Expanded polypropylene packaging market is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period (2024-2031). The market growth is attributed to pivotal factors such as growing automotive and consumer electronics sectors globally and increasing demand for robust and lightweight packaging solutions. According to the World Integrated Trade Solution, in 2021, the top exporters of polypropylene, in primary forms are Saudi Arabia ($6,827 million), Korea, Rep. ($2,824 million, 2,040,690,000 Kg), US ($2,070 million, 917,173,000 Kg), Germany ($2,025 million, 1,123,410,000 Kg), China ($1,856 million, 1,267,280,000 Kg).

Market Dynamics

Growing Adoption of Sustainability and Environmental Impact

As the demand for sustainable packaging solutions grows, so does the demand for EPP (Expanded Polypropylene Packaging), as it is 100.0% recyclable. Closed-loop recycling systems are the focus of businesses to lessen their impact on the environment. As it is lightweight, EPP is more appealing as a sustainable material as it lowers transportation costs and emissions. Expanded polypropylene, or EPP, is a versatile substance that is subtly changing the environment. It is used in everything from energy-efficient building insulation to lightweight automotive parts. Growing worries about sustainability are bringing even more attention to EPP's environmentally friendly credentials.

Increasing Demand in E-Commerce Sector

The demand for protective packaging solutions has grown as e-commerce has grown. With its toughness and capacity to absorb shock, EPP is the perfect material to ship expensive and delicate goods. Expanded polypropylene (EPP) is a highly durable polymer with a high specific energy absorption, making it the perfect foundation for customized, reusable packaging solutions. EPP is resilient enough to handle stresses such as shocks and even repeated hits while being transported, it keeps the packed items safe and intact while maintaining all of its functionalities. EPP packaging is a smart yet simple reusable solution that comes in a range of colors and is fully recyclable. It may be used for solutions with high circulation, such as cargo carriers for the transportation of delicate parts in the automotive sector.

Market Segmentation

• Based on the type, the market is segmented into low-density, high-density, and porous polypropylene.

• Based on the application, the market is segmented into automotive packaging, consumer goods packaging, food and beverage packaging, industrial packaging, and medical and pharmaceutical packaging.

High Density is Projected to Hold the Largest Segment

The primary factors supporting the growth include strong impact resistance in protective automobile and industrial packaging, and high-density EPP—known for its exceptional strength and durability. It is a preferred option in a variety of industries, including sports and recreation, automotive, and packaging, attributed to its exceptional strength, resilience, and thermal insulation, According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), in November 2021, Polypropylene (PP) covered more than 25.0 % of the polymer market demand. The PP marketplace is the second-largest polymer industry globally. The production capacity of PP varies according to global and regional market demand and is affected by numerous factors, including oil prices and new technological inventions. This results in lower PP prices globally, providing cheap feedstock, particularly for PP manufacturers globally.

Automotive Packaging to Hold a Considerable Market Share

The segment is growing owing to the specifically designed EPP for automotive applications, including energy-absorbing components, interior parts, and structural reinforcements in vehicles. EPP used in the automotive industry includes interior elements, floor components, luggage compartment accessories, armrests, headrests, and seat inserts. For instance, Knauf Industries offers EPP lightweight and flexible materials widely used throughout the automotive market for their outstanding shock-absorbing performance. EPS and EPP products assist energy management in a vehicle which contributes greatly towards passenger safety.

Regional Outlook

The global expanded polypropylene packaging market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (the UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). 

Growing Demand for Expanded Polypropylene Packaging in North America

The regional growth is attributed to the increasing demand for EPP products in various end-use industries, such as automotive, consumer goods, electrical & electronics, and packaging. Additionally, increasing demand for the recycling of polypropylene for use in packaging drives the growth of the market. According to the Recycling Partnership, 60.0%-65.0% of people across the US have access to recycled polypropylene, and only 30.0% of polypropylene used in consumer products is recycled. Part of the Coalition’s ongoing mission is to increase community engagement and education to ensure the right material gets placed in the right bin. Through the Coalition’s efforts, 48 million more people across the US now have access to recycled polypropylene.

Global Expanded Polypropylene Packaging Market Growth by Region 2024-2031

Asia-Pacific Holds Major Market Share

Asia-Pacific holds a significant share owing to the presence of major expanded polypropylene packaging offering companies such as Hanwha Group, JSP Corp., Kaneka Corp., and others. The market growth is attributed to the increasing adoption of lightweight and sustainable packaging solutions.  The increasing manufacturing of consumer goods and electronics is growing rapidly in China, India, and Japan owing to easy access to labor, raw material availability, and rapid industrialization. It is expected that these elements increase demand for EPP packaging. Additionally, growing demand for automobile interior and exterior equipment packaging solutions that are highly impact-resistant, contribute towards regional market growth. For instance, Kaneka Corp. offering expanded polyethene, Eperan-PP™ has greater heat resistance and dimensional accuracy. It is used as a shock absorber for automobile bumpers and packaging materials.

Market Players Outlook

*Note: Major Players Sorted in No Particular Order.

The major companies serving the expanded polypropylene packaging market include BASF SE, JSP Corp., Kaneka Corp., Knauf Industries, and Sonoco Products Co. among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. 

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global expanded polypropylene packaging market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new products, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.