Zero Waste Packaging Market

Market Definition

Zero waste packaging is primarily designed to minimize environmental impact by eliminating waste generated within the product’s lifecycle. It emphasizes the use of recyclable, compostable, or reusable materials that align with circular economy principles. The approach reduces reliance on single-use plastics, encourages sustainable material innovation, and supports regulatory and corporate sustainability goals while addressing rising consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives.

Zero Waste Packaging Market Overview

The global zero waste packaging market size was valued at USD 127.21 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 137.65 billion in 2025 to USD 244.14 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.44% over the forecast period. This growth is driven by the rising preference for sustainable designs and reduced packaging waste. Market growth is further supported by retailers adopting minimalist packaging to lower costs and enhance eco-friendly branding.

Key Highlights:

1. The zero waste packaging industry was recorded at USD 127.21 billion in 2024.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.44% from 2025 to 2032.
3. Asia Pacific held a share of 35.03% in 2024, valued at USD 44.56 billion.
4. The compostable packaging segment garnered USD 49.12 billion in revenue in 2024.
5. The paper & cardboard segment is expected to reach USD 67.07 billion by 2032.
6. The cosmetics & personal care segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 8.59% over the forecast period.
7. North America is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.94% through the projection period.

Major companies operating in the zero waste packaging market are TIPA LTD, Hero Packaging, EcoEnclose, Sealed Air, UPM, Better Packaging Co., Tetra Pak International S.A., Avani, Amcor plc, DS Smith, Notpla Limited, LOLIWARE INC., Regeno, Loop Industries, and Unilever.

The market is experiencing growth driven by consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands adopting bio-based materials. CPG companies are adopting bio-based solutions to strengthen environmental commitments, meet regulatory requirements, and address rising consumer preference for eco-friendly products.

Innovations such as plant-based polymers and bioplastics support scalability, enabling broader implementation of zero waste strategies across diverse packaging applications within the consumer goods sector.

• In January 2024, EcoEnclose partnered with Sway to launch the seaweed-windowed retail box. It is designed to be curbside recyclable, fossil-free, and customizable. The innovation demonstrates how brands can reduce environmental impact through next-generation sustainable packaging solutions.

Market Driver

Increasing Use of Compostable Packaging Materials

A key factor propelling the progress of the zero waste packaging market is the growing use of compostable materials. These packaging solutions break down naturally without leaving harmful residues, addressing the environmental issues associated with single-use plastics. Therefore, manufacturers are integrating compostable packaging solutions into foodservice, e-commerce, and retail. 

Regulatory policies restricting single-use plastics further accelerate adoption, while advancements in material science enhance performance and durability. This supports waste reduction initiatives, promoting circularity and strengthening the market of compostable packaging.

• In January 2024, Sealed Air introduced its first biobased, industrial compostable CRYOVAC tray for protein packaging. It is made from USDA-certified resin with 54% renewable wood cellulose, and meets processing equipment requirements.

Market Challenge

Functional Constraints Restrict Growth of Biodegradable Packaging

A major challenge hindering the expansion of the zero waste packaging market is the functional constraints of biodegradable products. These materials face issues related to durability, barrier properties, and suitability for long-term storage compared with conventional plastics.

To address this challenge, manufacturers are investing in advanced material formulations, coating technologies, and hybrid packaging systems to extend shelf stability and enhance performance. These innovations are making biodegradable packaging commercially viable.

Market Trend

Expansion of Circular Economy Business Models

A notable trend influencing the zero waste packaging market is the increased adoption of circular economy business models. Companies are shifting toward closed-loop systems that prioritize reuse, refill, and recycling to minimize waste. Retailers and consumer brands are also revamping their packaging formats to facilitate multiple life cycles and reduce material waste. 

Further, packaging producers and recycling firms are partnering to support efficient resource recovery, while digital platforms are making traceability and consumer engagement easier. This transition is improving cost-efficiency and reducing environmental footprint, positioning circularity as a strategic framework for achieving long-term sustainability in the packaging industry.

• In April 2025, TIPA joined the U.S. Plastics Pact, a consortium uniting stakeholders across the plastics value chain to advance a circular economy. The initiative focuses promoting sustainable packaging practices by eliminating unnecessary plastics and ensuring reusability, recyclability, and compostability to reduce waste.

Zero Waste Packaging Market Report Snapshot

Market Segmentation:

• By Type (Reusable/Recyclable Packaging, Compostable Packaging, and Edible Packaging): The compostable packaging segment garnered USD 49.12 billion in revenue in 2024, mainly due to rising consumer preference for eco-friendly solutions and regulatory restrictions on single-use plastic packaging.
• By Material (Biopolymer, Paper & Cardboard, Glass, Metal, and Others): The biopolymer segment is poised to record a CAGR of 8.97% over the forecast period, propelled by their expanding applications and increasing adoption by CPG companies seeking sustainable alternatives.
• By Application (Food & Beverages, Healthcare, Cosmetics & Personal Care, E-Commerce, Industrial, Electrical & Electronics, and Others): The food & beverages segment is estimated to hold 24.29% share of the market by 2032, fueled by growing demand for packaging solutions that ensure product safety, extend product shelf life, and are compliant.

Zero Waste Packaging Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South America.

The Asia Pacific zero waste packaging market stood at 35.03% in 2024, valued at USD 44.56 billion. This dominance can be attributed to the expanding consumer awareness, rapid urbanization, and rising investments in sustainable packaging infrastructure.

• In March 2025 Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) acquired a 14.3% stake in Lucro Plastecycle Pvt Ltd, a recycler of flexible plastics. This investment advances HUL’s sustainability objectives, enhances recycled content availability, and supports circularity in flexible packaging, addressing hard-to-recycle plastic challenges.

Companies across retail, e-commerce, and foodservice industries are transitioning to compostable, recyclable, and reusable packaging to comply with stricter waste reduction mandates. Technological advancements in biodegradable polymers and increased deployment of refill models have further strengthened the region’s growth. Market players are also engaging in partnerships with local suppliers to enhance availability of bio-based materials across packaging applications.

• In April 2025, TIEEDI Permaculture Foundation partnered with Tetra Pak to establish a decentralized collection and recycling system for used beverage cartons. This collaboration focuses on building structured recycling networks with active participation from local waste workers and communities, ensuring cartons are efficiently collected, processed, and recycled into commercially valuable products.

North America zero waste packaging industry is set to grow at a CAGR of 8.94% over the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the adoption of sustainable packaging driven by strict regulatory policies to achieve zero waste targets. Consumer packaged companies are incorporating bio-based, recyclable, and reusable materials into their portfolios to align with circular economy practices.

Continuous innovation in material science and digital traceability solutions are strengthening market expansion. Furthermore, retailers are shifting to minimal packaging designs, while manufacturers are focusing on scaling compostable and biodegradable solutions.

• In May 2025, the Composting Consortium, in collaboration with the U.S. Composting Council and Biodegradable Products Institute, launched a grant program supporting recovery of food-contact compostable packaging. With awards up to USD 50,000, the program strengthens organics recycling infrastructure and supports scaling efforts by recyclers and local governments.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the EU, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) regulates packaging waste management. It establishes requirements for recyclable, reusable, and recoverable packaging, driving innovation in zero waste packaging solutions.
• In the U.S., the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act oversees plastic waste reduction. It enforces extended producer responsibility and promotes alternatives such as compostable and reusable packaging to minimize environmental impact.
• In Canada, the Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations mandates restrictions on problematic plastics. It encourages industries to adopt compostable, recyclable, and refillable packaging formats.
• In Japan, the Containers and Packaging Recycling Law governs recycling obligations for businesses. It mandates segregation, collection, and recycling of packaging materials, along with the adoption of sustainable and circular packaging practices.
• In India, the Plastic Waste Management Rules supervises the handling and disposal of plastic packaging. It directs producers to adopt biodegradable, recyclable, and reusable solutions.
• In Australia, the 2025 National Packaging Targets regulates packaging sustainability. It mandates 100% of packaging to be reusable, recyclable, or compostable.

Competitive Landscape

Key players operating in the zero waste packaging industry are pursuing strategies centered on innovation, expansion, and collaboration. They are increasing investments in advanced material technologies, particularly bio-based polymers and compostable alternatives, to strengthen their portfolios. Strategic alliances with recycling firms and raw material suppliers are enabling secure sourcing and improved supply chain efficiency.

• In April 2025, Toyo Seikan Group partnered with Toyota Alvark Tokyo Co., Ltd. to supply beverage and food containers for the TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO to install recycling stations. Initiatives include recyclable aluminum and paper cups, the Re-CUP WASHER, and a food-grade paper cup collection trial, increasing paper cup recycling from 23.9% in 2023 to 38.1% in 2024, supporting the arena’s zero-waste and resource circulation goals.

Companies are expanding manufacturing facilities to achieve scalability and reduce production costs. Furthermore, they are adopting acquisitions and partnerships to broaden geographic presence, while maintaining a strong focus on R&D to sustain competitiveness in the evolving market.

• In January 2025, SIG partnered with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to advance circular packaging systems. The collaboration leverages the Foundation’s expertise to reduce waste, enhance recyclability, increase renewable material use, and support SIG’s broader strategy to scale sustainable, low-carbon packaging solutions.

Top Key Companies in Zero Waste Packaging Market:

• TIPA LTD
• Hero Packaging
• EcoEnclose
• Sealed Air
• UPM
• Better Packaging Co.
• Tetra Pak International S.A.
• Avani
• Amcor plc
• DS Smith
• Notpla Limited
• LOLIWARE INC.
• Regeno
• Loop Industries
• Unilever

Recent Developments (Agreements)

• In October 2024, UPM Specialty Papers and Eastman developed a packaging solution for food applications requiring grease and oxygen barriers. The solution combines Eastman’s compostable Solus additives with BioPBS polymer on UPM’s recyclable barrier papers, enabling recycling within existing fiber streams.
• In April 2024, Kao Corporation targets net-zero plastic packaging waste by 2040 and negative waste by 2050 for containers used in its operations, promoting resource circularity. The company plans to minimize packaging usage and recycle generated plastic waste into valuable products and services.