01 The Increasing Demand from the Packaging Industry Foam made of expanded polypropylene is environmentally friendly. It is entirely non-toxic and simple to recycle. Polypropylene recycling is becoming an effective and economically sound solution on a wide scale. Additionally, EPP foam's diverse range of characteristics, including its exceptional energy absorption, water and chemical resistance, hygienic nature, ease of handling, and recyclability, make it the ideal material for food packing. The demand for packaged foods has increased, which has led to considerable growth in the food packaging business globally.Due to their resilience and natural capacity to absorb energy during transit, EPP foams are also widely used to create reusable industrial packaging, also known as dunnage. There is a high need for containers, cold-chain transport boxes, and fast-food packaging in regions including North America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. To create a fully recyclable option with a microwaveable low carbon footprint and keeps food hotter for longer, Infinity and London Bio Packaging, a trading division of Bunzl UK Ltd., are working on a revolutionary innovation in sustainable food-to-go EPP packaging.Beyond, the popularity of food delivery has increased by 39% in the previous three years. This is anticipated to result in an increase in demand for packaging soon. Because of the exponential growth of the packaging industry and the increasing awareness and use of green packaging, it is anticipated that the growth of e-commerce, the food packaging industry, and online business will favor the market for packaging foam in the years to come.
01 Molded Pulp Used as Green Alternative A notable rise in the use of molded fiber packaging has been attributed to the public's growing preference for environmentally friendly goods and the possible volatility of rising oil costs. Polystyrene foam, sometimes known as EPS, is used in various packing foams. Because it's constructed of petroleum-based polystyrene and a blowing agent for fuel like pentane or carbon dioxide, polystyrene foam endangers human health and the environment. However, because of its unique characteristics and massive scale, EPS can often be challenging to recycle and take up landfill space if recycling efforts are not sufficiently successful.Expanded polystyrene, or EPS, packaging has long been a well-liked option for securing goods throughout distribution. As nations become more urbanized, the demand for packaging is anticipated to increase exponentially, necessitating the development of an efficient recycling system. Uniform packing sizes would find a market as e-commerce grows. Customers will value lifestyle trends toward comfort, wellness, and environmental awareness more. The demand for EPS foams is anticipated to decline shortly due to the growing markets for alternative green substitutes.
01 The Increasing Requirement for Eco-Friendly Packaging Foam An eco-friendly substitute for conventional packaging foams is becoming increasingly popular. Growing consumer demand for bio-based polypropylene foam (PPF) could indicate future expansion of the market under study. With a brand content above 50%, researchers could create bio-based plastic cushions with a high proportion of natural components. This suggests that the requirements for both bio-based and biodegradable polymers may be met. Many businesses are also concentrating on making bio-based PP, which might have a favorable effect on expanding the expanded polypropylene foam market throughout the forecast year.For example, Borealis AG and Neste collaborate strategically to generate renewable polypropylene (PP). In addition to conducting the first bio-PP industrialization demonstration test in the industry's history, Mitsui Chemicals planned to evaluate several aspects of technology, quality, economic efficiency, and environmental impact, including GHG reduction. After resolving these problems, Mitsui Chemicals Group has considered commercializing bio-PP; production is scheduled to begin in 2024.
January 2026 Zotefoams plc refinanced and expanded its revolving credit facility to support future strategic investments and acquisitions while continuing the integration of Overseas Konstellation Company (OKC). The company also advanced its global manufacturing expansion initiatives, including projects in Vietnam and North America, to strengthen its foam production capabilities.
November 2025 Storopack launched FOAMplus 7008-BIO, a protective packaging foam containing more than 50% bio-based carbon content. The new solution expands the company's sustainable packaging portfolio while maintaining the cushioning and protective performance required for industrial packaging applications.
July 2025 Stora Enso partnered with Novapor GmbH to pilot Papira, a wood fiber-based foam packaging material designed as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging foams. The collaboration aims to commercialize recyclable protective packaging solutions with a lower carbon footprint.
March 2025 Engineered Foam Packaging (EFP) announced a USD 31.5 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in Lee County, South Carolina. The investment will increase production capacity for expanded polystyrene (EPS) and expanded polypropylene (EPP) protective packaging solutions to meet growing customer demand.