Paper Based Consumer Bags Market Size, Share, Analysis, Trends, Growth, 2032

Paper Based Consumer Bags Industry Prospective:

The global paper based consumer bags market size was worth around USD 5.29 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around USD 9.52 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 6.75% between 2024 and 2032.

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Paper Based Consumer Bags Market: Overview

Paper-based consumer bags are produced using paper as raw material. They are used for a variety of purposes, such as storing shopped items, packing food products, and gift wrapping.

The demand for paper-based consumer bags has grown in the last decade, driven by the increasing need to switch from plastic-based packaging across industries.

Consumer awareness has helped the industry thrive since consumers are actively choosing brands that support environmental sustainability.

Although paper bags do not lead to excessive pollution compared to plastic-based consumer bags, the former is associated with several disadvantages. For instance, paper used to produce the bags can lead to deforestation and hamper the ecological setting.

Additionally, these bags do not deliver the same durability as plastic bags. During the forecast period, smart paper-based consumer bags are likely to generate more growth opportunities.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global paper based consumer bags market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 6.75% over the forecast period (2024-2032)
• In terms of revenue, the global paper based consumer bags market size was valued at around USD 5.29 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 9.52 billion, by 2032.
• The paper based consumer bags market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the growing concern over plastic-based pollution.
• Based on the end use, the shopping bags segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projections.
• Based on the material type, the kraft paper segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, Europe is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Paper Based Consumer Bags Market: Growth Drivers

Growing concern over plastic-based pollution will encourage substitution with paper-based alternatives

The global paper based consumer bags market is expected to grow due to the growing awareness and concern around excessive use of plastic-based bags.

According to industry research, plastic is one of the leading environmental polluters. The growing amount of plastic-based waste generated from across the globe has become an urgent matter of concern for almost all economies.

Most plastic consumer bags used in the commercial market are non-biodegradable. It means the bags, once discarded, live in the environment for over a century.

Moreover, plastic bags contain toxic particles that enter the environment upon breaking. Plastic is the leading cause of water pollution. The marine ecosystem has been greatly impacted due to the rising volume of plastic bags found in water bodies, including seas and oceans.

According to official data, around 100 to 200 million tons of plastic waste are currently in the oceans globally. This has resulted in the emergence of an urgent need to substitute plastic-based consumer bags with paper-oriented solutions since the latter are not only biodegradable but contain minimal quantities of toxic materials.

Increasing use in the e-commerce industry is driving market expansion trends

One of the largest users of paper-based consumer bags is the e-commerce industry. Several online product sellers and channels enabling digital sales have switched to paper-based bags to support sustainable growth in the industry.

In April 2024, DS Smith, an international packaging company, announced a partnership with Jonsac for a supplier agreement. The latter is a Sweden-based company in the e-commerce bags segment.

The agreement will also give DS Smith access to Forest Stewardship Council-certified wooden raw materials. As per company claims, the paper bags will be 100% recyclable and fiber-based. In addition, the food e-commerce industry is a leading demand generator for solutions in the global paper based consumer bags.

Food e-commerce platforms are using bags made of paper for delivering food and groceries to end-consumers. In January 2024, UberEats announced that the smaller delivery bags used by the popular food delivery company will use 100% recycled paper.

Paper Based Consumer Bags Market: Restraints

Concerns over deforestation and the associated environmental impact of paper bags will limit the industry’s expansion rate

The global industry for paper based consumer bags is expected to be restricted by the association of paper bags with deforestation. Production of paper consumer bags depends largely on trees that act as the primary and most essential raw material providers.

Excessive and irresponsible production of paper-based consumer bags can lead to cutting down trees, causing deforestation over an extended period of time.

Moreover, the process of paper production from trees is highly resource intensive, further putting strain on resources such as water and energy.

Paper Based Consumer Bags Market: Opportunities

The emerging market of smart paper consumer bags will generate more growth opportunities

Smart bags made of paper are equipped with advanced technologies and provide essential information about the products stored in the bags. One of the primary features of smart bags is the use of recycled and eco-friendly materials.

In April 2024, Parkside, a leading provider of flexible packaging solutions, launched Recoflex. It is a range of recyclable paper-based flexible packaging materials with excellent heat sealability, durability, and barrier index.

Moreover, the growing research on the integration of sensors, embedded codes, and the addition of Radio Frequency Identification technology for tracking could shape the industry’s future.

Extensive investments in consumer bags as marketing tools will serve as a growth propeller

Companies are using paper-based consumer bags as marketing tools. Printing on paper bags is easier than printing on other materials.

Moreover, since companies are already investing in paper bag production for consumers, the cost-effectiveness of incorporating brand logos, slogans, or other marketing-oriented lines becomes more appealing.

The growing use of paper-based consumer bags for marketing in the retail industry has high growth potential.

Paper Based Consumer Bags Market: Challenges

Competition from alternate solutions will challenge the market expansion rate

The global industry for paper-based consumer bags will be challenged by the rising competition it faces from alternate solutions.

For instance, plastic-based consumer bags continue to enjoy popularity among a large portion of consumers. Moreover, the development of biodegradable plastics could lead to a shift from paper-based consumer bags to plastic substitutes.

Paper Based Consumer Bags Market: Segmentation

The global paper based consumer bags market is segmented based on end use, product, material type, and region.

Based on the end use, the global market segments are wine bags, promotion bags, gift bags, shopping bags, and others. In 2023, the highest growth was observed in the shopping bags segment. This is due to the growing use of sustainable packaging solutions among product retailers.

The production and use of durable paper bags that can carry heavier weights than normal papers are likely to fuel segmental demand in the future. In October 2021, the Spanish stores of the clothing brand Zara started charging customers 10 euro cents for paper bags.

Based on product, the global paper based consumer bag industry is divided into laminated and non-laminated.

Based on the material type, the global market divisions are kraft paper, matte paper, and white paper. The highest demand was observed in the kraft paper market segment due to the excellent performance delivered by the products.

Kraft paper is not only environmentally friendly but also highly durable. Moreover, they act as the ideal solution for grocery and retail-based companies. Kraft paper-based consumer bags can carry around 5 to 15 kg of weight.

Paper Based Consumer Bags Market: Report Scope

Paper Based Consumer Bags Market: Regional Analysis

Europe will emerge as the highest revenue generator during the projection period

The global paper based consumer bags market will be led by Europe during the forecast period. According to market research, European Nations have been at the forefront of introducing sustainable solutions across industries.

According to Vision 2050, Europe is expected to become carbon-neutral by 2050. It can achieve this vision by reducing its dependence on plastic-based solutions such as consumer bags.

In addition to this, the presence of a massive retail industry across Europe helps drive the demand for paper-based consumer bags. Most fashion retailers use paper-based bags to deliver products to customers.

North America is a crucial driver of paper based consumer bags industry revenue. The increasing launch of new initiatives curbing the use of plastic bags and promoting the use of sustainable alternatives is driving regional revenue.

Moreover, the food e-commerce industry along with their greater inclination toward paper-based consumer bags will impact the final growth rate in North America.

In addition to this, consumer awareness about the ill impact of plastic-based bags on the environment is considerably high, which further promotes regional market dominance.

Paper Based Consumer Bags Market: Competitive Analysis

The global paper based consumer bags market is led by players like:

• Segezha Group
• Mondi Group
• Gascogne Group
• International Paper
• BillerudKorsnäs
• Smurfit Kappa
• Georgia-Pacific
• WestRock
• Norske Skog
• Ronpak
• DS Smith
• Essity
• Stora Enso
• Klabin
• Huhtamaki

The global paper based consumer bags market is segmented as follows:

By End Use

• Wine Bags
• Promotion Bags
• Gift Bags
• Shopping Bags
• Others

By Product

• Laminated
• Non-Laminated

By Material Type

• Kraft Paper
• Matter Paper
• White Paper

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa