Water Soluble Pods Packaging Market

Water Soluble Pods Packaging Market Outlook -2022-2028

[212 Pages Report] Sales in the global water soluble pods packaging market are slated to top US$ 244.6 Mn in 2022. Expanding at a healthy 16.4% CAGR, the market size is projected to total US$ 621.6 Mn by 2028.

Increasing sustainability and environmental concerns is set to propel the sales in water soluble pods packaging market. Also, the implementation of stringent norms by governments across the globe for banning the usage of plastics to prevent pollution is likely to drive the market.

Further, growing awareness regarding the adverse effects of using plastic products on the environment is anticipated to fuel the growth. In addition, surging utilization of water soluble pods packaging in a wide range of industries, such as cosmetics, food and beverage, and textile, is estimated to support the growth.

2013-2021 Water Soluble Pods Packaging Market Outlook in Comparison to 2022-2028 Growth Forecast

As per Future Market Insights, the global water soluble pods packaging market is expected to register 16.4% CAGR between 2022 and 2028, up from 13.4% CAGR recorded during 2013-2021.

Initially, water soluble pods packaging solutions were used only in detergents, however, in today’s technology-driven world, these are being used in the cosmetics and personal care industry to store creams and lotions.

In December 2021, for instance, Glow Recipe, a clean Korean beauty inspired skin care brand, introduced its Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream in the novel modular packaging. The cream comes in a small pod in a pink-colored round glass container, so that it can be snapped in and out of the outer packaging very easily.

The company has also launched a refill pod to encourage customers to shift towards refilling, which is a cost-effective alternative.

On the other hand, another leading player, Petal launched soap pods in 2020 that are specially designed to create one bottle of hand soap. These can completely dissolve in water and do not contain sulfates, parabens, synthetic scents, triclosan, dye, or phosphates. The company also bagged the Design Award 2021 for its reusable aluminum bottles.

Driven by these aforementioned industry developments, the market is expected to grow at a steady pace in the upcoming years.

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Will Increasing Consumption of Household Products Drive the Water Soluble Pods Packaging Market?

The urgent need to reduce the amount of waste generated across the globe is expected to spur the demand for water soluble pods packaging solutions. Being water soluble, these pods are environment friendly and help in lowering pollution drastically.

High demand for daily household products, surging concerns regarding the accumulation of non-decomposable waste accumulation, and higher adoption of eco-friendly packaging solutions are estimated to affect the market positively in the forthcoming years.

Other than being eco-friendly, these packaging solutions are also very convenient, as these help consumers in preventing the wastage of washing powder by standardizing the amount for one wash. On top of that, these aid in extending the shelf life of detergents and powders.

Furthermore, rising disposable incomes, surging concerns about dripping or spillage of products, rapid industrialization, and high demand for portable packaging are considered to be a few other vital growth driving factors.

Country-wise Insights

How is the U.S. Water Soluble Pods Packaging Market Progressing?

Increasing development of coffee pods in the U.S. is anticipated to bolster the North America water soluble pods packaging market. These pods enable food service businesses, such as restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes to create high-quality espresso just at the touch of a button.

Unlike traditional espresso methods, these are easy to use and convenient owing to the presence of already tamped, grounded, and measured coffee, thereby reducing wastage.

For instance, in July 2021, NEXE, which is a reputed designer and manufacturer of plant-based materials, launched its unique range of sustainable coffee pods in Canada and the U.S. These fully compostable espresso pods were developed after six years of research and development activities.

Similarly, Jabil Packaging Solutions teamed up with Productos Solubles (Prosol) in September 2021, to create a home-compostable coffee capsule. It is a high-barrier compostable capsule that does not require a foil or plastic pouch for maintaining its shelf life, flavor, and freshness.

Thus, the consistent development of new coffee pods or capsules in the U.S. is set to drive the market.  

Will Brazil Water Soluble Pods Packaging Market Exhibit Steady Growth?

The engagement of key players operating in Brazil in the innovation of their products and promotion of sustainability, is likely to spur the Latin America water soluble pods packaging.

In June 2020, Natura &Co, a leading personal care cosmetics group based in São Paulo, announced its sustainability plan for the next 10 years. The company is focusing on tackling various challenges, such as the Amazon deforestation and climate crisis through the development of 100% composable, recyclable, or reusable packaging.

Thus, the focus of companies on unveiling new sustainability plans in this country would aid growth in Brazil water soluble pods packaging market.

What will the Demand Outlook of India Water Soluble Pods Packaging Market?

Rapid development of edible water pods to prevent waste accumulation and water crisis, is projected to support the growth of the market in India. According to the Center for Science and Environment, the total annual plastic waste generation is 3.3 million metric tons per year in India.

Hence, the need to reduce this waste is growing at a fast pace in this country. For instance, in May 2019, Workbench Projects, a Bengaluru-based start-up company, developed water pods by using molecular gastronomy in India.

Researchers used lab-grade seaweed for gaining access to the membrane. Once the refining process was complete, an odorless and edible seaweed with an alginate hydrogel was used.

The company aims to curb the usage of plastics and it wants to take its product in the healthcare sector so that the right amount of medicine can be provided to patients.

With numerous similar developments on the way, the market is expected to see promising growth in this country.

Category-wise Insights

Why is Poly Vinyl Alcohol Most Preferred Material for Water Soluble Pods Packaging?

Based on material type, the poly vinyl alcohol segment is expected to dominate the water soluble pods packaging market in the near future. Increasing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions for packaging in numerous applications is set to drive the growth of this segment.

Besides, poly vinyl alcohol is hydrophilic in nature, which is likely to make it the ideal raw material for producing water soluble pods packaging. The agriculture industry is considered to be the largest consumer of this material as it is used to cover toxic fertilizers, which further ensures contactless handling of harmful chemicals.

Poly vinyl alcohol is also approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for usage as a packaging material in the food sector, and this factor is likely to spur the segment.

In October 2021, for instance, Notpla, a sustainable packaging start-up headquartered in England, developed a biodegradable and edible packaging to replace plastic. The new packaging is made from seaweed and it was shortlisted for Dezeen Awards.

The packaging can be used to store condiments, as well as to create coating and films for cardboard takeaway boxes. Such innovative developments by new entrants are expected to boost the segment.

Why are Multi Chamber Water Pods the Most Popular Product Type?

By product type, the multi chamber water pods segment is set to account for 66.4% of the water soluble pods packaging market share in 2022, finds FMI. High demand for these pods from numerous hand wash manufacturers across the globe is projected to drive the segment.

For instance, in July 2020, Gelo Products, a New York-based personal care startup, unveiled concentrated hand soap refill pods that are specially designed to be activated in water. The pods can be dropped in the company’s newly launched shatter-proof bottle made with recycled plastic.

Once the bottle is filled with water, the pods will turn into a fuss-free liquid soap. Since the launch, the company has sold about one million pods by attracting consumers’ attention through the dispersion process.

Spurred by such unique developments amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the segment is likely to grow.

Which is the Leading End Use of Water Soluble Pods Packaging?

In terms of end use, the detergents segment is anticipated to remain at the forefront in the water soluble pods packaging market. Growth in the segment is backed by the ability of detergent pods to create relatively less packaging waste for landfills.

Additionally, ongoing research activities conducted by various companies to come up with state-of-the-art detergent pods are projected to support the segment.

For instance, in November 2020, Ariel introduced its novel 3in1 PODs to create a new segment within the laundry domain. This revolutionary laundry product is filled with concentrated liquid detergent and would provide customers with 3 HD Clean benefits, namely, brightness, stain removal, and cleaning.

When placed in the washing machine, the water soluble film of the pod dissolves completely, leaving no residue after wash. The company is also aiming to develop a digitally led campaign to create awareness about the benefits of using detergent pods.

Such industry developments are set to drive the growth of this segment.

Which are Water Soluble Pods Packaging of 31-60 mm Gaining Traction?

Based on thickness type, the 31-60 micro meter segment is likely to lead the market in terms of the water soluble pods packaging market share. Surging development of detergent pods with this type of thickness is estimated to aid the growth in segment.

Dropps, a minimalist laundry detergent brand, secured an external investment of US$ 16 million from The Craftory, a venture capital firm to expand its portfolio of sustainable products and help people to gain access to these in their everyday lives.

The company is also planning to innovate its existing laundry detergent pods and increase their thickness and design with this investment in future. Advent of such developments worldwide is expected to propel the segment.

Competition Landscape

Prominent water soluble pods packaging manufacturers are present mainly in developed countries of the world. But, there is a scope of growth in emerging areas and untapped regions in the near future.

New entrants in the market are likely to add lesser concentration of moisture and higher concentration of detergent in their products for providing a longer shelf-life. Meanwhile, some of the other players are expected to engage in research and development activities to introduce unique products for meeting the demand from numerous industries.

For instance,

• In December 2021, Invisible Company, a Hong Kong-based provider of sustainable and alternative packaging solutions, announced its plans to create a biodegradable, plastic-free, and water-soluble solution called Invisible Bag for replacing the ‘flat top’ plastic bags used for baked goods and fresh products in supermarkets. It is currently working with researchers to ensure that the new solution is compostable and food-grade compliant.
• In July 2021, Absolutely Bear, an ethical fashion and charitable clothing label based in London, marked ‘Plastic Free July’ by eliminating plastic from its packaging process. It has started using brown paper mailing bags made from plastic-free and plant-based sustainable materials. Also, the garment will be delivered in ‘Leave No Trace’ bags that are water-soluble and biodegradable.

Scope of Report

Water Soluble Pods Packaging Market by Category

Material Type:

• Poly Vinyl Alcohol

Product Type:

• Single Layer Water Pods
• Dual Layer Water Pods
• Multi Chamber Water Pods

End Use:

• Detergents
• Hand Wash
• Dish Wash
• Others (Shaving Creams)

Thickness Type:

• Below 30 Micro Meter
• 31-60 Micro Meter
• 61 Micro Meter Thickness

Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Eastern Europe
• Western Europe
• APEC
• Japan
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)