(UPM, Helsinki, June 30, 2026 at 12:30 EEST) – A new study from UPM Specialty Materials and global consultancy Smithers points to changing dynamics in the food packaging landscape, with fibre-based materials taking the leading share by 2045, recycling rates climbing toward 37%, and a regulatory landscape where sustainability becomes a strict government mandate.

Fibre-based food packaging is on course to become the leading sustainable material by 2045, driven by breakthrough barrier coating technologies, tightening global regulation, and a decisive consumer shift away from single-use plastics. These are among the key findings of the new global study published today by UPM Specialty Materials and Smithers.

More than 230 global packaging professionals from across the value chain contributed to a collective assessment of the key trends projected to drive sustainability in food packaging by 2045.

According to the survey, respondents see strong interest in fibre-based packaging, with its share of the global food packaging market is expected to rise from 37% today to 42% by 2045. 71% of respondents expect fibre-based packaging to be perceived as the most sustainable solution, citing advances in barrier coatings set to unlock food applications that were previously the exclusive domain of plastics.

“We’re encouraged to see strong momentum behind fibre-based packaging, driven by regulation, consumer demand, and ongoing innovation in barrier technologies. Our role is to support customers in this transition with high-performance, sustainable solutions that do not compromise on functionality.” says Janne Varvemaa, Director, Products and Technology, UPM Specialty Materials.

The study outlines a future in which sustainability becomes a strict government mandate, not a brand differentiator: 71% of those surveyed believe this is likely, and 88% expect it to fundamentally reshape packaging choices. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and eco-modulation fees are projected to become a primary driver of material selection, rewarding recyclable, high-performance solutions and penalizing hard-to-recycle alternatives.

Recycling rates are forecast to climb from 31% in 2030 to 37% by 2045. Yet challenges remain, with respondents expecting that landfilling and incineration will persist. Outcomes vary significantly by region, with Europe leading in recycling while the US and Asia-Pacific face distinct infrastructure and regulatory hurdles. Overall, the findings underscore the urgency of accelerating innovation and development globally.

“The evidence is clear that the industry will continue to focus on improving recycling rates and regulations, particularly EPR and eco-modulation are directly influencing material choices. Ongoing innovation in barrier technologies is also opening up new applications for fibre-based packaging to compete with plastic alternatives.” says Ciaran Little, VP, Global Consulting Information Division, Smithers.

Download the full Sustainable Food Packaging to 2045 report to explore the complete findings, expert commentary and data at Link.

*The trends presented above and, in the report, reflect survey-based insights and do not necessarily reflect UPM's views.

Great Little Box Company Ltd (GLBC) has announced it has won Bronze in the Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) 33rd Annual Gold Leaf Awards. Judged on design, execution, and level of difficulty, this annual award competition represents the most exquisite works throughout the graphic arts industry. Featuring more than 35 categories, the competition recognizes how specialty finishing processes enhance quality, strengthen shelf presence, and elevate brand recognition in print.

GLBC has won Bronze in the Best Use of Foil/Embossing- Label, (Difficult) category for Tealeaves Masala Chai label. This label was printed on the HP Indigo 6K Digital Press and the AB Graphic International Digicon Series 3 Label Converting machine, which features a 50T hot foil and emboss unit called the “Big Foot”.

MoistTech Corp., the global leader in moisture measurement, announces it will highlight the cutting-edge IR3000-F moisture sensor at IFT FIRST 2026, booth #3254, bringing industry-leading precision and efficiency to the food sector. Taking place July 12-15, 2026, in Chicago, IL, IFT FIRST will provide an opportunity for industry professionals to experience firsthand how MoistTech’s cutting-edge Near-Infrared (NIR) technology optimizes food production.

The IR3000-F moisture sensor is engineered to deliver unparalleled accuracy and reliability, ensuring real-time, continuous moisture analysis for a wide range of food products. By integrating the IR3000-F into processing lines, manufacturers can enhance product quality and consistency while optimizing oven, dryer, and fryer performance. The ability to precisely measure moisture levels results in improved energy efficiency, reduced waste, and increased productivity, all of which contribute to a more cost-effective manufacturing process. Maintaining ideal moisture levels is essential for ensuring the desired taste, texture, and shelf life of food, making the IR3000-F an invaluable tool for production facilities.

MoistTech’s non-contact moisture measurement technology is designed for seamless integration into existing food production lines. Unlike other moisture sensors, the IR3000-F is factory pre-calibrated and requires no ongoing recalibration, ensuring long-term accuracy without maintenance-related downtime. The sensor remains unaffected by variations in product height, color, or ambient conditions, making it a reliable and efficient solution for process optimization.

Attendees of IFT FIRST 2025 are invited to visit MoistTech at booth #3254 to discover how the IR3000-F enhances food production, offering the precision needed for superior product quality and operational efficiency.

For more information, visit https://www.moisttech.com/applications/human-food-moisture/. 

HZ Green Pulp, PulPac’s first licensee in Malaysia, is strengthening the market position of its Dry Molded Fiber offering through a new partnership with Hotpack Global. The collaboration connects HZ’s Dry Molded Fiber production with Hotpack’s extensive foodservice packaging portfolio, creating new opportunities to bring fiber-based applications to foodservice customers.

HZ Green Pulp, part of Malaysia-based HZ Corporation, has invested in Dry Molded Fiber technology to produce fiber-based alternatives for the foodservice packaging market. Through HZP Eco Packaging, a newly announced joint venture between HZ Corporation and Hotpack Global, the company is now adding further commercial reach to its Dry Molded Fiber offering.

Hotpack Global is one of the largest food packaging companies in the Middle East, with a portfolio of more than 4,000 products and export to over 100 countries. The partnership combines HZ Corporation’s manufacturing base in Malaysia with Hotpack’s scale, distribution network, and established presence in foodservice packaging.

For HZ Green Pulp, the collaboration creates an opportunity to position its first Dry Molded Fiber application, the coffee lid, alongside complementary foodservice products such as paper cups. Over time, the partnership may also create opportunities for additional product combinations as HZ Green Pulp continues to develop its Dry Molded Fiber offering.

“Dry Molded Fiber is an important part of our long-term foodservice packaging strategy,” says Dato' Dr. Donald Yap, CEO of HZ Green Pulp. “With Hotpack’s portfolio and customer network, we see an opportunity to make our first Dry Molded Fiber application, the coffee lid, part of a broader and more practical offer for customers. It strengthens our ability to serve the market with fiber-based solutions that are easy to adopt, while opening the door for more Dry Molded Fiber applications over time.”

“This is an important next step for HZ Green Pulp and a strong signal of their belief in Dry Molded Fiber,” says Sanna Fager, Chief Commercial Officer at PulPac. “By pairing Dry Molded Fiber applications with complementary foodservice packaging, HZ can make it easier for customers to move toward fiber-based solutions. It also shows how our licensees are increasingly taking the lead in bringing the technology to market.”