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The Impact of Population and Demographics on Packaging: Long-term Outlook to 2050

The packaging industry is constantly evolving, impacted by demographic changes, economic development and consumer demands. This report examines these key trends in depth.
  • The global packaging market is forecast to grow at a 3.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2023 and 2028
  • Growth is expected to slow to 2.1% CAGR between 2028 and 2050. By 2050, the global packaging market is projected to reach $2.23 trillion

By 2050, packaging consumption per capita is expected to have grown globally, with the fastest growth rates in low and lower middle income regions. These markets have significant room for expansion as more consumers transition from minimal or informal packaging solutions to more standardized, formal packaging options. Population changes, and the difference in packaging needs, mean packaging consumption markets vary globally.

The packaging industry is constantly evolving, impacted by demographic changes, economic development and consumer demands. Low-income and high-income countries exhibit different packaging needs; for example, the drive for sustainability and premium packaging in high-income countries is not the same in lower income regions. These key trends are examined in depth, along with the effect of increases and decreases in population, as well as shifts in demographics on the consumption and development of packaging.

Key Questions

  • How are lifestyle changes affecting packaging needs and consumption?
  • What are the differences in packaging consumption across higher income and lower income countries?
  • What factors are expected to cause saturation in the packaging market?
  • How will packaging need to adapt to the needs and priorities of an aging population through to 2050?
  • How will global FMCG brands adapt their packaging to engage with new consumers in the fast-growing economies?

This report is essential to:

  • Packaging raw material suppliers
  • Packaging converters and manufacturers
  • Retailers and brand owners

About the author

Juan Rodriguez has over 20 years of experience in corporate finance and analysis in the forest and paper industry, working for leading companies Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark

and Neenah (now Mativ). Juan is an industrial engineer who has leveraged his technical background to optimise processes while working in finance, market analysis, and forecasting; producing recommendations that move businesses forward, focusing on value creation.

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