This kind of packaging is particularly manufactured to be dissolved in water, making it an eco-friendly & more sustainable option as compared to materials used in traditional packaging, such as glass, metal, & plastic.
In the United States, the water-soluble packaging market is dominated by the presence of several key manufacturers like MonoSol, Mondi, & SmartSolve Industries. Growing awareness among Users in the economies regarding several benefits provided by water-soluble packaging solutions, for example, Saie, a health brand, has included water-soluble packaging for its products, further increasing its popularity.
In the EU, the government of the United Kingdom made a commitment to achieve zero avoidable
plastic waste by 2042 has led to a surge in the need for sustainable packaging options, with water-soluble packaging being a suitable option. This step & other strict government policies on bans of plastics have had a positive effect on the water-soluble
packaging market's growth, making a suitable condition for the implementation of eco-friendly packaging solutions.
The market outlook for water-soluble packaging appears to lead with a major share in the market as regulatory bodies & customers prioritize environmental protection & sustainable options.
Key Takeaways
- Growing Demand for Sustainable Packaging: Increasing environmental concerns drive the adoption of biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
- Expanding Applications Across Industries: Widely used in detergents, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food packaging to reduce plastic waste.
- Government Regulations Boosting Market Growth: Stringent policies on plastic reduction and waste management encourage the use of water-soluble packaging materials.
- Advancements in Material Technology: Innovations in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films enhance strength, solubility, and barrier properties.
- Rising Consumer Awareness: Increasing preference for sustainable and convenient packaging solutions is fueling market demand.
Use Cases
- Detergent & Cleaning Products: Used in single-use laundry pods and dishwasher tablets, eliminating the need for plastic packaging and reducing waste.
- Agrochemicals & Pesticides: Provides a safe and eco-friendly way to handle fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, minimizing human exposure and contamination.
- Pharmaceutical & Medical Applications: Applied in unit-dose drug packaging, making medicine administration more convenient while reducing packaging waste.
- Food & Beverage Industry: Utilized for instant drink mixes, edible films, and food wrapping, ensuring sustainability and easy consumption.
- Industrial & Chemical Packaging: Used for pre-measured chemical formulations in construction, textile, and automotive industries, reducing spillage and ensuring precise usage.
Water Soluble Packaging Market Dynamic
The rising environmental issues have led to the usage of green packaging solutions across several countries. This growth is further driven by increasing energy & transportation costs, which marked the market’s expansion.
However, the negative sides of packaging with conventional materials & government initiatives to move towards environmentally friendly products have fueled the growth of the green packaging market. Many key firms are engaged in implementing water-soluble packaging solutions to decrease their carbon footprint.
Water-soluble packaging provides several benefits, such as durability, quality control, preservation, & hygiene, therefore utilized in several sectors like meat, bakery and confectionery, poultry, seafood, grains & dairy.
The utilization of water-soluble packaging is prominent, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, where rising production & growing customer income levels fuel innovation in this industry. The demand for such sustainable food packaging solutions is further enhanced by strict government rules.
Driving Factors
The Water soluble packaging market is being propelled forward by rising consumer and industry demand for eco friendly alternatives to traditional packaging options, with governments advocating for reduced plastic waste production while also instituting stricter environmental regulations. Water soluble packaging made of biodegradable materials like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) helps meet this goal by offering zero waste solutions.
Applications in industries like detergents, agrochemicals and food packaging showcase its versatility and environmental advantages. Consumer awareness of sustainability drives business adoption as they try to reduce their environmental footprint while meeting changing regulatory expectations and consumer demands.
Trending Factors
Technological innovations are revolutionizing the water soluble packaging market with revolutionary materials and production techniques. Companies are creating enhanced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) formulations with superior solubility, durability, and compatibility for various products.
Trends also include the incorporation of plant based and bio based polymers to meet demand for natural and sustainable options, while innovations like 3D printing and multilayer packaging enable custom solutions tailored specifically for various industries.
Furthermore, smart packaging solutions with features such as delayed dissolution or active ingredient release show how focused the market is on providing solutions tailored specifically for specific industries.
Restraining Factors
The water soluble packaging market faces significant hurdles due to its incompatibility with environments of high humidity. Moisture exposure can compromise both integrity and performance of these materials, thus restricting their usage for certain applications or geographic regions.
Industries dealing with perishable products or needing extended shelf lives may hesitate to adopt such packaging due to potential degradation risks and higher production costs compared with conventional alternatives. Overcoming such obstacles requires further research and development on improving stability, expanding climate fitness, and making the material economically feasible for wider adoption.
Opportunity
Water soluble packaging market presents significant growth potential across sectors such as detergents and agrochemicals. Single dose packaging for laundry and dishwashing detergents has gained in popularity as its convenience reduces waste. Similar to agrochemical companies, food packaging and pharmaceutical industries are rapidly adopting water soluble pouches for pesticides and fertilizers to allow precise dosing and safety benefits.
Expansion into other sectors food packaging and
pharmaceuticals, specifically also offers potential, as these sectors seek sustainable solutions. As awareness for biodegradable packaging grows with regulatory support increases market prospects further. By targeting niche applications as well as environmental sustainability trends manufacturers can capitalize on many emerging opportunities.
Water Soluble Packaging Market Research Scope and Analysis
By Raw Material
The water-soluble packaging market is divided into segments based on raw materials such as surfactants, polymers, & fibers. Among these segments, the polymer segment dominates the market with the maximum share in 2023.
Polyvinyl alcohol is a widely used water-soluble packaging material because of its properties of film-forming & water solubility. Such polymers provide compatibility with a range of product ingredients, such as enzymes, aggressive chemicals, & other components, making them the preferred choice for usage in medical, household, personal care & agriculture sectors.
Moreover, the fiber segment is anticipated to grow with a high CAGR for the period 2023-2032. This segment’s material includes fibers derived from natural sources like wood pulp, as well as synthetic fibers derived from grains like wheat & corn.
Fiber-based water-soluble packaging solutions, like water-dissolvable paper, are getting attention as they reduce the ecological impact compared to conventional material. These environmentally friendly properties further drive the demand for fiber-based water-soluble packaging in the market.
By Packaging
The bag segment dominates the market with the maximum share in 2023. This dominance is accredited to the wide usage of water-soluble bags in the industry of medical packaging, especially for infected laundry bags. The ease of application of water-soluble bags makes them a preferred option for both consumers & manufacturers, leading to a rise in their demand.
Moreover, the segment of pods & capsule products is anticipated to grow with a high CAGR for the period of 2023-2032. Water-soluble pods & capsules find application in packaging one-time used products like dishwasher & laundry detergent pods, drain cleaner pods, oven cleaner pods, fabric softener capsules, dishwasher capsules, etc. The usage of these easy-to-use water-soluble pods & capsules is anticipated to drive growth in this segment in the coming years.
By Solubility
The solubility of the hot water segment dominates the market with a maximum share in 2023. The key factor driving the demand for this segment is the ability of water-soluble packaging to dissolve quickly & easily in higher ranges of water temperature. This property discards the requirement of handling, measuring, & disposing of packaging materials used traditionally, making it a preferred choice among customers.
An example of this trend is seen when Plus Products Inc. introduced paper sheets for body wash, positioning the brand as a zero-waste company. These sheets of paper dissolve in hot water, providing an eco-friendly alternative & reducing waste.
Moreover, the cold-water solubility type provides an energy-efficient solution as it dissolves the packaging quickly without the need for warm water, usually at temperatures below 20°C. With rising ecological concerns & the rising desire for sustainable packaging, the overall demand for water-soluble packaging is anticipated to rise in the upcoming years.
By End-Use
The segment of household products dominates the water-soluble packaging market in 2023. This dominance is majorly accredited to its usage in several cleaning materials, such as laundry detergent pods, drain cleaner pods, toilet blocks, & glass cleaner pods.
Major firms such as Unimasses Group, provide a wide range of laundry detergent pods, further driving the demand in this segment. Water-soluble packaging provides an efficient method of dispensing cleaning products without the need to maintain heavy containers, which subsequently contributes to the rising demand in the household products segment.
The agriculture End-use sector is anticipated to observe growth in water-soluble packaging consumption with a fast CAGR by 2032. Majorly used in packaging pesticides & fertilizers, as water-soluble packaging helps reduce waste & minimizes ecological impact.
Moreover, it’s used in the medical industry via the utilization of bags in laundry. In healthcare centers, hospitals, & nursing homes, water-soluble laundry bags are used to wash contaminated & infected patient laundry to avoid further contamination.
The Global Water-Soluble Packaging Market Report is segmented on the basis of the following
By Raw Materials
- Polymers
- Surfactants
- Fibers
By Packaging
- Pods & Capsules
- Pouches
- Bags
By Solubility
By End- Use
- Agriculture
- Medical
- Household Products
- Chemicals
- Retail
- Water Treatment
- Fishing
- Animal Waste
- Others
How Does Artificial Intelligence Contribute To Improve Water-soluble Packaging Market ?
- Optimized Material Formulation: AI-driven simulations analyze and enhance polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film properties, improving solubility, strength, and biodegradability for diverse applications.
- Advanced Quality Control & Defect Detection: AI-powered computer vision systems detect material inconsistencies, ensuring high-quality and defect-free water-soluble packaging production.
- Supply Chain & Demand Forecasting: Machine learning models predict market demand trends, optimizing raw material sourcing and reducing waste in production.
- Smart Manufacturing & Process Automation: AI automates film extrusion and packaging processes, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring precision in packaging thickness and durability.
- Sustainability & Waste Reduction: AI-driven life cycle assessments (LCA) help manufacturers design packaging with minimal environmental impact, reducing carbon footprint and plastic waste.
Water Soluble Packaging Market Regional Analysis
North America dominates the water-soluble packaging market with a maximum share of 32.1% in 2023. The growth is driven by the rising desire from several local sectors, such as food and beverages and household products. This growth is further driven by strict government policies & rise in customers' awareness regarding the impacts of traditional materials of packaging on the environment. Within North America, the United States stands out with a maximum share in 2023.
The nation’s market growth is accredited to the growing demand from the household sector, especially for capsules & cleaning pods utilized in dishwashers & laundry. These products' ease of use, along with their organic nature, decreases the chance of contact with skin, and are propelling the market in the nation. Moreover, the rising desire for dishwashers & washing machines has propelled the detergent & dishwasher pods market.
Furthermore, Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow with a high CAGR by 2032, in the Water-soluble packaging market. Major contributors to the growth are economies such as India, China, & Japan, & South Korea, where there is more demand for personal care products & laundry detergents. Overall, the heightened awareness of customers regarding sustainable packaging solutions has contributed to this position.
By Region
North America
Europe
- Germany
- The U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Russia
- Spain
- Benelux
- Nordic
- Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- ANZ
- ASEAN
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Rest of Latin America
Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- South Africa
- Israel
- Egypt
- Rest of MEA
Competitive Landscape
Major players in the water-soluble packaging market often adopt mergers and acquisitions as a strategic approach to expand their market share in specific regions. Additionally, companies may establish technological collaborations to develop advanced products with superior performance characteristics, aiming to drive revenue growth.
An example of such collaboration is seen in July 2022 when Aquapak announced its partnership with Industrial Physics, a global inspecting company specializing in packaging, materials, and products. This partnership is expected to propel Aquapak's Hydropol water-soluble sustainable packaging product range, positioning the company for further advancements and success in the market.
Some of the prominent players in the Global Water-Soluble Packaging Market are:
COVID-19 Pandemic & Recession: Impact on the Global Water-Soluble Packaging Market
The COVID-19 pandemic and global recession had a mixed impact on the water-soluble packaging market. On one hand, the increased emphasis on hygiene and sanitation during the pandemic led to a surge in demand for water-soluble packaging for single-use applications in the healthcare, personal care, and food industries, as it offers a convenient and safe way to package and dispense products without direct contact.
However, the economic downturn and disruptions in supply chains during the pandemic led to a temporary slowdown in certain industries, impacting the market's growth. The pandemic also caused shifts in consumer behavior and preferences, with a growing awareness of environmental sustainability, leading to increased interest in eco-friendly packaging solutions like water-soluble materials.
As the world continues to recover from the pandemic, the water-soluble packaging market is expected to witness steady growth, driven by the demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions and the continued focus on hygiene and safety.
Water Soluble Packaging Market Report Details
| Report Characteristics |
| Market Size (2023) |
USD 3,490.9 Mn |
| Forecast Value (2032) |
USD 5,755.9 Mn |
| CAGR (2023-2032) |
5.7% |
| Historical Data |
2017 - 2022 |
| Forecast Data |
2023 - 2032 |
| Base Year |
2022 |
| Estimate Year |
2023 |
| Report Coverage |
Market Revenue Estimation, Market Dynamics, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and etc. |
| Segments Covered |
By Raw Materials (Polymers, Surfactants, and Fibers),
By Packaging (Pods & Capsules, Pouches, and Bags),
By Solubility (Hot Water, and Cold Water), By End-
Use (Agriculture, Medical, Household Products,
Chemicals, Retail, Water Treatment, Fishing, Animal
Waste, and Others). |
| Regional Coverage |
North America – The US and Canada; Europe – Germany, The UK, France, Russia, Spain, Italy, Benelux, Nordic, & Rest of Europe; Asia- Pacific– China, Japan, South Korea, India, ANZ, ASEAN, Rest of APAC; Latin America – Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Rest of Latin America; Middle East & Africa – Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, & Rest of MEA
|
| Prominent Players |
Lithey Inc., Sekisui Chemicals, Acedag Ltd., Mondi
Group, Aicello Corporation, Lactips, Kuraray Co., Ltd.,
Soltec Development, Soluble Technology Limited,
INVISIBLE COMPANY, Green Master Packaging, and
Other Key Players. |
| Purchase Options |
We have three licenses to opt for: Single User License (Limited to 1 user), Multi-User License (Up to 5 Users), and Corporate Use License (Unlimited User) along with free report customization equivalent to 0 analyst working days, 3 analysts working days and 5 analysts working days respectively. |