April 2025
26 Aug 2025
The Europe packaging market market is booming, poised for a revenue surge into the hundreds of millions from 2025 to 2034, driving a revolution in sustainable transportation.
The Europe packaging market revolves around vital value chain partners like Packaging Europe that make efforts to solve the global packaging challenges. Packaging Europe contributes to uniting the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) value chain through transformative initiatives. Moreover, EUROPEN focuses on protecting consumer products as well as the environment. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for packaging apply across the 27 European Union member states. The European Commission is dedicated to protecting the planet and boosting businesses through packaging waste regulation.
Sustainable packaging across Europe leads to creating more business opportunities. The European industries are focusing on decreasing pollution and reducing packaging waste. The government organizations are planning to harmonize packaging standards and make packaging safe again. All these efforts will lead to cuts in greenhouse gases and fossil fuels. The supportive new measures by the European Commission will introduce packaging that is less wasteful, more recyclable, and clearly labeled. The new packaging measures will encourage the re-use, refill, and collection of plastics. There will be no useless packaging or pellets in product deliveries, which presents fairer and safer solutions.
The introduction of the packaging and packaging waste regulation by the European Commission will be applicable from mid-2026, which is a good alternative to the current packaging waste directive.
There will be adoption and implementation of the new regulation to all packaging and packaging waste.
Businesses face challenges in complying with different national rules and their implementation varies by country. It becomes challenging to balance hygiene and sustainability in the food and healthcare sectors. There is a significant variation in waste recycling based on countries and materials.
The rigid packaging segment dominated the Europe packaging market in 2024 owing to the numerous benefits across the functional, marketing, branding, sustainability, and circular economy sectors. The rigid packaging provides protection to materials and products and extends their shelf life. The rigid packaged products are safe and convenient for consumers. They are also efficient in logistics and handling. 
The flexible packaging segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the Europe packaging market during the forecast period due to lower greenhouse gas emissions, resource efficiency, and reduced food waste. It is beneficial to the supply chain, cost efficiency, and consumer convenience. The products with flexible packaging are portable and offer strong branding opportunities.
The plastic segment dominated the Europe packaging market in 2024 owing to the versatility, strength, and lightweight nature of plastic. The bottles made up of HDPE and PET are highly recyclable in Europe. Plastic is good for food preservation and food safety by ensuring hygiene and providing food security.
The paper & paperboard segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the Europe packaging market during the forecast period due to the extensive use of paper & paperboard for products like cartons and corrugated boxes. The highly recyclable nature of these materials makes them popular in the European markets. These materials reduce the carbon footprint and are biodegradable.
The primary packaging segment dominated the Europe packaging market in 2024 owing to the protection of food and other products from environmental conditions and control of contamination. It ensures regulatory compliance and market access and enhances marketing and consumer engagement. It also improves operational and supply chain efficiency.
The tertiary packaging segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the Europe packaging market during the forecast period due to the major role of tertiary packaging in enhancing transport efficiency. It streamlines warehousing and standardizes handling. It drives the reduction of waste and promotes reuse and recyclability.
The food and beverage segment dominated the Europe packaging market in 2024 owing to the high resource efficiency and reduced food waste offered by the packaging of food and beverage products. Food and beverage packaging builds brand identity and empowers consumers to fulfill their demands and needs. The use of bioplastics, plant-based materials, and highly recyclable materials improves food quality and safety.
The e-commerce & retail segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the Europe packaging market during the forecast period due to the numerous benefits of packaging for e-commerce and logistics. It promotes brand recognition and builds customer loyalty. Packaging optimizes shipping efficiency and drives sustainability.
Europe is experiencing a significant growth in the packaging market due to the new regulations for packaging in Europe. These requirements and regulations include the packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR), extended producer responsibility (EPR), EU deforestation regulation (EUDR), single-use plastics directive (SUPD), and plastic tax. The new reforms enable companies to reduce fees and taxes, avoid market restrictions, and enhance business value. The PPWR regulation of the EU promotes sustainable packaging that will transition a circular and competitive economy for packaging and its associated waste.
By Packaging Type
By Material
By Packaging Function
By End-Use Industry
By Region
Source: https://www.towardspackaging.com/insights/europe-packaging-market-sizing
April 2025
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