenues for molded fiber products in retail food and drink, 2018-2035 (millions USD).                59
  • Table 16. Global market volume for molded fiber products in retail food and drink, 2018-2035 (‘000 tonnes).                61
  • Table 17. Example MF products in FMCG.         62
  • Table 18. Global market revenues for molded fiber products in Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) including cosmetics, 2018-2035 (millions USD). 64
  • Table 19. Global market volume for molded fiber products in Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) including cosmetics, 2018-2035 (‘000 tonnes).   65
  • Table 20. Comparison of Molded fiber and expanded polystyrene (EPS).           67
  • Table 21. Global market revenues for molded fiber products in industrial packaging, 2018-2035 (millions USD).                70
  • Table 22. Global market volume for molded fiber products in industrial packaging, 2018-2035 (‘000 tonnes).                71
  • Table 23. Global market revenues for molded fiber products in single use medical, 2018-2035 (millions USD).                74
  • Table 24. Global market volume for molded fiber products in single use medical, 2018-2035 (‘000 tonnes).  76
  • Table 25. Application of molded fiber/pulp packaging in horticulture. 78
  • Table 26. Global market revenues for molded fiber products in horticulture, 2018-2035 (millions USD).          78
  • Table 27. Global market volume for molded fiber products in horticulture, 2018-2035 (‘000 tonnes). 79

 

List of Figures

  • Figure 1. Example molded fiber packaging products.   16
  • Figure 2. Paper Water Bottle.   17
  • Figure 3. Global revenues for molded fiber/pulp packaging, 2019-2035 (billion USD)  27
  • Figure 4. Market segmentation for molded fiber packaging, 2018-2035 (millions USD).             29
  • Figure 5. Regional segmentation for molded fiber packaging, 2018-2035 (revenues, billions USD).     31
  • Figure 6. Bagasse molded fiber coffee capsules.           34
  • Figure 7. Manufacturing process for molded fiber products.    36
  • Figure 8. Process chain of the plain moulding process.              38
  • Figure 9. HP molded fiber 3D printing. 39
  • Figure 10. Thick-walled molded fiber packaging.            43
  • Figure 11. Transfer molded pacakging.                43
  • Figure 12. Manufacturing stages in the production of Thermoformed pulp products.  44
  • Figure 13. Thermoformed molded fiber packaging.       45
  • Figure 14. Processed molded fiber.      45
  • Figure 15. Dry-molded fiber (DMF) beverage containers.           47
  • Figure 16. Main application areas for molded fiber products.  49
  • Figure 17. Takeaway food clamshell packs.      50
  • Figure 18. Pactiv disposable bowl.        50
  • Figure 19. Molded fiber drink carrier.    51
  • Figure 20. Molded fiber food serving tray.           51
  • Figure 21. Molded fiber plates and platters.      51
  • Figure 22. Kraft Heinz Mac & Cheese microwavable fiber cup.               51
  • Figure 23. Chinet® molded fiber tableware.      52
  • Figure 24. Molded fiber bottle. 52
  • Figure 25. Global market revenues for molded fiber products in food service, 2018-2035 (millions USD).        53
  • Figure 35. Global market volume for molded fiber products in food service, 2018-2035 (‘000 tonnes).              55
  • Figure 26. Transfer molded egg box.     56
  • Figure 27. Molded fiber punnets.            57
  • Figure 28. Molded fiber produce tray.  57
  • Figure 29. James Cropper COLOURFORM™ wine bottle wraparounds 58
  • Figure 30. Mycelium-based packaging for wine bottles.             58
  • Figure 31. Diageo paper Johnnie Walker bottle.              58
  • Figure 32. Molded fiber can rings.          59
  • Figure 33. Frugalpac paper wine bottles.            59
  • Figure 34. Global market revenues for molded fiber products in retail food and drink, 2018-2035 (millions USD).                60
  • Figure 35. Global market volume for molded fiber products in retail food and drink, 2018-2035 (‘000 tonnes).                62
  • Figure 36. Be Green Packaging molded fiber packs.     62
  • Figure 37. Mycelium-based packaging for cosmetics and toiletries.    63
  • Figure 38. L'Oréal molded fiber pump bottle.   63
  • Figure 39. Lush clamshell cosmetic packages.              63
  • Figure 40. Global market revenues for molded fiber products in Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) including cosmetics, 2018-2035 (millions USD). 65
  • Figure 41. Global market volume for molded fiber products in Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) including cosmetics, 2018-2035 (‘000 tonnes).   66
  • Figure 42. Molded fiber industrial parts packaging.       67
  • Figure 43. PaperFoam® packaging.       68
  • Figure 44. Molded fiber electronics packaging.               69
  • Figure 45. FiberCel automotive parts packaging.           69
  • Figure 46. Global market revenues for molded fiber products in industrial packaging , 2018-2035 (millions USD).                71
  • Figure 47. Global market volume for molded fiber products in industrial packaging, 2018-2035 (‘000 tonnes).                72
  • Figure 48. Applications of molded fiber/pulp packaging in single use medical.              73
  • Figure 49. Global market revenues for molded fiber products in single use medical , 2018-2035 (millions USD).                75
  • Figure 50. Global market volume for molded fiber products in single use medical, 2018-2035 (‘000 tonnes). 77
  • Figure 51. Global market revenues for molded fiber products in horticulture, 2018-2035 (millions USD).         79
  • Figure 52. Global market volume for molded fiber products in horticulture, 2018-2035 (‘000 tonnes).               80
  • Figure 54. Be Green Packaging molded fiber products.               83
  • Figure 55. Fiber-based screw cap.         86
  • Figure 56. Molded fiber trays for contact lenses.            88
  • Figure 57. Cullen Eco-Friendly Packaging beerGUARD molded fiber trays.       92
  • Figure 58. Molded fiber plastic rings.    93
  • Figure 59. Mushroom leather.  96
  • Figure 60. Unilever Carte D’Or ice cream packaging.   104
  • Figure 61. Kiefel fiber transfer of pre-pressed products in the hot-press station for final pressing and drying (transfer process).         107
  • Figure 62. Matrix Pack molded-fiber beverage cup lid. 109
  • Figure 63. Molded fiber Labeling applied to products.  110
  • Figure 64. Coca-cola paper bottle prototype.   116
  • Figure 65. Molded fiber tray.     124
  • Figure 66. Molded pulp bottles.               127
  • Figure 67. Molded fiber laundry detergent bottle.           129
  • Figure 68. Varden coffee pod.  137
  • Figure 69. UFP Technologies, Inc. product examples. 138
  • Figure 70. npulp packaging.      141
  • Figure 71. Western Pulp Products corner protectors.  142

 

 

 

The Global Market for Molded Fiber Packaging 2024-2035
The Global Market for Molded Fiber Packaging 2024-2035
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The Global Market for Molded Fiber Packaging 2024-2035
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