Precedence Research
As detailed in the latest report by Towards Packaging, the Europe plastic packaging market is forecast to grow from USD 116.87 billion in 2026 to about USD 189.22 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 5.5% between 2025 and 2034.
Ottawa, Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Europe plastic packaging market, which stood at USD 110.78 billion in 2025, is projected to grow further to USD 189.22 billion by 2034, according to data published by Towards Packaging, a sister firm of Precedence Research. The European plastic packaging market is driven by strong demand from food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries, supported by advanced manufacturing capabilities and high-quality standards.
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What is Meant by Plastic Packaging in Europe?
Plastic packaging refers to the use of polymer-based materials to protect, contain, transport, and preserve products, ensuring durability, safety, convenience, and extended shelf life. The European plastic packaging market is driven by strong demand from food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care sectors, along with innovations in recyclable materials, lightweight packaging, regulatory compliance, and growing adoption of circular-economy and sustainability-focused solutions.
Sustainability initiatives, lightweighting, recyclable materials, and mono-material designs are reshaping product development, while regulatory pressure and circular-economy goals accelerate innovation and adoption of eco-friendly packaging solutions across the region.
Major Europe Initiatives for the Plastic Packaging Industry
Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) 2025 Milestone:Â A critical milestone in 2025 requires PET beverage bottles to contain at least 25% recycled plastic and targets a 77% separate collection rate for plastic bottles.
Plastic Waste Minimization and Compostability Mandate:Â Starting in 2025, specific items such as very lightweight plastic carrier bags and sticky labels for fruit and vegetables must be industrially compostable, while overall per capita consumption of lightweight bags must not exceed 40 per year.
EU Plastic Own Resource (Plastic Tax):Â This fiscal measure encourages member states to reduce waste by applying a uniform call rate on non-recycled plastic packaging waste, effectively acting as an incentive for increased recycling.
Circular Plastics Alliance (CPA) Relaunch:Â This industry-led initiative aims to ensure that 10 million tonnes of recycled plastics are used in new products on the EU market annually by 2025, supported by a significant relaunch in 2025 to address current recycling sector challenges.