Asia Pacific Molded Pulp Packaging Market size exceeded USD 1.27 billion in 2020 and is predicted to register a growth of over 5.4% from 2021 to 2027.

Molded pulp is a packaging material, typically made from recycled wood and non-wood materials such as paper board, newsprints, etc. It is used in food service trays, carriers, and for protective packaging. Other typical uses are plates, end caps, bowls, and clamshell containers. The growing environmental concerns regarding plastic usage have resulted in the growing use of molded pulp, replacing plastic as a packaging material. Additionally, molded pulp products are made of 100% recycled fibers, and they are also 100% recyclable after their life cycle, consequently making them sustainable for packaging. High growth in end user industries, such as agriculture, meat & poultry, and electronics across the Asia Pacific countries, will primarily drive the Asia Pacific molded pulp packaging market growth.

The growing population in developing countries, such as China and India, is likely to boost the industries, such as food service, agriculture, electronics, and various others, further propelling the adoption of molded pulp packaging. Moreover, the region is also becoming a manufacturing hub for electronics and appliances industries. Furthermore, China is the world leader in egg production, accounting for over 34% of the global market. Additionally, the government’s initiatives to introduce eggs into children’s meals also increased eggs demand, thereby boosting the demand for molded pulp for egg packaging.

Asia Pacific Market, By End-User

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The eggs industry was responsible for more than 75% of Asia Pacific molded pulp packaging market volume in 2020. Egg production continues to grow substantially with the latest figures suggesting a 24% increase across the globe in the past decade. Prominent economic growth, improved supply chain, and favorable prices are the key growth reasons for the eggs industry. Furthermore, the agribusiness industry has been observing a constant growth owing to the strong consumer demand and a steadily growing middle-class population. Growth is majorly driven by increasing agriculture trade activities among the countries.

Asia Pacific Market, By Product

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The tray segment accounted for 80% Asia Pacific molded pulp packaging market share in 2020. Molded pulp trays that are utilized for egg packaging are the most common type of molded pulp product used across the Asia Pacific region. With the greater cultural significance of eggs in the diet, molded pulp trays are expected to hold the largest market share throughout the assessment period. Other than trays, molded pulp clamshells are also growing in demand on account of the mounting demand for packaged foods. The increased demand for clamshells for packing & storing homemade or processed fast foods is likely to support the regional industry growth.

Asia Pacific Market, By Material

Molded pulps are manufactured through varied complex designs using recycled materials. Molded pulp manufacturing is relatively harder, and complex compared to plastic and metal molding, depending on the nature of the recycled paper & wood. Hence, molded pulps are classified based on types by the manufacturing process utilized in production. Rotary molding pulps are made using the rotary molding process, which involves a mold filled with pulp that is heated, rotated, and cooled down to produce the necessary shapes. Other two common types of molded pulps production are fiber thermoforming/wet press and industrial molding pulp/dry press.

Competitive Industry Landscape

Major companies operating in the Asia Pacific molded pulp packaging market are Sonoco Products Company, Smurfit Kappa, Western Pulp Products Company, Huhtamaki Group, DS Smith, and Hartmann, among others. Molded pulp packaging manufacturers are constantly expanding their product range with innovative designs and functionalities.