GITNUXREPORT 2025

Packaging Industry Statistics

Global packaging industry exceeds $900 billion, increasingly eco-friendly and innovative.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The plastic packaging segment dominates the market with over 45% share globally

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The global packaging industry was valued at approximately $909 billion in 2021

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The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 50% of the global packaging market share

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The global demand for flexible packaging is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2021 to 2028

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The United States packaging industry was valued at $165 billion in 2020

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Approximately 300 million tons of packaging waste are generated globally each year

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The global corrugated packaging market size was valued at $150 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% through 2028

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The global paper packaging market is expected to reach $402.9 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.8%

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The recyclable packaging segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2022 to 2030

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E-commerce packaging accounted for approximately 35% of global packaging growth between 2020-2022

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The demand for aluminum cans increased by 3.9% globally in 2022

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The global herbal and organic tea packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% through 2027, indicating diversification in niche packaging segments

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The global beverage packaging market size was valued at $99.4 billion in 2020 and expected to reach $119.4 billion by 2025

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The global carton packaging market was valued at $167.56 billion in 2020, with expected growth to 2028, CAGR of 4.7%

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The global market for secondary packaging materials is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2021 to 2028

Statistic 16

The demand for eco-friendly flexible packaging materials is likely to surpass $80 billion by 2027

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The packaged food industry in North America is valued at over $600 billion, driving packaging demand

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The global metal packaging market size was valued at $58 billion in 2020, with expected growth at a CAGR of 4.2% through 2027

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The global stand-up pouch market was valued at $4.1 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% through 2030

Statistic 20

The Asia-Pacific segment will dominate the global flexible packaging market through 2028, with over 45% of market share

Statistic 21

The global baby food packaging market size is expected to reach $8.5 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.8%

Statistic 22

The global wine packaging market was valued at $2.3 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $3.1 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%

Statistic 23

The use of embossed and textured packaging solutions increased by 12% globally in 2022, enhancing product appeal

Statistic 24

The global single-use packaging market is anticipated to reach $156 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 5.4%, driven by convenience and safety concerns

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The global pharmaceutical packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2021 to 2028, reaching $122 billion by 2028

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The global edible packaging market size was valued at $1.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% through 2028, driven by sustainability trends

Statistic 27

The metal aerosol packaging market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% reaching $12.5 billion by 2027, driven by personal care and pharmaceutical sectors

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The global sustainable packaging market is projected to reach $203.7 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.7%, indicating rapid industry shift towards greener solutions

Statistic 29

The global shrink sleeves market is expected to reach $4.2 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.8%, favored for branding and tamper-evidence

Statistic 30

The global beverage cartons market size was valued at $34 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at 4.8% CAGR through 2028

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The use of nanotechnology in packaging materials is expected to increase at a CAGR of 12.3% from 2022 to 2030, mainly for securing product freshness

Statistic 32

The global plant-based packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% reaching $7.8 billion by 2028, driven by sustainability preferences

Statistic 33

The global edible films and coatings market is expected to reach $4.3 billion by 2028, driven by food preservation needs

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The global biodegradable plastics market was valued at $4.7 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.5% through 2028, reflecting increasing environmental concerns

Statistic 35

The global compressed gas packaging market size was valued at $10 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% through 2027, driven by industrial applications

Statistic 36

The global snack food packaging market is expected to reach $28.3 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%, influenced by convenience packaging trends

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Sustainable packaging accounts for about 42% of the market share in Europe as of 2023

Statistic 38

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to see a CAGR of 5.1% in the packaging market through 2028

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The average amount of packaging used per capita in developed countries is approximately 180 pounds annually

Statistic 40

The use of biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging materials grew by 15% globally in 2022

Statistic 41

The recyclable PET bottles market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% through 2027, reflecting increased focus on sustainability

Statistic 42

The use of biodegradable plastics in packaging increased by 30% from 2019 to 2022, mainly in food packaging applications

Statistic 43

Approximately 75% of all packaging waste is landfilled or incinerated globally, with only 25% recycled

Statistic 44

The demand for sustainable rigid plastic packaging is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2021 to 2028

Statistic 45

The demand for eco-friendly smile packaging in the confectionery industry increased by 20% in 2022, indicating eco-conscious consumer preferences

Statistic 46

The demand for compostable foodservice packaging increased by 25% during 2020-2022, driven by restaurant and retail sectors

Statistic 47

The market for eco-friendly straws and stirrers grew by 35% in 2022 as part of sustainable packaging efforts

Statistic 48

The demand for environmentally friendly labels increased by 22% globally in 2022, mainly for organic and sustainable products

Statistic 49

The use of RFID technology in packaging is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.1% from 2022 to 2030, driven by supply chain optimization needs

Statistic 50

The use of smart packaging technology is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.2% from 2022 to 2030, driven by consumer engagement and product safety

Statistic 51

The adoption of 3D printing for packaging prototypes has increased by 20% annually since 2020, enabling rapid customization

Statistic 52

The use of dual-architecture packaging (combining materials) increased by 18% in 2022 to enhance product protection and aesthetic appeal

Statistic 53

The market share of augmented reality (AR) in packaging design is anticipated to increase by 25% by 2025, enhancing consumer interaction

Statistic 54

The circuit board in smart packaging is being integrated at a rate of 10% annually since 2020 to include tracking and anti-counterfeiting features

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Key Highlights

The global packaging industry was valued at approximately $909 billion in 2021
The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 50% of the global packaging market share
The global demand for flexible packaging is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2021 to 2028
The use of biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging materials grew by 15% globally in 2022
The United States packaging industry was valued at $165 billion in 2020
Approximately 300 million tons of packaging waste are generated globally each year
The global corrugated packaging market size was valued at $150 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% through 2028
Sustainable packaging accounts for about 42% of the market share in Europe as of 2023
The plastic packaging segment dominates the market with over 45% share globally
The global paper packaging market is expected to reach $402.9 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.8%
The recyclable packaging segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2022 to 2030
E-commerce packaging accounted for approximately 35% of global packaging growth between 2020-2022
The demand for aluminum cans increased by 3.9% globally in 2022

As the global packaging industry approaches a staggering valuation of $909 billion in 2021, driven by rapid growth in Asia-Pacific, rising demand for sustainable materials, and innovative technologies like smart and biodegradable packaging, it is clear that this dynamic sector is transforming at an unprecedented pace to meet the evolving needs of consumers and the environment.

Market Segments and Industry-Specific Developments

The plastic packaging segment dominates the market with over 45% share globally

Market Segments and Industry-Specific Developments Interpretation

With more than 45% of the market, plastic packaging's dominance underscores the industry's reliance on a material often criticized for environmental impact, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable innovation.

Market Size and Valuations

The global packaging industry was valued at approximately $909 billion in 2021
The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 50% of the global packaging market share
The global demand for flexible packaging is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2021 to 2028
The United States packaging industry was valued at $165 billion in 2020
Approximately 300 million tons of packaging waste are generated globally each year
The global corrugated packaging market size was valued at $150 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% through 2028
The global paper packaging market is expected to reach $402.9 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.8%
The recyclable packaging segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2022 to 2030
E-commerce packaging accounted for approximately 35% of global packaging growth between 2020-2022
The demand for aluminum cans increased by 3.9% globally in 2022
The global herbal and organic tea packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% through 2027, indicating diversification in niche packaging segments
The global beverage packaging market size was valued at $99.4 billion in 2020 and expected to reach $119.4 billion by 2025
The global carton packaging market was valued at $167.56 billion in 2020, with expected growth to 2028, CAGR of 4.7%
The global market for secondary packaging materials is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2021 to 2028
The demand for eco-friendly flexible packaging materials is likely to surpass $80 billion by 2027
The packaged food industry in North America is valued at over $600 billion, driving packaging demand
The global metal packaging market size was valued at $58 billion in 2020, with expected growth at a CAGR of 4.2% through 2027
The global stand-up pouch market was valued at $4.1 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% through 2030
The Asia-Pacific segment will dominate the global flexible packaging market through 2028, with over 45% of market share
The global baby food packaging market size is expected to reach $8.5 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.8%
The global wine packaging market was valued at $2.3 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $3.1 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%
The use of embossed and textured packaging solutions increased by 12% globally in 2022, enhancing product appeal
The global single-use packaging market is anticipated to reach $156 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 5.4%, driven by convenience and safety concerns
The global pharmaceutical packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2021 to 2028, reaching $122 billion by 2028
The global edible packaging market size was valued at $1.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% through 2028, driven by sustainability trends
The metal aerosol packaging market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% reaching $12.5 billion by 2027, driven by personal care and pharmaceutical sectors
The global sustainable packaging market is projected to reach $203.7 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.7%, indicating rapid industry shift towards greener solutions
The global shrink sleeves market is expected to reach $4.2 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.8%, favored for branding and tamper-evidence
The global beverage cartons market size was valued at $34 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at 4.8% CAGR through 2028
The use of nanotechnology in packaging materials is expected to increase at a CAGR of 12.3% from 2022 to 2030, mainly for securing product freshness
The global plant-based packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% reaching $7.8 billion by 2028, driven by sustainability preferences
The global edible films and coatings market is expected to reach $4.3 billion by 2028, driven by food preservation needs
The global biodegradable plastics market was valued at $4.7 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.5% through 2028, reflecting increasing environmental concerns
The global compressed gas packaging market size was valued at $10 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% through 2027, driven by industrial applications
The global snack food packaging market is expected to reach $28.3 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%, influenced by convenience packaging trends

Market Size and Valuations Interpretation

With a global packaging industry valued at nearly a trillion dollars—dominated by Asia-Pacific and hyper-focused on sustainability, e-commerce, and innovation—it's clear that while packaging keeps our products safe and stylish, our planet's health calls for a smarter, greener future in every box, can, and pouch.

Regional and Demographic Trends

Sustainable packaging accounts for about 42% of the market share in Europe as of 2023
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to see a CAGR of 5.1% in the packaging market through 2028
The average amount of packaging used per capita in developed countries is approximately 180 pounds annually

Regional and Demographic Trends Interpretation

As sustainable packaging claims nearly half of Europe's market share in 2023 and Asia-Pacific's market continues to grow at 5.1% annually, it's clear that in our roll toward a greener future, even our personal waste—averaging 180 pounds per person—demands a more responsible approach.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Packaging

The use of biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging materials grew by 15% globally in 2022
The recyclable PET bottles market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% through 2027, reflecting increased focus on sustainability
The use of biodegradable plastics in packaging increased by 30% from 2019 to 2022, mainly in food packaging applications
Approximately 75% of all packaging waste is landfilled or incinerated globally, with only 25% recycled
The demand for sustainable rigid plastic packaging is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2021 to 2028
The demand for eco-friendly smile packaging in the confectionery industry increased by 20% in 2022, indicating eco-conscious consumer preferences
The demand for compostable foodservice packaging increased by 25% during 2020-2022, driven by restaurant and retail sectors
The market for eco-friendly straws and stirrers grew by 35% in 2022 as part of sustainable packaging efforts
The demand for environmentally friendly labels increased by 22% globally in 2022, mainly for organic and sustainable products

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Packaging Interpretation

As the packaging industry embraces greener alternatives—growing deserts of biodegradable plastics, a modest but steady climb in recyclable bottles, and a burgeoning wave of eco-friendly labels and straws—it's clear that sustainability is no longer just a trend but a pressing mandate, even as the stark reality remains that 75% of packaging waste still ends up in landfills or incinerators.

Technological Innovations in Packaging

The use of RFID technology in packaging is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.1% from 2022 to 2030, driven by supply chain optimization needs
The use of smart packaging technology is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.2% from 2022 to 2030, driven by consumer engagement and product safety
The adoption of 3D printing for packaging prototypes has increased by 20% annually since 2020, enabling rapid customization
The use of dual-architecture packaging (combining materials) increased by 18% in 2022 to enhance product protection and aesthetic appeal
The market share of augmented reality (AR) in packaging design is anticipated to increase by 25% by 2025, enhancing consumer interaction
The circuit board in smart packaging is being integrated at a rate of 10% annually since 2020 to include tracking and anti-counterfeiting features

Technological Innovations in Packaging Interpretation

As the packaging industry accelerates into a future where RFID, smart tech, and augmented reality intertwine to optimize supply chains, engage consumers, and outsmart counterfeiters—it's clear that innovation is wrapping itself tightly around every box, tag, and prototype.