Sustainable Packaging Statistics 2025: The Impact of Eco-Friendly Solutions
Sustainability is driving significant changes across industries, including product packaging, as highlighted by key sustainable packaging statistics. Companies are adapting to meet consumer demand and regulatory requirements, recognizing that the materials and processes they choose today will significantly impact both the environment and their business success.
This change in buying behavior is largely driven by increased environmental awareness fueled by social media, documentaries, and global movements. Easy access to information has empowered consumers to make more informed choices, especially Millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize sustainability more than older generations.
Business owners and professionals in the procurement or packaging field need to understand sustainability and how it can impact their brand. Aligning with these evolving expectations is crucial for maintaining market relevance and enhancing brand loyalty.
This article provides valuable insights into the sustainable packaging industry and key sustainable packaging statistics that explain why integrating eco-friendly practices into your packaging strategies is essential to meet consumer demands while contributing to broader sustainability goals.

Importance of Sustainable Packaging and Its Environmental Impact
Many brands are transitioning to sustainable packaging due to its positive environmental benefits. Here are some examples of how sustainable packaging helps conserve the planet and its resources.
1. Reduction of solid waste
Packaging waste is a major contributor to municipal solid waste, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reporting that in 2018, packaging and containers made up 82.2 million tons or 28.1% of the total waste generated.
By adopting recyclable and reusable materials, brands can help reduce the volume of waste ending up in landfills. For instance, using packaging made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) content not only diverts waste from landfills but also reduces the demand for virgin materials.
2. Decreased reliance on fossil fuels
The production of traditional plastic packaging is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with 99% of plastic products requiring them. The extraction and burning of fossil fuels release significant amounts of carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.
By switching to sustainable packaging options such as bioplastics, which are derived from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane, companies can reduce their carbon footprint. Moreover, the use of recycled plastics in packaging further cuts down on the need for new fossil fuel-based materials, helping to mitigate climate change.
3. Conservation of natural resources
Adopting a minimalist approach to packaging design or opting for renewable, biodegradable, or compostable options can help reduce negative environmental impact. For example, packaging made from bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource, helps preserve forests and reduces the depletion of non-renewable resources like petroleum-based plastics. This approach underscores the importance of sustainable packaging in ensuring that resources are available for future generations.
4. Increased energy efficiency
Traditional packaging production often requires significant energy inputs, primarily from fossil fuels. However, manufacturers are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind to power their operations. This shift not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with packaging production but also promotes energy independence and sustainability.
Additionally, the manufacturing processes for sustainable materials, such as recycled aluminum or glass, typically require less energy than producing these materials from scratch, further enhancing energy efficiency.
5. Extended shelf life
Sustainable packaging solutions also offer practical benefits, such as extending the shelf life of products, particularly food items. Innovative packaging materials like low-density perforated polyethylene (LDPE) can significantly prolong the freshness of produce, such as extending the shelf life of bananas to up to 30 days.
This technology enhances durability and product protection, minimizes the frequency of product spoilage and damage, and contributes to less waste in both retail and consumer settings.
7 Key Sustainable Packaging Statistics
1. The sustainable packaging market is projected to grow to $423.56 billion by 2029
The sustainable packaging market is projected to grow from an estimated USD 292.71 billion in 2024 to USD 423.56 billion by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.67%. Key factors driving this expansion include rising consumer interest in sustainability, the growing influence of circular economy practices, and stricter global regulations aimed at reducing packaging waste, particularly single-use plastics.

Source: Mordor Intelligence
Policies like the European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan and mandates to reduce plastic waste in countries such as the United States and Canada are pushing companies to invest more in sustainable packaging solutions.
Countries such as France, Germany, and the U.K. are leading with robust recycling measures and extended producer responsibilities (EPRs). In Asia, Thailand has implemented a nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags to combat plastic pollution.
Despite advancements, plastic pollution remains a critical issue, with 8 million metric tons of plastic entering the oceans annually. By 2025, over 40% of companies plan to adopt innovative and sustainable packaging techniques as they pivot towards a circular economy.
However, the continued use of non-recyclable and non-biodegradable plastics is exacerbating carbon emissions. In response, major corporations such as Amazon, Google, and Tetrapak are setting ambitious net-zero carbon targets, a move that will require significant capital investments.
2. Food and beverage is the leading segment in the global sustainable packaging market in terms of application
The food and beverages sector leads the global green packaging market, primarily driven by the demand for convenience foods such as frozen items, snacks, and beverages. These products are popular due to their portability, long shelf life, and ease of preparation.

Consumers are increasingly choosing convenience foods that provide nutritional value, appealing packaging, and safety. Drivenby busy lifestyles and an aging population, this demand has led packaging manufacturers to focus on innovative, sustainable solutions.
As consumer awareness of sustainability increases, chemical suppliers and FMCG companies are moving toward greener packaging by reducing plastic use and enhancing packaging structures. Regulatory measures and industry commitments are further accelerating this transition to sustainable packaging.
3. The recycled materials packaging solutions market size is currently valued at $189.92 billion
The recycled materials packaging solutions market is projected to reach USD 245.56 billion by 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.27%. In terms of production volume, the market is expected to increase from 248.60 million tons to 315.70 million tons during the same period.
Recycled materials, reprocessed from previously used products, are becoming a crucial component in sustainable packaging. Companies are increasingly turning to recycled content to reduce waste and optimize manufacturing processes, offering both environmental and cost benefits.

Source: Mordor Intelligence
One key area of growth within this market is the adoption of post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. PCR packaging involves recycling materials like plastics collected from consumer products and reprocessing them into new packaging. This approach not only decreases reliance on virgin materials but also contributes to a circular economy by reintroducing used materials into the production cycle.
Technological advancements have led to innovative recyclable packaging solutions that meet industry needs while ensuring product protection and functionality. The rise of biodegradable and bio-based materials further supports sustainability efforts by reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional oil-based polymers.
Furthermore, promoting recycling helps reduce waste management costs, allowing municipalities to allocate savings to other critical areas such as education and infrastructure.

4. ESG-claimed products outpaced those without such claims, achieving a 28% average growth over five years
A McKinsey & Company report showed that products with ESG-related claims saw an average growth of 28% over five years, compared to 20% for non-ESG products. These statistics reflect a strong consumer preference for products with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) attributes.
Consequently, brands must innovate by incorporating sustainable materials and practices to enhance their brand reputation and drive market growth. However, the report also reveals that not all ESG claims have the same impact. Less common claims, like “vegan” or “carbon zero,” tend to drive higher growth compared to more common claims, such as “environmentally sustainable.”
To gain a competitive advantage, brands should focus on unique and meaningful ESG claims, ensuring they are backed by genuine actions to build consumer trust and loyalty.
5. While U.S. consumers are willing to pay an 11% premium for eco-friendly products, the actual premium averages 28%.
As concerns rise, consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for sustainable products but often encounter barriers. According to Bain & Company, half of consumers consider sustainability a top purchase criterion, yet misconceptions about what is truly sustainable often lead to misguided choices.
Many consumers also differ in their definitions of sustainability, with 50% focusing on product reuse and waste minimization, while companies tend to market sustainability based on production methods and ingredients.

This disconnect results in nearly half of consumers in developed markets believing sustainable living is too costly, compared to 35% in fast-growing markets. Key sustainable packaging statistics reflect how cultural norms and financial realities heavily influence these perceptions. In fast-growing markets, sustainability often aligns with traditional practices, while in developed markets, it requires resisting a consumption-driven culture.
Consumer behavior can shift rapidly, influenced by external factors like government regulations. For example, China’s incentives for electric vehicles have led 19% of its consumers to drive electric cars, compared to 8% globally. Since the introduction of the single-use plastic bag charge in England in 2015, their usage has dropped by 98%.
6. Only 7% of companies succeed in sustainability transformations
Achieving major sustainability transformations is challenging, with only 7% of companies succeeding. For those pursuing packaging circularity, it’s crucial to focus on five key areas: benchmarks, legislation, infrastructure, consumer behavior, and technology, collectively known as BLICT.

Source: Bain & Company
Understanding these key principles, companies can prioritize efforts and engage stakeholders. One global beauty brand used this approach to reduce its packaging-related greenhouse gas emissions by over 40% by 2030. This brand achieved this result by reducing packaging material by 20%, incorporating 50% recycled plastic, and ensuring all packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
7. The demand for recycled plastics can outstrip supply by 2030
A common misconception about sustainable packaging is that it is always more expensive than traditional materials. However, the reality is more nuanced. For instance, if all retailers meet their sustainability targets, the demand for recycled plastics could reach 90 million tons by 2030, while the global supply may only hit 60 million tons.
This disparity could drive up costs, affecting retailer margins. Although there is often a premium on recycled materials, retailers can lower these costs by investing in capabilities and engaging upstream in the value chain. By doing so, they can reduce their plastic packaging expenses by an average of 15% and up to 40% in some categories.

Source: McKinsey & Company
Retailers have a unique opportunity to lead the sustainable packaging industry by leveraging sustainable packaging statistics, gathering comprehensive data, addressing internal challenges, and driving innovation.This approach not only reduces costs and strengthens supply chains but also meets consumer expectations without increasing prices.
Building a sustainable packaging strategy involves understanding the entire packaging portfolio, integrating sustainability principles into design processes, forming partnerships across the value chain, and developing new internal capabilities. This holistic approach is crucial for aligning with the broader goals of the sustainable packaging market in today’s economy.
Importance of Sustainable Packaging: Strategic Implications for Brands

The sustainable packaging statistics highlight opportunities and challenges for brands. As consumer demand for eco-friendly products grows, companies must adapt their strategies to stay competitive in the evolving sustainable packaging market. Here are key considerations.
1. Build a resilient and adaptable packaging strategy
Consumer priorities are changing faster than many companies can keep up with, making it crucial for businesses to look beyond the traditional 3-year strategic planning window. While some companies plan, they often focus on technology adoption, neglecting other rapidly evolving factors like regulations and consumer behavior.
To stay competitive, companies must develop strategies that are not only flexible but also future-proof, addressing these critical elements.
2. Proactively navigate and influence regulatory developments
Government regulations are increasingly shaping consumer behavior and market dynamics, as reflected in key sustainable packaging statistics. To remain competitive, companies must proactively anticipate and influence these regulatory developments. Collaborating with an experienced product packaging manufacturer can help businesses navigate the complexities of evolving regulations and ensure their packaging strategies are compliant and future-proof.
As government intervention becomes more aggressive in response to global warming, anticipating policy shifts and adapting accordingly will be crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.
3. Utilize digital tools for ongoing experimentation and adjustment
In a dynamic market, continued growth is essential. Companies should use digital tools to test and refine their sustainability messaging, gathering deep insights into what resonates with various consumer segments. Brands can quickly adapt their strategies based on real-time data. This strategy can help align their offerings with consumer values while boosting marketing ROI and driving sales growth.
4. Understand and address a diverse consumer landscape
Traditional assumptions about sustainability-focused consumers are outdated. Today’s market is diverse, with varied definitions of sustainability and motivations for their purchasing decisions. Companies must innovate to create products and packaging that resonate with these diverse groups.
For instance, custom packaging solutions allow brands to design packaging that aligns with local market preferences and the unique sustainability values of different consumer segments. This approach ensures that sustainability is strategically aligned with key purchase criteria without forcing trade-offs.
Giving Green a Chance
Sustainability in packaging has become a critical requirement for brands as consumers increasingly demand environmentally responsible products. Key sustainable packaging statistics highlight the harmful effects of unsustainable packaging, driving consumers to expect companies to adopt practices that protect the environment.
For brands, transitioning to sustainable packaging is not just about meeting consumer expectations—it’s about aligning with global sustainability goals and enhancing brand reputation. However, this shift can be complex, requiring specialized knowledge and expertise.
Meyers understands the challenges and opportunities in making this transition. With a legacy of helping brands succeed since 1949, we offer expert retail product packaging solutions to achieve your sustainability goals and enhance your brand with solutions ranging from PCR packaging to recyclable folding cartons.
Ready to explore how sustainable packaging can benefit your business? Talk to Meyers experts today and learn more about our comprehensive services.
Meyers creates folding carton packaging and labels that help shape a better future for people, products, and the planet. Trusted by leading brands like Hormel, Ulta Beauty, and Microsoft, Meyers combines innovation with a commitment to sustainability. Contact us today to learn more.