Greater awareness about environmental disposal hazards and more stringent government regulations are predicted to drive the global market for sustainable packaging to reach $142.42 billion (NZD$200 billion) by 2015, according FoodProductionDaily.com.
The report cited research by Global Industry Analysts (GIA) saying the demand for sustainable packaging is also driven by increased awareness about recycling of packaging wastes and government initiatives to minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Making greater use of recycled and reusable materials has also helped companies cut costs and packaging waste.
The report, “Sustainable (Green) Packaging: A Global Strategic Business Report,” identifies the food and beverage and food service industries that lead the drive to sustainable packaging along with cosmetics and personal care, shipping markets, and healthcare.
According to the report, several food companies also have announced plans to switch to compostable biopolymer packaging.
Unlike other sectors of the packaging industry, sustainable packaging has showed growth over the past two years bucking the economic downturn.
Europe and the US together account for more than 70% of the global sustainable packaging market. In the US recycled material accounts for the largest packaging category, contributing nearly 90% to the total demand, according to the report.
But Asia-Pacific is predicted to show the fastest growth in green packaging; increasing at an annual compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 10% over the next five years. Greater awareness about environmental concerns, government initiatives, growing economies, and burgeoning population are identified as the drivers behind this growth.
Biodegradables represent the fastest growing segment in the packaging industry, according to the report.
Among biodegradables, bioplastics are garnering increased demand in the green packaging market.
The report highlights the trend towards using sustainable packaging as a marketing tool.
Key players in the global sustainable packaging market are identified as Associated Packaging Technologies, Amcor, Ball Corp., Bemis Company, Biopack Environmental Solutions, Constar International Inc., Crown Holdings, Earthcycle Packaging, EnviroPAK, E. I. Du Pont de Nemours, Georgia-Pacific, Graphic Packaging Holding, Huhtamäki Oyj, Innovia Films, MeadWestvaco, NatureWorks, Owens-Illinois, Pactiv, Plantic Technologies, Plastipak Packaging, Printpack, Rexam, Saint-Gobain, Sealed Air, and Silgan Holdings.