PVC-Free Packaging Market - Size, Industry Share, Growth Trends and Forecasts (2023 - 2031)

PVC-Free Packaging Market Dynamics - (DRO) :

Key Drivers :

High demand for PVC-free packaging in the pharmaceutical industry

PVC-free packaging is highly used in the pharmaceutical industry owing to the high risk of PVC contamination, the safety of patients, changing regulatory compliances, innovations in packaging, and rising consumer awareness regarding the harmful effects of PVC packaging. Continuous research and development efforts have resulted in innovative PVC-free pharmaceutical packaging solutions that meet the specific needs of the pharmaceutical industry. The materials offer features such as temper-evident seals, moisture resistance, and protection against light, ensuring the efficacy and safety of medications. These large benefits of PVC-free packaging in the pharmaceutical industry along with the growing innovations in the development of PVC-free pharmaceutical packaging material are driving the market growth. For instance, in April 2021, Amcor Plc., a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, announced the launch of the AmSky blister system. The new product eliminated PVC packaging from healthcare customers and improved recyclability in pharmaceutical packaging. The latest in Amcor's recent innovation breakthroughs has the potential to transform the sustainability of healthcare packaging. Hence, the high demand for packaging materials in the pharmaceutical industry along with the rising innovations in PVC-free packaging are driving the growth of global PVC-free packaging market worldwide.

Increasing government restrictions on the use of PVC packaging in certain regions

Stringent government regulations and increasing bans on PVC in certain regions and applications are improving the adoption of PVC-free packaging in several end-user industries. Packaging material made of PVC plastic is not easily biodegradable and it releases harmful chlorine gas and other toxic gases into the atmosphere when incinerated. The persistence of these PVC packaging materials in landfills can highly contaminate the soil and lead to environmental pollution. Owing to such harmful effects of PVC on both flora and fauna. Governments of various countries are imposing regulations to control the use of PVC in packaging. For instance, in June 2023, the government of Taiwan announced a ban on PVC packaging in the e-commerce sector. Under the new rules, no PVC plastic will be allowed in online retailers' packaging, while wrappers containing more than 90 percent recycled paper in natural colours or plastic packaging with more than 25% reusable plastic should be prioritized. Thus, the increasing regulations on the use of PVC-based packaging materials and the high environmental concerns about PVC are driving the global PVC-free packaging market.

Key Restraints :

Lower adoption of PVC-free packaging owing to the cost issue

PVC-free packaging products, such as bioplastics (PLA), recycled paper, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, etc. are used instead of PVC in the packaging sector. These packaging materials are high in cost due to several factors such as high production and processing costs, investment in infrastructure, high spending on research and development activities, and others. The manufacturing processes involved in the production of these materials significantly affect the cost of the product. However, the long-term durability and reduced maintenance requirements of HDPE pipes can offset the initial investment. Furthermore, the availability of these PVC-free packaging materials is also low in the global market, which reduced the adoption of materials from various potential customers worldwide. Thus, the higher cost of PVC-free packaging products reduces the adoption of these materials from small-scale or moderate consumer base industries. This lower adoption of PVC-free materials along with the low availability of specific products for different applications is hampering the growth of the PVC-free packaging market worldwide.

Future Opportunities :

Growing awareness regarding the harmful effects of the PVC-packaging

PVC packaging is a human health and environmental threat. PVC packaging is toxic in all stages of its lifecycle. PVC packaging can leach its many toxins through contact with the mouth and may also shed these particles into the air to be inhaled. The awareness of the potential health risks associated with PVC packaging is rising globally. PVC contains various harmful materials such as phthalates and lead which can be mixed with food and beverages along with PVC packaging and can lead to several health-related concerns. For instance, according to the report by the National Cancer Institute in November 2022, exposure to vinyl chloride materials is associated with an increased risk of a rare form of liver cancer (hepatic angiosarcoma), as well as primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), brain and lung cancers, lymphoma, and leukemia. Therefore, consumers are seeking packaging that doesn't pose these risks, especially when it encounters food, beverages, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and other products which is in direct human contact. Hence, the growing consumer awareness regarding the harmful effects of PVC packaging is expected to provide lucrative growth opportunities for the PVC-free packaging market in the upcoming years.

Top Key Players & Market Share Insights:

The PVC-free packaging market is highly competitive, with several large players and numerous small and medium-sized enterprises. These companies have strong research and development capabilities and a strong presence in the market through their extensive product portfolios and distribution networks. The market is characterized by intense competition, with companies focusing on expanding their product offerings and increasing their market share through mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships. The key players in the market include-