The Molded Fiber Pulp Packaging industry Analysis in the USA and Canada is projected to expand consistently, with its value estimated to increase from USD 2.1 billion in 2025 to USD 3.5 billion by 2035. This growth reflects a stable CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. The market expansion is being fueled by the rising adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly packaging materials in response to stringent environmental regulations and increasing consumer awareness about plastic pollution.
Molded fiber pulp packaging has been widely recognized for its biodegradability, recyclability, and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive alternative to plastic-based solutions across various end-use sectors, including food service, electronics, and healthcare. Furthermore, an increasing emphasis on circular economy practices by both private and public organizations in North America has contributed to the development of the market.
Leading market players have actively supported this growth through strategic investments and product innovations. In 2023, Huhtamaki expanded its molded fiber production capacity in North America to meet the rising demand within the food and beverage industry. Henry Molded Products, Inc. also diversified its product portfolio in 2023 by launching molded fiber packaging solutions designed specifically for the electronics sector, focusing on customization and innovation.
Other companies have focused on enhancing sustainability by utilizing agricultural residues such as wheat straw and bagasse as raw materials. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to delivering lightweight, durable, and moisture-resistant molded fiber products that comply with government regulations while meeting evolving customer needs.
The rapid growth of e-commerce and home delivery services has further accelerated the adoption of molded fiber pulp packaging, which offers superior cushioning, tamper resistance, and customizable designs suitable for fragile and high-value items. The food service sector’s shift toward compostable trays, clamshells, and drink carriers is expected to maintain strong demand momentum through 2035.
Moreover, the integration of automation technologies in molded fiber manufacturing is expected to enhance production efficiency and lower labor costs, thereby supporting the market’s positive trajectory across the USA and Canada. Investments aimed at optimizing operational workflows and improving product quality will continue to drive market expansion over the forecast period.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 2.1 Billion |
| Market Size (2035) | USD 3.5 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.2% |
In the Molded Fiber Pulp Packaging industry Analysis in USA and Canada, clamshell containers and food & beverage end-use segments are being prioritized by key manufacturers. Growing environmental concerns and plastic bans have accelerated the adoption of sustainable molded fiber products. Leading companies like Huhtamaki, Sabert Corporation, and Pactiv Evergreen are investing in advanced fiber technologies to meet market demand for biodegradable, durable, and cost-effective packaging.
Clamshell containers have been identified as the most preferred product type in the molded fiber pulp packaging market in the USA and Canada, accounting for 35% of the total share in 2025. This dominance has been ensured as these containers have been widely utilized for packaging fresh produce, bakery items, and ready-to-eat meals by top retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods Market.
Their eco-friendly, compostable, and recyclable nature has been promoted in line with stringent packaging regulations introduced by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Canadian environmental bodies. Manufacturers such as Huhtamaki, Genpak LLC, and Sabert Corporation have expanded their molded fiber production capacities to meet this rising demand.
In addition to the food sector, these containers have been increasingly adopted in the electronics and healthcare industries, where protective and sustainable packaging is necessary. Their sturdy design, cost-effectiveness, and consumer-friendly attributes have made clamshell containers the preferred solution, justifying their position as the top investment segment in this market.
The food and beverage sector is projected to dominate the end-use category in the molded fiber pulp packaging market of the USA and Canada, holding a 47% share by 2025. The increased need for sustainable and hygienic food packaging alternatives to plastic and Styrofoam has driven this preference.
Major food chains, such as McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Panera Bread, have shifted towards molded fiber trays, clamshells, and drink carriers to comply with corporate sustainability goals and government regulations on single-use plastics. Packaging firms such as Pactiv Evergreen and EnviroPAK Corporation have been investing in R&D to develop heat-resistant and moisture-proof molded fiber solutions tailored for the food and beverage sector.
The market growth has been further supported by consumer preferences for compostable and eco-friendly packaging, particularly for takeaway and delivery services. This strong inclination towards safe, biodegradable, and functional packaging options has solidified the food and beverage industry as a leading end-use segment for molded fiber pulp packaging in this region.
The USA and Canada molded fiber pulp packaging market perceived a CAGR of 3.1% during the historical period (2020 to 2024). It reached a market valuation of USD 1.4 billion in 2020 to USD 1.8 billion in 2024, says Future Market Insights.
Molded fiber pulp packaging is considered to be one of the most ecological types of packaging, as compared to other packaging types. Molded fiber pulp is mainly obtained from recycled materials, including paper and paper waste. It is primarily used for providing secure packaging for preventing numerous products from damage and maintaining their quality.
Molded fiber pulp packaging is widely used for packaging beverages, protecting laptops, and other electronic devices. Regulating organizations have implemented strict regulations to reduce the use of single-use plastic packaging ,while packaging waste concerns persist. The market for molded fiber packaging in the United States and Canada has benefited significantly from this.
Rapid Shift toward Eco-friendly Packaging to Spur Demand for Custom Molded Fiber Packaging
Molded pulp is a sustainable material that is projected to witness a significant growth rate in the field of secure packaging. In early days, expanded polystyrene packaging was used for maintaining various products from external shocks and damage. However, government agencies in numerous countries such as the USA banned the use of single-use plastic material for making take-out containers for food, as well as in several other end-use industries.
Increasing shift toward eco-friendly packaging, including molded fiber pulp packaging as it bears the same properties as expanded polystyrene is likely to drive sales. However, it is difficult to recycle expanded polystyrene unlike molded fiber pulp, which is obtained from recycled paper. Hence, molded pulp material is durable and bears shock-bearing properties.
During transportation or shifting of expensive products, molded fiber pulp packaging is used. Expensive products such as electronic gadgets, wine bottles, and mobile phones are packed in this type of materials to prevent them from vibration and shock. Eventually, need for protective packaging is positively impacting molded fiber pulp packaging demand in the USA and Canada.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Market Share (2025) | 79.6% |
| Market Share (2035) | 76.4% |
| Basis Points (BPS) Analysis | -320 |
| Country | Canada |
|---|---|
| Market Share (2025) | 20.4% |
| Market Share (2035) | 23.6% |
| Basis Points (BPS) Analysis | 320 |
Increasing Consumption of Eggs in the USA to Push Sales of Molded Pulp Fiber
The USA is estimated to hold around 79.6% of market share by 2025. The USA is considered to have the world’s largest poultry industry and is the second-largest exporter of poultry eggs and meat. Consumption of poultry meat is higher than beef or any other meat type in the country. According to data provided by the USA Department of Agriculture, in 2021, about 18% of poultry production was exported, and this poultry production consumption will positively impact the USA and Canada molded fiber pulp packaging industry.
Eggs are exported in various regions from the USA and hence require secure packaging to avoid breakage. This factor is projected to impact the molded fiber pulp packaging industry. Trays made of molded fiber pulp are set to be the primary material used for egg packaging. Overall, poultry products will require molded trays and this will surge the market for molded fiber pulp packaging in the USA and Canada.
Presence of Renowned Automotive Companies in Canada to Spur Demand for Molded Fiber Packaging
Canada is considered to be a developing country in the automotive sector. Various automotive parts are manufactured in Canada. According to data provided by the International Trade Administration, by 2021, Canada is set to be the second-largest automotive market among other countries and currently holds about 1/3rd portion of the market through manufacturing of new vehicles. Leading automotive producers are based in Canada, and the five local companies include Toyota, Honda, General Motors, Stellantis N.V. (formerly FCA), and Ford.
Accumulative auto sales and expansion of the automotive market were assessed over USD 19 billion and were stable during 2021. Expansion of the automotive sector is anticipated to flourish the molded fiber pulp packaging industry. Growth is attributed to requirement of primary packaging and edge protectors for storing spare parts. Automotive trays and boxes are available in various dimensions and shapes for transportation or storage purposes in Canada.
Key players operating in the USA and Canada molded fiber pulp packaging market are focusing on expanding their production capacities and trying to improve product quality according to needs of numerous consumers. Leading players are also adopting latest technologies to come up with innovative features for their existing products
One of the recent developments by leading players include:
| Report Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 2.1 billion |
| Projected Market Size (2035) | USD 3.5 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.2% |
| Base Year for Estimation | 2024 |
| Historical Period | 2020 to 2024 |
| Projections Period | 2025 to 2035 |
| Quantitative Units | USD billion for value and kilotons for volume |
| Molded Pulp Type Segments Analyzed (Segment 1) | Thick Wall, Transfer Molded, Thermoformed Fiber, Processed Pulp |
| Product Type Segments Analyzed (Segment 2) | Trays, Drink Carriers (2 Cups, 4 Cups, 6 Cups, More than 8 cups), Boxes, End Caps, Plates, Bowls, Cups, Clamshell Containers |
| Application Segments Analyzed (Segment 3) | Primary Packaging, Secondary Packaging, Edge Protectors |
| End Use Segments Analyzed (Segment 4) | Consumer Durables (Mobile Phone, Television, Laptops, Tube Lights and Bulbs, Others (Air Conditioners, Refrigerators)), Food & Beverage (Egg Packaging (4 eggs, 6 eggs, 12 eggs, 24 eggs, More than 30 eggs), Wine Packaging (375 ml, 750 ml, 1.5 liters, More than 3 liters), Fruit Packaging, Others), Cosmetics, Food Services, Healthcare, Automotive, Logistics, Others (Candles, Flower Packaging) |
| Regions Covered | North America |
| Countries Covered | United States, Canada |
| Key Players influencing the Molded Fiber Pulp Packaging Market | FiberCel Packaging LLC, Pactiv LLC, Henry Molded Products, Inc, EnviroPAK Corporation, Michelsen Packaging Company, Western Pulp Products Company, Multipap Industries, ProtoPak Engineering Corporation, Hartmann Canada Inc., Keiding Inc, Atlantic Pulp, MFT-CKF Inc, OrCon Industries Corporation, Cascades Inc., Huhtamaki Oyj, Pacific Pulp Molding, Inc., IB Packaging, Earth Recycle International S. de R. L. de C. V., Interbrands Packaging, YFY Jupiter |
| Additional Attributes | Dollar sales by molded pulp type and product type, Adoption trends in sustainable packaging, Rising demand for egg, wine, and fruit packaging formats, Country-level market penetration, Technology upgrades in thermoformed and transfer molded fiber products, Competitive landscape with regional manufacturing footprint and innovation partnerships in North America |
The market is valued at USD 3.5 billion in 2035.
A 45% to 50% share of the value was acquired in 2024
The market witnessed a CAGR of 3.1% from 2020 to 2024.
A sustainable and protective packaging solution to drive sales.
The market holds a 79.6% share in 2025.
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USA and Canada Molded Fiber Pulp Packaging Industry
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