The Loose-fill Peanuts Market is estimated to be valued at USD 395.1 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 674.9 million by 2035, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% over the forecast period.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Loose-fill Peanuts Market Estimated Value in (2025 E) | USD 395.1 million |
| Loose-fill Peanuts Market Forecast Value in (2035 F) | USD 674.9 million |
| Forecast CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.5% |
The Loose-fill Peanuts market is experiencing steady growth, driven by the increasing demand for protective packaging solutions across food, beverage, and other consumer goods sectors. Rising awareness regarding product safety, damage prevention, and sustainable handling practices is supporting broader adoption. The market is being shaped by innovations in lightweight and resilient materials that provide cushioning while minimizing transportation costs.
Expanded polystyrene-based peanuts are particularly favored due to their shock absorption properties, durability, and ease of use in packaging fragile goods. Increasing emphasis on supply chain efficiency and packaging customization is further enhancing market penetration. The growth is also supported by a rising focus on regulatory compliance for food-safe packaging and safe handling practices.
As e-commerce and online retail continue to expand, the need for efficient protective packaging solutions, which reduce breakage and improve consumer satisfaction, is expected to drive long-term market growth Advancements in material formulations and recycling initiatives are creating additional opportunities, making loose-fill peanuts an increasingly preferred choice for manufacturers and distributors.
The loose-fill peanuts market is segmented by material, color, end use, and geographic regions. By material, loose-fill peanuts market is divided into Expanded Polystyrene, Plants Starch, and Cornstarch. In terms of color, loose-fill peanuts market is classified into White - Contains At Least 70% Non-Recycled Material, Green - Contain At Least 70% Recycled Material, and Pink - Chemically Treated To Reduce Static Cling. Based on end use, loose-fill peanuts market is segmented into Food And Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Homecare, Personal Care, Electrical & Electronics, Automotive And Allied Industries, and Others. Regionally, the loose-fill peanuts industry is classified into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Balkan & Baltic Countries, Russia & Belarus, Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.
The expanded polystyrene material segment is projected to hold 38.7% of the market revenue in 2025, establishing it as the leading material type. Its dominance is being driven by superior cushioning, lightweight properties, and consistent performance under varying conditions. Expanded polystyrene provides excellent shock absorption and protection for delicate goods during transit, reducing product damage and associated costs.
Ease of handling and compatibility with automated packaging systems have strengthened its adoption among manufacturers and distributors. Sustainability initiatives focused on reducing material waste and improving recycling processes are further supporting market acceptance.
The ability to combine cost-effectiveness with high protective efficiency makes expanded polystyrene the preferred choice in both industrial and commercial packaging applications With the ongoing growth of e-commerce and the need for reliable packaging solutions across diverse product categories, this material segment is expected to maintain its leadership, supported by continuous improvements in production processes and performance optimization.
The white color segment, containing at least 70% non-recycled material, is expected to account for 44.1% of the market revenue in 2025, making it the leading color category. This preference is driven by consumer and regulatory demand for clean, visually consistent packaging materials. White loose-fill peanuts are widely perceived as high-quality, safe, and suitable for sensitive applications, particularly in food and beverage packaging.
Their non-recycled content ensures minimal contamination and enhances compatibility with hygiene and safety standards. Ease of inspection, uniformity in appearance, and performance consistency under compression and load further reinforce adoption.
Manufacturers benefit from reduced handling risks and improved presentation of packaged goods, which is especially important for premium or sensitive products As packaging regulations and consumer expectations continue to evolve, the white color segment is expected to maintain its leading market position, driven by reliability, safety, and alignment with quality standards in diverse industries.
The food and beverages end-use segment is projected to hold 28.9% of the market revenue in 2025, establishing it as the leading application category. Growth is being driven by the increasing need for safe and hygienic packaging solutions to protect fragile consumables during storage and transit. Loose-fill peanuts provide cushioning, prevent breakage, and preserve product integrity, which is critical in the food and beverage sector.
Regulatory standards related to food safety, contamination prevention, and packaging hygiene further reinforce the adoption of high-quality protective materials. The lightweight nature of loose-fill peanuts helps reduce transportation costs while maintaining performance, enhancing efficiency across supply chains.
As e-commerce, direct-to-consumer delivery, and cold chain logistics continue to expand, demand for protective packaging in the food and beverage industry is expected to rise Continuous innovations in material composition, sustainability practices, and compliance with safety regulations are supporting growth, positioning the food and beverages segment as the largest contributor to market revenue.
Growing E-commerce Businesses and Shipping Companies to Grow Loose-fill Peanut Market
The term "packing peanuts" refers to foam pieces used for filling space and protecting goods during shipping or packing. Although peanuts are typically made with foam, manufacturers are also adopting ways to make them biodegradable and earth-friendly, at the same time.
As shippers try to find safer ways to ship goods, packing peanuts are a great way to ensure that their goods are packed safely. Businesses of all sizes use them for shipping items to customers, regardless of their size in the market.
Loose-fill peanuts are experiencing rapid growth due to the expansion of e-commerce and shipment businesses in the market. In addition, depending on the job, many companies work with individuals wishing to store delicate items or transport their own goods.
Products that migrate or shift inside the package shouldn't be filled with loose fill materials. Shifting products within the package could increase their likelihood of being damaged since loose-fill materials can also shift during distribution, which can increase the chances of the product being damaged.
OPSN, Expanded Polystyrene Peanuts, are loose fill materials that generate static electricity and cause electronic items to malfunction. Packing peanuts that have anti-static properties are recommended when packing electronic devices. To avoid packing peanuts inflicting damage to the product, manufacturers wrap the product with plastic bags, foam sheets, or other materials.
The high flexibility of loose-fill peanuts makes them suitable for use in many applications including automated filling systems. They are highly sought after in the market due to their extreme cost efficiency, high yields, and long storage life. They are also low in density which makes them easier to transport.
This market is growing significantly due to the high level of recycling of peanuts that do not cause contamination of groundwater. Additionally, they do not contain any CSC or other chemicals, so they can also be used for packaging food.
Due to their low production costs and ability to protect items in standard-size corrugated shipping containers, packing peanuts continue to be consumers' and suppliers' preferred packaging materials. Custom boxes are normally more expensive, so this eliminates their use. Fortunately, biodegradable packing peanuts are now available as an eco-friendly substitute for traditional polystyrene peanuts due to the increase in concerns over the impacts of plastics on the planet.
As a result of the mess they make when packaged and the long time they adhere to clothing once opened, peanuts used in loose-fill packaging are often regarded as a nuisance in the market. There are approximately 2.4 million tons of waste generated each year in the UK due to the use of plastic for the packaging alone, which is one of the reasons consumers and manufacturers are seeking out eco-friendly packaging products in the market.
The global protective packaging market is worth over US$ 20 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 5%. The demand for protective packaging is expected to dominate the overall protective packaging market over the forecast period. Loose fill peanuts is a protective packaging solution used to stabilize the products during transit.
Loose fill peanuts acts as a shock proof for delicate and fragile products. Loose-fill peanuts is gaining traction among manufacturers, retailers, and logistics service providers due to high level of protection at low cost. Loose fill peanuts are considered environment friendly compared to other bulkier alternatives.
Moreover, the shock absorption capability of loose-fill peanuts delivers a greater level of protection which is unequalled by other types of protective packaging solution. It is often regarded as superior to other manufacturing materials such as moulded pulp, corrugated paperboard, or moulded foam.
Loose-fill peanuts are an efficient and protective packaging solution mainly used for the stability and safe transit of the products. Loose-fill peanuts ensures safety of products by providing shatter proof solutions for delicate products such as electronics, glass items, products made up of clay, etc.
| Country | CAGR |
|---|---|
| China | 7.4% |
| India | 6.9% |
| Germany | 6.3% |
| Brazil | 5.8% |
| USA | 5.2% |
| UK | 4.7% |
| Japan | 4.1% |
The Loose-fill Peanuts Market is expected to register a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period, exhibiting varied country level momentum. China leads with the highest CAGR of 7.4%, followed by India at 6.9%. Developed markets such as Germany, France, and the UK continue to expand steadily, while the USA is likely to grow at consistent rates. Japan posts the lowest CAGR at 4.1%, yet still underscores a broadly positive trajectory for the global Loose-fill Peanuts Market. In 2024, Germany held a dominant revenue in the Western Europe market and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 6.3%. The USA Loose-fill Peanuts Market is estimated to be valued at USD 141.8 million in 2025 and is anticipated to reach a valuation of USD 141.8 million by 2035. Sales are projected to rise at a CAGR of 0.0% over the forecast period between 2025 and 2035. While Japan and South Korea markets are estimated to be valued at USD 20.0 million and USD 10.3 million respectively in 2025.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Units | USD 395.1 Million |
| Material | Expanded Polystyrene, Plants Starch, and Cornstarch |
| Color | White - Contains At Least 70% Non-Recycled Material, Green - Contain At Least 70% Recycled Material, and Pink - Chemically Treated To Reduce Static Cling |
| End Use | Food And Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Homecare, Personal Care, Electrical & Electronics, Automotive And Allied Industries, and Others |
| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa |
| Country Covered | United States, Canada, Germany, France, United Kingdom, China, Japan, India, Brazil, South Africa |
| Key Companies Profiled | Storopack, Sealed Air Corporation, ACH Foam Technologies, FP International, Pregis Corporation, Nefab Group, Ranpak Corp, Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc., Intertape Polymer Group Inc., BASF SE, Dow Chemical Company, and Polymer Packaging Inc. |
The global loose-fill peanuts market is estimated to be valued at USD 395.1 million in 2025.
The market size for the loose-fill peanuts market is projected to reach USD 674.9 million by 2035.
The loose-fill peanuts market is expected to grow at a 5.5% CAGR between 2025 and 2035.
The key product types in loose-fill peanuts market are expanded polystyrene, plants starch and cornstarch.
In terms of color, white - contains at least 70% non-recycled material segment to command 44.1% share in the loose-fill peanuts market in 2025.
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