The global foodservice paper bag market is expected to generate USD 982.6 million in revenue by 2025 and reach USD 1,333.5 million by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 3.1% over the forecast period. In 2024, the market was valued at USD 953.1 million, as reported by Future Market Insights.
This steady growth is underpinned by the expanding food and beverage service industry, which currently accounts for 56% of market share. Foodservice paper bags are widely used by restaurants-particularly quick-service and fast-casual formats-for takeaway and delivery. The rise of urban lifestyles and demand for convenience-driven dining continue to bolster the need for sustainable, functional packaging solutions.
A shift toward eco-friendly practices has accelerated the decline of plastic use in favor of recyclable paper alternatives. Leading restaurant chains have adopted biodegradable bags to meet both regulatory mandates and consumer sustainability expectations. Brown Kraft paper remains the preferred material due to its cost-efficiency, strength, and lower environmental impact. Produced from unbleached pulp, it outperforms white Kraft in durability and aligns with low-carbon packaging goals.
The Asia-Pacific region is poised to emerge as the fastest-growing market, propelled by a thriving food delivery economy and evolving environmental regulations. Notably, India’s biodegradable paper bag segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% through 2035, driven by national plastic bans and heightened environmental awareness.
Industry leadership continues to emphasize resilience and sustainability. Ken Ross, President and CEO of Ross & Wallace Paper Products Inc., remarked “We have remained open and committed to our contribution to the national supply chain to ensure that schools, grocery stores, delivery companies, and take-away restaurants are able to package their products in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.”
The market is forecast to grow by 1.4x its base value and offer an incremental opportunity of USD 380.4 million by 2035. As regulatory shifts, consumer demands, and food delivery volumes increase, packaging suppliers must innovate eco-compliant, lightweight solutions to stay competitive in both developed and emerging economies.
The below table presents the expected CAGR for the global foodservice paper bag market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 2.9% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 3.3% (2024 to 2034) |
| H1 | 2.1% (2025 to 2035) |
| H2 | 4.1% (2025 to 2035) |
In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2024 to 2034, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 2.9%, followed by a slightly higher growth rate of 3.3% in the second half (H2) of the same decade. Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2025 to H2 2035, the CAGR is projected to decrease slightly to 2.1% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 4.1% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed a decrease of 80 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed an increase of 80 BPS.
Brown kraft paper is expected to lead the foodservice paper bag market, accounting for nearly 68% of the market in 2025. Manufactured from unbleached wood pulp, it offers superior strength, moisture resistance, and tear durability-ideal for takeaway and grocery use.
The material’s breathability helps preserve food freshness, while its recyclability and biodegradability appeal to environmentally conscious buyers. As a cost-effective alternative to white Kraft, brown Kraft paper is favored by high-volume operators including fast-food outlets and supermarkets seeking sustainable packaging with performance reliability.
Handle bags are set to dominate the segment, driven by their ability to carry heavier loads and offer better grip and ease of use. Particularly in bulk food orders, beverages, or grocery applications, these bags offer enhanced structural integrity and customer convenience.
They are widely preferred by restaurants, cafés, and QSR chains for their practicality and reduced spillage risk. Additionally, handle bags made from biodegradable or recyclable materials are witnessing increased adoption, aligning with sustainability mandates and strengthening their market relevance.
Rise in Eco-Conscious Consumer Behavior Pushes the Market Growth
The past two years have seen the environment become a major issue in consumer purchasing decisions, especially with regards to packaging. Green consumption is not ephemeral; it is slowly but surely becoming a consumption pattern shift on the consumer's end. Paper bags, being biodegradable, recyclable, and constructed from recycled or sustainably sourced material, are a more sustainable solution than plastic.
The resultant green-oriented consumption behavior inspires the food service industry to use paper bags in fulfilling consumer needs, demonstrating brand loyalty, and competing against others. That very enhanced desire for sustainability contributes to stimulating the growth of "food service paper bag market" in return.
Increased Focus on Corporate Social Responsibility
Nowadays, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an integral component of business strategy for every company including foodservice companies. CSR refers to enhancing the environmental, social, and economic effects of a company on the globe. One of the key areas under CSR addresses Environmental reduction of harm and one method of demonstrating that commitment is shifting from plastics to greener options dependable like paper bags. Several large foodservice brands operating globally are making the switch to paper packaging as part of their overall sustainability strategies.
These businesses, with paper bags, are able to show their attempt to address globally the issue of plastic pollution, which resonates with the sensibilities of their target consumers. CSR shifts would also increase the company's image and reputation under the guise of which could anticipate greater customer loyalty and positive media coverage to further accelerate the market space for foodservice paper bags.
Concerning the High Production Costs may Restrict the Market
One of the key reasons which have hindered the universal use of foodservice paper bags is the high cost of production compared to the plastic one. Paper bags usually cost more to produce than plastic in terms of expenses since they need rawer material (such as wood pulp) and energy during the manufacturing process itself.
Paper bags, further, tend to employ quite complex manufacturing processes to ensure that they are actually strong enough to transport food products, particularly wet or greasy foods. In this regard, the other cost considerations, whenever taken into account, would be a tremendous burden to foodservice operators, particularly fast food chains that are extremely margin-sensitive.
Even if the consumers may wish for sustainability above all else, significant businesses can still oppose paper bags if the environmental kindness comes at the cost of lower margins. These cost limitations are graphically experienced in the developing countries where cost effectiveness is highly paramount; in such places businesses would pursue the cost rather than the environment, thus making the growth of the paper bag market incredibly sluggish in such regions.
| Key Investment Area | Why It’s Critical for Future Growth |
|---|---|
| Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Materials | Sustainable, biodegradable, and recyclable paper materials investment will satisfy consumer demand for environmentally friendly products and keep pace with mounting environmental regulations. |
| Automation & Effective Manufacturing | The application of automated machines like paper bag forming, printing, and cutting equipment will lessen the time consumed in production, raise efficiency levels, and reduce labor expenses, boosting profitability levels. |
| Customization & Branding Solutions | Creating customizable paper bags with special designs and branding opportunities will enable foodservice operators to stand apart and meet the increasing demand for personalized packaging. |
| Smart Packaging & Traceability | Impregnating smart technology, such as QR codes or RFID tags, in foodservice paper bags to trace and engage the consumer will ensure maximum supply chain management and better customer interaction. |
| Cost-Effective Manufacturing Methods | Utilizing cutting-edge manufacturing methods that reduce waste, energy usage, and raw material expense will allow firms to provide affordable prices without sacrificing sustainability objectives. |
The global Foodservice Paper Bag Market achieved a CAGR of 2.1% in the historical period of 2020 to 2024. Overall, the Foodservice Paper Bag Market performed well since it grew positively and reached USD 953.1 million in 2024 from USD 877.1 million in 2020.
The foodservice paper bag market will exhibit steady growth between 2020 and 2024 with the rise in automation in manufacturing processes, increased demand for economical packaging solutions at high rates, and technological advancements in robotics and AI-based packaging technologies. The market will also pick up pace with the growing demand for green and sustainable packaging solutions based on environmental policies and consumer attitudes.
| Market Aspect | 2020 to 2024 (Past Trends) |
|---|---|
| Market Growth | The growth is accelerated because of the need for greener packaging and tougher plastic restrictions. : |
| Material Trends | The thrilling trend is that coated papers and Kraft paper rule the market resurgent, but these are resurgent in recyclability. |
| Regulatory Environment | Abide by local government standards restricting plastic utilization and recycling promotion. |
| Consumer Demand | Demand for sustainable, functional, and affordable solution in packaging, having the most vital factor is branding. |
| Advanced Technology | Limited technology integration: the majority of time automated production for greater efficiency. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | The shining aim will be towards plastic waste minimization, increased recyclability, and renewable sourcing for paper raw material. |
| Market Aspect | 2025 to 2035 (Future Projections) |
|---|---|
| Market Growth | Fully recyclable, compostable and customizable paper bags drive accelerated growth worldwide for the foodservice industry. |
| Material Trends | Transition towards smart packaging materials-biodegradable films with embedded sensors for real-time tracking and freshness monitoring. |
| Regulatory Environment | Global regulations have strengthened further in terms of a prohibition of one-off plastic and stipulation for carbon-free packages as well as sustainability certifications on the packaging. |
| Consumer Demand | Custom papers bags are being more popular in their distinctive experience that they are offering to consumers with customized design and enhanced strength. |
| Advanced Technology | High-level automation in bag production through AI-based machines for quality and customization is matched by innovations in smart packaging and embedded QR codes to exchange information between consumers and producers. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Full circular foodservice paper bag manufacture, innovative use such as on-demand recyclable bags, and interlinking into worldwide recycling networks to create zero-waste supply chains. |
Consumer Priorities vs. Manufacturer Priorities 2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035
| Factor | Consumer Priorities (2020 to 2024) & (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Product Availability & Convenience |
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| Sustainability |
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| Cost & Pricing |
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| Performance (Durability, Protection, Efficiency) |
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| Aesthetics & Branding |
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| Factor | Manufacturer Priorities (2020 to 2024) & (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Product Availability & Convenience |
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| Sustainability |
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| Cost & Pricing |
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| Performance (Durability, Protection, Efficiency) |
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| Aesthetics & Branding |
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Foodservice paper bag demand is likely to continue trending upward between 2025 and 2035 with growing usage in e-commerce and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors, with rising preference for sustainability for biodegradable and recyclable use as technology advancements in smart packaging technology-seen in RFID and IoT integration would drive packaging efficiencies, improved traceability with reducing costs. Therefore, these trends will position foodservice paper bags as a primary solution for the packaging industry.
Tier 1 companies comprise market leaders capturing significant market share in foodservice paper bag market. These market leaders are characterized by high production capacity and a wide product portfolio. These market leaders are distinguished by their extensive expertise in manufacturing across multiple packaging formats and a broad geographical reach, underpinned by a robust consumer base. They provide a wide range of series including recycling and manufacturing utilizing the latest technology and meeting the regulatory standards providing the highest quality. Prominent companies within tier 1 include WestRock Company, Hutamaki Oyj, Novolex Holdings LLC, Ronpak Inc.
Tier 2 companies include mid-size players having presence in specific regions and highly influencing the local market. These are characterized by a strong presence overseas and strong market knowledge. These market players have good technology and ensure regulatory compliance but may not have advanced technology and wide global reach. Prominent companies in tier 2 include Mondi Group, Amcor Ltd, International Paper Company, Smurfit Kappa Group, Welton Bibby And Baron Limited, ProAmpac LLC, Gerhard Schürholz GmbH, Toybe Global Packaging, AB Group Packaging, Smith Anderson Group Ltd., Milhe & Avons.
Tier 3 includes the majority of small-scale companies operating at the local presence and serving niche markets. These companies are notably oriented towards fulfilling local market demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment. They are small-scale players and have limited geographical reach. Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized market, denoting a sector characterized by a lack of extensive structure and formalization when compared to organized competitors.
| Region | 2020 to 2024 (Past Trends) |
|---|---|
| North America | Development spurred by increased consumer demand for sustainable packaging and tougher plastic restrictions. |
| Latin America | Slow take-up of sustainable paper bags because of cost issues, but slow transition towards more environmentally friendly options in large urban centers. |
| Europe | Robust growth owing to the EU's stringent environmental regulations, including prohibitions on plastic bags and a focus on recycling. |
| Middle East & Africa | Emerging market with increasing demand for environmentally friendly packaging fueled by increasing awareness and foodservice industry expansion. |
| Asia Pacific | Exponential growth led by expanding e-commerce, food delivery, and rising environmental consciousness. |
| Region | 2025 to 2035 (Future Projections) |
|---|---|
| North America | Greater investment in green, recyclable paper-based materials and automation for improved production efficiency. |
| Latin America | Government promotion of sustainable packaging, with an emphasis on recyclable paper and increased local capacity to manufacture paper bags. |
| Europe | Complete switch to recyclable, biodegradable, and sustainable paper bag alternatives in line with tighter environmental legislation throughout the continent. |
| Middle East & Africa | Up gradation to advanced, automated production techniques for paper bags and government support for sustainable packaging take-up. |
| Asia Pacific | Universal adoption of sustainable paper bag manufacturing through automation, in addition to government-sponsored sustainability drives to minimize plastic usage. |
The section below covers the future forecast for the Foodservice Paper Bag Market in terms of countries. Information on key countries in several parts of the globe, including North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and MEA is provided. USA is expected to account for a CAGR of 2% through 2035. In Europe, Spain is projected to witness a CAGR of 2.7% by 2035.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 2.0% |
| Germany | 1.6% |
| China | 4.0% |
| UK | 1.5% |
| Spain | 2.7% |
| India | 4.2% |
| Canada | 1.8% |
Some USA states and cities have implemented laws to reduce plastic waste-mostly against single-use plastic bags. California and New York, for example, have banned or restricted the use of plastic bags. To become law-abiding, foodservice businesses are now converting to other types of packaging, including paper bags.
As these prohibitions and regulations further become prevalent throughout the country, demand for paper bags as an eco-friendly, regulation-conformist solution will increase. This is stimulating increasing numbers of foodservice establishments in America to change to paper packaging, one step ahead of emerging regulations in order to retain customers and decrease their effect on the environment.
Germany is a green nation, and so are the citizens. More and more German consumers are seeking out sustainable products and services today, even eco-park packaging. In the hotel and restaurant sectors, that has actually been shown by the consumer demand for paper bags over plastic ones.
German businesses are already turning to paper packaging solutions to meet this customer demand. It also offers the "Green Dot" recycling system, thus encouraging a business to reduce packaging waste and use recyclable or compost packaging. With a growing demand from consumers for sustainability at a rapid rate, German foodservice businesses will keep on using paper bags, which strongly influences the growth of the foodservice paper bag market in the country.
The food service paper bag market has experienced tremendous expansion. The expansion is currently being fueled by increased consumer demand for environmentally friendly, sustainable packaging throughout the food service and retail markets.
Sustainability in the environment is therefore in the limelight today as consumers and companies move to recyclable, biodegradable, and paper-based packaging products rather than plastic. This trend has pushed manufacturers towards automated production lines: thereby improving operational efficiencies and also addressing the need for customized, low-cost, and high-performance packaging solutions.
AI robotics, intelligent packaging, and IoT integration are among the new technologies inducing change in the market, enabling companies to manufacture environmentally friendly paper bags of extremely high quality at competitive prices. The second innovation trend that now characterizes the designing of machinery is the use of sustainable materials in production. These trends define the competition that arises from packaging companies that are adapting to the increased demand for green packaging.
Market Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| WestRock Company | 18-22% |
| Mondi Group | 12-16% |
| Smurfit Kappa Group | 10-14% |
| Amcor Ltd. | 8-12% |
| International Paper Company | 6-10% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| WestRock Company | Provides eco-friendly foodservice paper bags, including solutions like customized printed bags, grease-resistant packages, and renewable materials. |
| Mondi Group | Company provides sustainable paper packaging for the foodservice industry, emphasizing high-performance, recyclable, and compostable paper bags. |
| Smurfit Kappa Group | Offers paper-packaging solutions like paper bags and environmentally friendly packaging solutions for foodservice.. |
| Amcor Ltd. | Is focused on green packaging, offering biodegradable coatings on paper bags and food safety and packaging integrity solutions. |
| International Paper Company | Offers eco-friendly, high-quality paper bags with a focus on sustainability and customizability to the foodservice industry. |
Key Company Insights
WestRock Company (18-22%)
WestRock plays a very prominent role in the market for foodservice paper bags, which provides a number of sustainable, high-performance paper packaging solutions for foodservices. The company manufactures paper bags customized according to the requirement of every kind of foodservice business-from restaurants to quick service chains. That it provides eco-friendly, grease-resistant, and recyclable materials makes them the leading company in the market where there is a growing demand for environmentally-considerate-packaging.
Mondi Group (12-16%)
Amongst the many leading companies in the eco-friendly or green packaging, Mondi Group, with an outstanding offer of sustainable foodservice packaging, finds prominence. One of the principal characteristics that define the innovative company is the fact of having recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable materials. The mono-material paper bags were developed specifically for high-performance conditions, with practicality and consideration for reliable packaging in foodservice applications emphasized. Such a portfolio of Mondi contributed largely to extensive market capture through the company's dedication to innovativeness and sustainability.
Smurfit Kappa Group (10-14%)
Smurfit Kappa has a large portfolio of sustainable paper packaging solutions that include fine-quality foodservice paper bags. It is devoted to the full use of 100% recycled materials and comes up with innovative designs that aim to reduce carbon footprints for food service businesses. Because the world becomes more inclined toward environmental products, Smurfit Kappa is still in the leading competitive foodservice packaging business, strengthened by its energy-efficient manufacturing methods and sustainable sourcing.
Amcor Ltd. (8-12%)
Amcor Ltd. is a world leader in employing sustainability in packaging, offering eco-friendly foodservice paper bags that are strong yet safe for food. It is focusing on innovations, such as biodegradable coatings, which ensure consumer protection of their products while still keeping an environmentally responsible footprint. The company's continued focus on sustainability and commitment to closed-loop recycling has positioned it well in the market of food packaging solutions.
International Paper Company (6-10%)
International Paper is by far one of the largest manufacturers of paper packaging solutions, which includes foodservice paper bags. The company focuses sustainability in a way that it designs and provides high-quality, customized paper bags to the foodservice industry. This is in harmony with growing pressure from consumers and regulations on a drive to eliminate plastic usage-to give International paper's customers green packaging in their paper bags and make use of recycled content for their production. It holds a broad product portfolio that meets diverse needs across the foodservice sector, taking-in restaurants, cafes, and take-out services.
Other Key Players (30-40% Combined)
Many smaller but powerful players are in the foodservice paper bag market, which is responsible for driving sustainability and automation innovations:
Key Developments in Foodservice Paper Bag Market:
| Report Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Total Market Size (2025) | USD 982.6 million |
| Projected Market Size (2035) | USD 1,333.5 million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 3.1% |
| Base Year for Estimation | 2024 |
| Historical Period | 2020 to 2024 |
| Projections Period | 2025 to 2035 |
| Market Analysis Parameter | Revenue in USD billion |
| By Material Type | Brown Kraft, White Kraft |
| By Bag Type | Handle Bags, Non to Handle Bags |
| By End User | Restaurants, Online Food Delivery, Institutional |
| Regions Covered | North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa |
| Countries Covered | United States, Japan, Germany, India, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Brazil, Canada, South Korea, Australia, Spain, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland |
| Key Players | WestRock Company, Hutamaki Oyj, Novolex Holdings LLC, Ronpak Inc., Mondi Group, Amcor Ltd, International Paper Company, Smurfit Kappa Group, Welton Bibby And Baron Limited, ProAmpac LLC |
| Additional Attributes | Rising demand for cost to effective dairy alternatives, growing infant nutrition sector, expanding bakery industry |
| Customization and Pricing | Available upon request |
The Foodservice Paper Bag Market is categorized based on material into brown kraft and white kraft
The market is segmented by bag type into handle bags and non-handle bags.
The market includes end-use industries such as restaurants, online food delivery, institutional.
Key Countries of North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Middle East & Africa are covered.
The global foodservice paper bag industry is projected to witness CAGR of 3.1% between 2025 and 2035.
The global foodservice paper bag industry stood at 953.1 million in 2024.
Global foodservice paper bag industry is anticipated to reach USD 1,333.5 million by 2035 end.
East Asia is set to record a CAGR of 4.2% in assessment period.
The key players operating in the global foodservice paper bag industry include WestRock Company, Hutamaki Oyj, Novolex Holdings LLC, Ronpak Inc.
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Foodservice Paper Bag Market
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