Press Release

The North America eco-friendly food packaging market revenue surpassed US$ 57.68 billion in 2024 and is predicted to attain around US$ 91.81 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033.

North America's eco-friendly food packaging market is significantly influenced by growing consumer demand and ongoing innovation. As of 2024, approximately 165 million consumers are actively seeking products that feature sustainable packaging solutions, showcasing a rapidly expanding audience that prioritizes environmental stewardship. This shift in consumer behavior is reshaping the market, driving companies to adapt and innovate to meet the increasing expectations for eco-friendly options.

In this evolving landscape, the annual production of biodegradable packaging materials has surged to 2.5 million metric tons, underscoring the intensified efforts to diminish reliance on traditional plastics. This production growth reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and the development of alternatives that align with consumer preferences for environmentally responsible packaging.

Moreover, a notable trend is emerging in consumer willingness to invest in sustainable packaging. Approximately half of US consumers are prepared to pay a premium for eco-friendly packaging solutions. Specifically, about 50% of consumers are willing to pay an additional 1 to 3 percent. However, 25% are willing to spend 4 to 7 percent more, and around 12% are open to paying 7 to 10 percent more. This readiness to pay extra for sustainable packaging highlights the growing recognition of its value and the importance consumers place on making environmentally conscious choices.

North America Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Market Key Takeaways

• North America eco-friendly food packaging market is projected to experience substantial growth, with estimates indicating a revenue increase of US$ 91.81 billion by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033.
• In terms of material type, biodegradable materials have emerged as a significant segment within the North American eco-friendly food packaging market, capturing over 19% of the market share. This leadership position is largely attributed to heightened environmental consciousness among consumers and the implementation of stringent regulatory measures.
• When examining product types, boards and trays have established themselves as the leading category within the market, commanding more than 32.40% of the market share. Their dominance can be attributed to their versatility and functionality, as well as their ability to provide sturdy support for a diverse array of food products.
• Regarding packaging materials, paper, and paperboard have secured their position as the most prominent eco-friendly options in the North American market, accounting for over 40.70% of the market share. The popularity of these materials stems from their inherent properties of recyclability and biodegradability.
• In terms of applications, the food and beverage industry represents the largest end-use sector in the North American eco-friendly food packaging market, controlling over 85.1% of market consumption. This significant share is driven by the industry's high volume of packaged goods and the escalating consumer preference for sustainable packaging options.
• The United States plays a pivotal role in the North American eco-friendly packaging market, accounting for more than 82.8% of the region's revenue. This dominance is underpinned by several critical factors, including a robust infrastructure that supports sustainable practices, high consumer demand for eco-friendly products, and significant advancements in packaging technology.

Market Overview

The eco-friendly food packaging market encompasses a wide range of packaging products developed by both major industry players and local entities. These products are designed to deliver food in a safe and secure manner while prioritizing environmental sustainability. In North America, this market is characterized by a high degree of specialization, with approximately 9,200 distinct packaging solutions tailored to specific food categories such as dairy, fresh produce, and frozen goods. This specialization allows brands to meet the unique needs of various segments within the food industry, ensuring that products maintain their quality and safety during transportation and storage.

Simultaneously, there is a growing emphasis on consumer engagement programs aimed at fostering awareness and understanding of sustainable packaging practices. Currently, around 3,500 educational initiatives are in place to guide consumers in making informed decisions about the end-of-life options for their packaging. These programs play a crucial role in empowering individuals to choose eco-friendly alternatives and understand the importance of responsible disposal methods. As consumer interest in sustainability continues to rise, these engagement efforts will likely intensify, further bridging the gap between consumers and sustainable packaging solutions.

Moreover, the eco-friendly food packaging landscape is continually evolving, supported by a burgeoning network of innovative startups. Approximately 180 startups have successfully secured venture capital investments, driving advancements in the development of biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, and even edible polymers. This influx of investment not only fuels innovation but also contributes to the diversification of available packaging options, enabling companies to adopt more sustainable practices. As these startups develop new technologies and materials, the eco-friendly food packaging market is positioned for significant growth and transformation, aligning with the increasing consumer demand for environmentally responsible solutions.

Market Growth Factors

Driver

Consumer Demand for Sustainable Packaging Solutions: The growing awareness of environmental issues among consumers is significantly influencing the packaging industry. As people become more conscious of their ecological footprint, there is an increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. This shift in consumer preferences is driving innovation across various sectors, leading businesses to explore new materials, designs, and processes. 

Technological Advancements in Biodegradable Materials: Technological innovations in biodegradable materials are revolutionizing the packaging industry, allowing for the creation of new, sustainable packaging options that meet both performance and environmental standards. 

Restraint

Balancing Performance and Sustainability: The development of eco-friendly packaging requires a careful balance between performance and sustainability. In order to meet the growing demand for environmentally responsible solutions, achieving optimal functionality while minimizing environmental impact is paramount. 

Limited Infrastructure for Composting and Recycling: Despite the advancements in eco-friendly packaging, the limited infrastructure for composting and recycling poses significant challenges in effectively processing these materials. This limitation affects the overall sustainability goals of eco-friendly packaging initiatives. 

Top Trends

Integration of Smart Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Technologies: The integration of smart eco-friendly food packaging technologies is revolutionizing the food industry by enhancing both functionality and sustainability. These innovations are designed not only to protect food products but also to improve the overall consumer experience while minimizing environmental impacts.

Rise of Reusable and Refillable Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Systems: 

The trend towards reusable and refillable eco-friendly food packaging systems is gaining momentum as businesses and consumers recognize the need to reduce single-use waste. This shift is crucial for addressing the growing concerns surrounding plastic pollution and environmental sustainability.

North America Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Market Major Players:

• Amcor
• Ball Corporation
• BASF
• Be Green Packaging
• Berry Global
• Crown Holdings Inc.
• DS Smith
• DuPont
• Elopak
• Evergreen Packaging
• Gwp Group
• Huhtamaki Oyj
• Mondi
• Nampak
• Mondi Group
• Paperfoam
• Printpak Inc.
• Sealed Air
• Sealed Air Corporation
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Sonoco Products Company
• Sustainable Packaging Industries
• Swedbrand Groups
• Tetra Laval
• Tetra Pak
• Westrock Company
• Winpak Ltd.
• Other Prominent Players

Key Segmentation:

By Material Type

• Biodegradable
• Recyclable
• Compostable
• Reusable
• Natural Fiber
• Plant Based
• Non- Toxic Material

By Packaging Material

• Paper & Paperboard
• Plastic
• Starch-Based
• Cellulose-Based
• Polylactic Acid (PLA)
• Others
• Glass
• Corn Starch
• Bubble Wrap Packaging
• Metal
• Rice Husk
• Gelatin Films
• Others

By Product

• Boards & Trays
• Bottles
• Containers
• Jars
• Box
• Milk & Other Beverage Cartons
• Tub
• Tableware
• Others

By Application

• Food and Beverage
• Bakery and Confectionery
• Others

By Country

• The U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico