Report Overview

Rising public awareness about the benefits of sustainable packaging materials and rising consumer demand for transparency are expected to drive North America Sustainable Packaging Market during the forecast period between 2026 and 2032.

North America Sustainable Packaging Market – Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2032

North America Sustainable Packaging Market size was estimated at USD 124.09 billion in 2025. During the forecast period between 2026 and 2032, North America Sustainable Packaging Market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.84% reaching a value of USD 184.63 billion by 2032. A prominent driver of North America Sustainable Packaging Market is the increasing consumer awareness about sustainable packaging and the implementation of strict government regulations, including the prohibition of single-use plastic packaging. Sustainable packaging solutions are designed to achieve several key objectives, including the reduction of product packaging, the promotion of renewable and reusable materials, cost minimization in packaging processes, the exclusion of toxic materials from production, and the facilitation of efficient packaging recycling options. Notably, the United States and Canada have taken decisive measures by banning single-use plastics and transitioning toward the adoption of sustainable packaging products. Moreover, companies are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices by utilizing biodegradable packaging materials that can be recycled, renewed, and reused. This strategic shift is expected to positively impact the market dynamics, reflecting an increasing recognition of the importance of environmentally sustainable practices in the region.

Source: BlueWeave Consulting

Sustainable Packaging – Overview

Sustainable packaging is effortlessly recyclable, ensuring both individual and environmental safety while being crafted from recycled and biodegradable materials. It incorporates materials and manufacturing processes designed to minimize energy consumption and reduce reliance on natural resources. The escalating consumer apprehension regarding the environmental ramifications of packaging has exerted substantial pressure on businesses. In response to heightened consumer and governmental expectations, companies are now compelled to adopt sustainable packaging materials and solutions for their products. The shift reflects a broader commitment to sustainable practices and aligns with the evolving environmental consciousness of both consumers and regulatory bodies.

North America Sustainable Packaging Market

Growth Drivers

Rising Environmental Awareness among Stakeholders

The awareness about the drawbacks associated with plastic products, particularly non-degradable and single-use plastics utilized in food packaging is increasingly high among various stakeholders, particularly consumers. The heightened awareness stems from the detrimental environmental impact of widespread plastic use. Notably, non-degradable plastics take centuries to decompose in landfills, posing significant threats to the environment, wildlife, and human health. As consumers become more informed about the hazards associated with plastic use in food packaging, this awareness is expected to be a key driver for the expansion of North America Sustainable Packaging Market over the forecast period.

Challenges

High Costs of associated with Sustainable Packaging

The elevated expenses linked to sustainable packaging may emerge as a substantial growth constraint impeding the expansion of North America Sustainable Packaging Market in the coming years. The primary contributor to this limitation is the high expenditure associated with the recycling processes for packaging materials, compounded by fluctuations in the prices of raw materials. These challenges collectively pose significant hurdles to the growth of North America Sustainable Packaging Market during the forecast period.

Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on North America Sustainable Packaging Market

Escalating geopolitical tensions across the regions, particularly between United States and China, could impact the growth of North America Sustainable Packaging Market. Heightened awareness about health and hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased demand for sustainable packaging, particularly in the healthcare and personal care sectors. However, the pandemic disrupted supply chains, creating challenges in the sourcing and availability of sustainable packaging materials. The surge in online shopping during lockdowns also contributed to a notable increase in packaging waste, underscoring the importance of sustainable packaging solutions in the e-commerce industry. In summary, while the pandemic and geopolitical tensions have accelerated the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions, they concurrently presented operational challenges for industry stakeholders.

North America Sustainable Packaging Market

Segmental Coverage

North America Sustainable Packaging Market – By Type

Based on type, North America Sustainable Packaging Market is divided into Recycled Content Packaging, Reusable Packaging, and Degradable Packaging segments. The reusable packaging segment is expected to hold the highest share in North America Sustainable Packaging Market by type during the forecast period. The segment’s dominance can be attributed to its multifaceted benefits, significantly reducing waste generation and aligning with the growing emphasis on sustainability. Consumers and businesses increasingly favor the reusable type of packaging for its cost-effectiveness, durability, and environmentally conscious features. As the demand for eco-friendly solutions rises, the reusable packaging segment continues to thrive, representing a pivotal component in the region's commitment to sustainable and responsible packaging practices. Also, with a rise in the use of containers in the pharmaceuticals industry, the reusable packaging segment is expected to dominate.

Source: BlueWeave Consulting

North America Sustainable Packaging Market – By Material

On the basis of material, North America Sustainable Packaging Market is divided into Paper & Paper-based Material, Recyclable Plastic, Metal, Glass, and Starch-based Materials segments. The paper & paper-based material segment holds the highest share in North America Sustainable Packaging Market by material. It is primarily due to the increasing preference for sustainable packaging choices. Paper-based materials, derived from renewable sources, offer eco-friendly alternatives in packaging. Their popularity stems from being biodegradable, recyclable, and having a low environmental impact compared to traditional packaging materials. With a rising focus on environmental consciousness and stringent regulations promoting sustainable practices, the paper & paper-based material segment remains as the largest, embodying the major APAC countries’ commitment toward Sustainable Packaging solutions.

Source: BlueWeave Consulting

North America Sustainable Packaging Market – By Product

By product, North America Sustainable Packaging Market is divided into Bags, Pouches & Sachets, Boxes, Containers, Films, Trays, Tubes, Bottles & Jars, and Cans segments. The boxes segment holds the highest share in North America Sustainable Packaging Market by product. Boxes offer a sustainable packaging solution for various products, facilitating easy storage, transportation, and display. With increasing consumer and industry demand for environmentally conscious choices, eco-friendly boxes have become instrumental in minimizing environmental impact. The adaptability of boxes for diverse products, coupled with their eco-friendly attributes, positions this segment at the forefront of the market, reflecting the region's commitment to sustainable packaging practices.

Source: BlueWeave Consulting

North America Sustainable Packaging Market – By Application

Based on application, North America Sustainable Packaging Market is divided into Food & Beverages, Pharmaceutical, Personal Care, and Home Care segments. The food & beverages segment holds the largest share of North America Sustainable Packaging Market by application. It is primarily due to the increasing favorability of sustainable packaging options like compostable materials and molded pulp, there is a growing adoption of these solutions in fast food establishments, restaurants, frozen food, dairy products, beverages, and pet food sectors.

Source: BlueWeave Consulting

North America Sustainable Packaging Market – By Country

The in-depth research report on North America Sustainable Packaging Market covers the market in the region’s major countries including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia & New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Rest of APAC. China dominates North America Sustainable Packaging Market and is also expected to continue its leadership position in North America Sustainable Packaging Market during the forecast period. It is primarily due to the convenient accessibility of raw materials. Meanwhile, India and Japan are forecast to witness substantial growth in the demand for Sustainable Packaging products and solutions from across diverse industries including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and home care.

Source: BlueWeave Consulting

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in North America Sustainable Packaging Market include Amcor plc, Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings, Inc., Graphic Packaging International, Huhtamaki, International Paper Company, Novolex, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), Sealed Air Corporation, Smurfit WestRock, and Sonoco Products Company. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In April 2025 – Amcor, a leading company in the development and productions of responsible packaging solutions for food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, and other packaging, completed its merger with Berry Global, a plastic packaging manufacturer, in an all-stock transaction.

Scope of the Report

By Type

• Recycled Content Packaging

• Reusable Packaging

• Degradable Packaging

By Material

• Paper & Paper Board

• Plastic

• Metal

• Glass

• Starch-based Materials

By Product

• Bags

• Pouches & Sachets

• Boxes

• Containers

• Films

• Trays

• Tubes

• Bottles & Jars

• Cans

By Application

• Food & Beverages

• Pharmaceutical

• Personal Care

• Home Care

By Country

• United States

• Canada