The Future of Packaging Is… Paper?

The global paper product market is set to experience continual growth over the coming years. In 2018 it was valued at USD 268 Billion and is forecast to grow with a CARG rate of 0.3% over the next 5 years, meaning it is expected to reach USD 275 Billion by 2025. This forecast is anticipating a steady increase in demand for these products across a range of different sectors, particularly the medical industry, the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry and the hospitality industry.

Within the paper product market, packaging materials are predicted to experience the most significant gains. Paper packaging is expected to grow with a CARG rate of 0.6% over the next 5 years, twice that of the market average. This spike in demand for paper packaging materials will be driven by the combination of a pan-industry shift away from plastic packaging and improvements in the overall quality of paper products. A Toluna study revealed that up to 70% of consumers currently view paper packaging products favourably and as a viable alternative to plastic. The quality improvements and consumer approval also mean sectors such as the food and beverage industry are willing to shift away from plastic towards paper to meet their corporate sustainability targets.

As the market for paper products rises, it is only natural that the paper recycling market will also rise. More paper being recycled means making recyclable products from recycled materials, while maintaining a high standard of quality, is becoming a much more realistic and cost-effective practice. There are calls from within the industry to have the emphasis on recycling paper match the emphasis placed on recycling plastic. Manufacturers are set to face increasing regulations and taxes around the use of plastics and so are turning to paper as a more sustainable alternative. Without an increase in the rate at which paper is recycled, the demand from these different industries simply will not be met.

JBX PaperPak is among the first Irish-owned and Ireland-based paper packaging companies fulfilling the increased demand for high-quality paper products as an alternative to plastic. With strong supply chains in Ireland, the UK, Europe and the US, JBX are servicing primarily, but not exclusively, the food and beverage industry. JBX manufactures all of their own products in their state-of-the-art factory in Dublin, Ireland; all of their non-toxic plastic-free products are 100% recyclable, biodegradable and compostable. They use reliable, local supply partners and sustainably sourced materials as part of their commitment to eco-friendly business practices, while also running annual beach cleans to help fight the growing problem of plastic pollution. JBX PaperPak is leading the way in premium-quality sustainable and recyclable paper alternatives to plastic packaging products.