Recycled Materials Packaging Market - By Material Type, By Packaging Type, By Packaging Form, By End Use Industry - Global Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Recycled Materials Packaging Market Size

The global recycled materials packaging market size was valued at USD 189.9 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at 5.4% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. The growth of the market is attributed to the increasing consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions.
 

The recycled materials packaging market is growing due to increasing consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Brands are compelled to switch to recycled packaging materials as consumers give eco-friendly products a higher priority. The growing concerns regarding plastic waste, deforestation, and carbon emissions have spurred the growth in the use of packaging made from post-consumer recycled plastics, paper, and metals. Consequently, companies from all sectors such as food & beverages, cosmetics, and e-commerce brands are using materials tagged with “recycled” to fulfill customer needs and improve brand loyalty.
 

According to Statista, the global market for sustainable packaging is expected to cross $490 billion by 2034, suggesting continued growth in demand for sustainable packaging. This is particularly true for consumers who belong to the millennial and Gen Z demographics, as they actively promote eco-friendly products on social media. In addition to eco-friendly packaging, consumers are willing to spend more on products made with recycled materials, which adds to the existing trend. Brand retailers are now rigorously enforcing sustainability policies which is forcing them to use verified recycled materials in their packaging components. Certain certification labels like FSM and post-consumed labeled products are becoming essentials for trust among consumers, and competition in the marketplace.
 

Recycled Materials Packaging Market Trends

• Consumer goods and retail food companies are now transitioning to the use of recycled materials packaging to meet sustainability goals. In response to the changing needs of consumers, brands from all sectors are now using post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics and paper, along with other biodegradable materials as alternative packaging options. This helps in boosting brand image while simultaneously contributing towards the global efforts of reducing the plastic waste and encouraging a circular economy. Stricter regulations on the environment have prompted leading companies in food, beverage, and consumer goods to redesign their packaging to meet the customer-driven trend.
   
• For instance, in January 2025, Mondelez International introduced 80% recycled plastic packaging for Cadbury sharing bars in the UK and Ireland. The new packaging is designed together with Amcor and Jindal Films, and it is certified by ISCC PLUS along with employing advanced recycling technology, allowing it to be used for food contact applications. This step strengthens Cadbury’s sustainability commitments while meeting the requirements of the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) which advocates for the inclusion of recycled materials in packaging.
   

Recycled Materials Packaging Market Analysis

Based on packaging type, the market classification includes primary packaging, secondary packaging, and tertiary packaging. The primary packaging segment is anticipated to grow considerably due to its direct contact with the product, ensuring protection, preservation, and consumer convenience.
 

• The primary packaging segment is anticipated to surpass USD 172.7 billion by 2034. Due to the increased interest from customers in sustainable and environmentally friendly products, the primary packaging sector is witnessing rapid growth in the market. With direct contact with the product, it has become important for brands to use post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, for legal compliance, and also for sustainability branding. In addition, strict global policies like single-use plastic bags and extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs lead brands to hastily adopt the use of recycled materials in primary packaging.
   
• The secondary packaging segment accounted for USD 62.9 billion in 2024. The sustainable practices in logistics, retail, and distribution are fuelling growth in the secondary packaging segment of the recycled materials packaging market. Companies are focusing on using high recycled content materials to minimize waste and emission in the context of a growing circular economy. Adoption of reclaimed materials for secondary packaging is also bolstered by the retail sector’s demand for green and economical packaging alternatives. The shift toward more sustainable shipping and packaging stems from the growth of e-commerce, which represents another area of development within this segment. Online sellers are also moving from traditional secondary packaging toward more environmentally friendly, recyclable, and reusable options thus meeting company as well as market demands.

Based on material type, the recycled materials packaging market is bifurcated into paper & cardboard, plastics, glass, metals, and others. Paper & cardboard dominated the market due to their high recyclability, biodegradability, and widespread adoption across industries such as food & beverages, e-commerce, and consumer goods.
 

• The paper & cardboard segment dominated the market accounting for 32.4% market share in 2024. As consumers tend toward sustainable and eco-friendly options, the paper and cardboard segments are significantly growing in the recycled materials packaging market. In addition, the quality and strength of recycled paper and cardboard have been enhanced by technological advancements in recycling, making these materials more useful in packaging food, retail, and consumer products. The shift towards compostable and biodegradable packaging materials is also aiding in the growth of this segment along with putting paper and cardboard at the forefront of sustainable packaging.
   
• The plastics segment accounted for 29.5% market share in 2024. Due to the innovations in the recycling processes and the increased adoption of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, the plastics segment of recycled materials packaging is growing significantly. To achieve sustainability objectives and fulfill government policies aimed at stimulating circular economy efforts, companies from various sectors such as food and beverage, healthcare, and personal care are using PCR plastics.
   

Based on packaging form, the recycled materials packaging market is bifurcated into bottles & jars, boxes & cartons, bags & pouches, drums & barrels, protective packaging, and others.
 

• The boxes & cartons segment dominated the market accounting for USD 58 billion in 2024. The boxes & cartons segment is experiencing robust growth in the market owing to rising considerations for eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging in sectors like e-commerce, food & beverages, and consumer products. The increase in the use of online retailing is leading to an upsurge in the need for protective and robust packaging that is eco-friendly, leading to the popularity of the use of recycled cardboard and paperboard cartons. Also, government initiatives to reduce the emission of plastics have resulted in many companies moving to the use of compostable and recyclable products, such as folding cartons and corrugated boxes.
   
• The bottles & jars segment accounted for 27.1% market share in 2024. Due to rising concern over plastic pollution, the bottles and jars segment is growing significantly which is improving the market. Sectors such as beverages, personal care, and pharmaceutical industries, are adopting PCR plastic and glass containers to minimize their ecological impact and meet government regulations regarding the use of recycled materials.
   

Based on the end-use industry, the recycled materials packaging market is bifurcated into food & beverage, personal care & cosmetics, consumer goods, retail & e-commerce, logistics & shipping, healthcare, and others.
 

• The food & beverage segment dominated the market accounting for USD 66.6 billion in 2024. A remarkable increase in the food and beverage sectors is being witnessed in the recyclable materials packaging market because of the shift in consumer behavior toward eco-friendly packaging for food and drinks. Stringent regulations regarding the use of plastic waste and the incorporation of recycled content into food-grade packaging is compelling manufacturers to switch to recycled PET, paperboard as well as biodegradable options. Innovations in food-grade recycled materials have provided ease to brands to claim sustainability in their packaging while ensuring structural integrity, product containment, and stringent safety standards for the packaged food inside.
   
• The consumer goods segment is predicted to grow at 6% CAGR during the forecast period.  The shift towards a circular economy is contributing to the increase in the consumer goods sector associated with the packaging of recycled materials. Industry leaders are switching to the use of eco-friendly packaging to enhance their market appeal and improve their brand image. Moreover, new developments in the science of materials have improved the quality and strength of recycled packaging increasing its usage in modern packaging methods.

• The U.S. recycled materials packaging market is predicted to reach USD 69.3 billion by 2034. The United States is set to witness a considerable surge in the market owing to the rigid sustainability laws and corporate pledges. Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Unilever are some of the major companies that have pledged to increase the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics in packaging to meet EPR legislation and state restrictions on plastic bottles. Besides, consumers have become more demanding toward sustainable packaging which has pushed retail and ecommerce businesses like Amazon and Walmart to adopt recyclable and biodegradable materials in packaging and shipping.
   
• The recycled materials packaging market in Germany is predicted to grow at a 5.5% CAGR during the forecast period. Germany leads the market because of its active environmental policies, high recycling rates, and the enforcement of the Packaging Act (VerpackG). Firms like Henkel, BASF, and Mondi are already investing in innovations related to bio-based and recycled plastic packaging. Furthermore, German Green Dot brings forward producer responsibility as well as circular packaging systems which forces companies to reduce waste through closed-loop recycling systems.
   
• The recycled materials packaging market in China is anticipated to reach USD 51.7 billion by 2034. The growth of recycled materials packaging in China is being propelled by government efforts focused on plastic waste reduction as well as improved domestic recycling capabilities. The emergence of e-commerce businesses like JD.com and Alibaba has driven the need for lightweight and recyclable packaging.  Moreover, foreign companies based in China are further increasing the use of recycled materials in packaging due to the country’s “dual carbon” goals.
   
• The recycled materials packaging market in India is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period. India is witnessing growth in the market, driven by government policies, increased concern from the public, and the growth of retail and e-commerce markets. The demand for eco-friendly packaged products is also rising from FMCG brands, such as Hindustan Unilever, ITC, and Dabur. This, along with the rise of sustainable consumer goods brands, is having a further stimulating effect on the broader market in India.
   
• The recycled materials packaging market in Japan is expected to grow at 6.7% CAGR during the forecast period. Top of Form Japan leverages novel recycling techniques, sustainability requirements, and corporate social responsibility policies regarding circular economies to spearhead the advancement of the market. The Plastic Resource Circulation Act (2022) mandates businesses to use recyclable packaging and incorporate a minimum percentage of post-consumer waste. Prominent firms such as Toppan Printing, Fujimori Kogyo, and Sumitomo Chemical are pursuing growth in chemical recycling and biobased products. The government’s initiatives toward a zero-waste policy and emphasis on intelligent packaging is also benefitting the market expansion.
   

Recycled Materials Packaging Market Share

Amcor, Mondi Group, Berry Global, Smurfit Kappa Group, and DS Smith PLC are the major players in the market, together accounting for about 30-35% of the market share. Key players in the industry such as Amcor, Mondi Group, Berry Global, Smurfit Kappa Group, and DS Smith PLC are innovating in the market of packaged goods using recycled materials by increasing the inclusion of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, improving recyclability, and developing green alternatives. Berry Global is focusing on sustainable development by increasing the use of post-consumer resin (PCR) plastic in packaging for food, beverages, and personal care products. These players are a pioneers in the expanding concepts of reusable and returnable packaging, enabling the shift towards circular supply chains. These companies are seeking to improve their competitive advantage in the recycled materials packaging market through strategic partnerships, new product introductions, and the adoption of advanced recycling techniques.
 

Amcor is proactively progressing towards sustainable packaging with the incorporation of post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials into its flexible and rigid packaging solutions. The company aims to make all its packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025, and so far, has accomplished 95% of this target. The company partners with other global brands and organizations in the promotion of a circular economy that minimizes the use of virgin plastics. Amcor also conducts life cycle assessments for their packaging products to improve the environmental and resource efficiency impacts of their production.
 

Mondi contributes to sustainability in packaging by incorporating recycled materials into paper and flexible plastic products. The firm aims to raise the volume of post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, especially corrugated containers, paper bags, and hybrid paper-plastic packages. EcoSolutions product range has been developed to enhance recyclability and minimize the use of virgin materials. Mondi also invests in new technologies for the recycling of materials and works with other companies to improve circular economy activities. The company’s purpose is in line with international goals for sustainability by enabling packaging to be both compliant and responsive to the green economy’s requirements.
 

Recycled Materials Packaging Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the recycled materials packaging industry include:

• Amcor
• Berry Global
• DS Smith PLC
• International Paper Company
• Kruger Inc.
• Mondi Group
• Packaging Corporation of America
• Sealed Air Corp.
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Tetra Laval International SA
   

Recycled Materials Packaging Industry News

• In February 2025, Berry Global and Mars expanded their sustainability efforts by transitioning M&M’S, SKITTLES, and STARBURST pantry jars to 100% recycled plastic, excluding lids. This move eliminates over 1,300 metric tons of virgin plastic annually, supporting a circular economy and advancing Mars' goal of reducing plastic waste through innovative packaging solutions.
   
• In April 2024, Amcor and Kimberly-Clark launched 30%-recycled content packaging for Huggies Eco Protect diapers in Peru. The initiative aligns with circular economy goals, reducing energy consumption by 30% and lowering the carbon footprint by 23%. The packaging, made from post-consumer recycled plastic film, caters to growing consumer demand for sustainable solutions.
   
• In April 2024, Amcor introduced the first-ever one-liter carbonated soft drink bottle made from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) material. This innovation supports brands in meeting sustainability goals and regulatory requirements. The initiative aligns with Amcor’s 2025 pledge, with ARP already achieving 95% recyclability across its packaging solutions.
   

The recycled materials packaging market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Material Type

• Paper & cardboard
• Plastics
• Glass
• Metals
• Others

Market, By Packaging Type

• Primary packaging
• Secondary packaging
• Tertiary packaging

Market, By Packaging Form

• Bottles & jars
• Boxes & cartons
• Bags & pouches
• Drums & barrels
• Protective packaging
• Others

Market, By End Use Industry

• Food & beverage
• Personal care & cosmetics
• Consumer goods
• Retail & e-commerce
• Logistics & shipping
• Healthcare
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada 
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy 
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico 
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE