Paperization trend gains momentum in food industry, says GlobalData

Paperization is gaining traction in the food industry as companies increasingly replace plastic with paper-based packaging. According to GlobalData, this shift is driven by sustainability goals, regulatory pressure, and consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions.

“Compostable and recyclable packaging options that use paper and molded fiber are growing in demand, and manufacturers are capitalizing on this trend by introducing innovative packaging formats using these materials,” said Naveed Khan, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData.

For example, in Australia, Mars Australia introduced a paper-based Squeeze-On Tomato Sauce pack under its MasterFoods brand in November 2024. The pack is recyclable and is claimed to contain 58% less plastic than the traditional MasterFoods squeeze-on pack.

Similarly, in Europe, Mondelēz International collaborated with sustainable solutions provider Saica Group to launch new paper-based packaging for its multipacks of confectionery, biscuits, and chocolates in June 2024. This initiative supports the company’s sustainability goal of developing a 100% recyclable flexible packaging portfolio.

“Consumers are also increasingly seeking recyclable packaging options in food products to minimize the environmental impact of their purchases. This is substantiated by a GlobalData consumer survey, which found that 73% of consumers view “recyclable packaging” as essential or nice to have when making a product purchase*,” Khan said.

Stringent regulations that vary across countries—and impose hefty fines for non-compliance—are forcing manufacturers to adopt sustainable packaging solutions. For example, in 2025, the Canadian government amended its Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations, 2022, to extend the ban on six categories of single-use plastics, including straws, bags, stir sticks, cutlery, ring carriers, and certain takeout containers. In January 2026, the Federal Court of Appeal upheld the government’s decision to ban these six categories, reinforcing its objective of advancing a circular economy.

Similarly, Asian countries such as China and India have implemented bans on single-use plastics and are encouraging the adoption of sustainable alternatives. China, the world’s largest producer of plastics, is progressively banning certain single-use plastics in phases.  This trend has pushed manufacturers to introduce more sustainable packaging formats, such as pulp-based or paper-based options, replacing plastic packaging and aligning with government regulations.

“The growing paperization trend will present significant opportunities for manufacturers to innovate, enhance their brand image, and expand their market presence. Manufacturers need to invest more in sustainable packaging materials and formats and introduce innovative packaging options to compete in the evolving packaging landscape,” Khan said.

^*GlobalData 2025 Q4 global consumer survey was conducted with 22,613 respondents across 42 countries.