Global Fast Food Wrapping Paper Market Outlook to Reach US$3.5 Bn by 2032, Driven by On-the-Go Consumption and Eco-Friendly Packaging

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By Macro Analyst Desk

The global fast food wrapping paper market, valued at approximately US$2.7 billion in 2023, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.8% from 2024 to 2032, reaching an estimated US$3.5 billion by the end of 2032.

Fast food wrapping paper plays a crucial role in maintaining food hygiene and freshness for ready-to-eat food products. As consumers increasingly demand on-the-go food options and environmentally sustainable packaging, the market is experiencing a steady rise driven by the rapid adoption of disposable packaging solutions that cater to both performance and eco-friendly criteria.

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Analysts’ Viewpoint: Balancing Convenience with Sustainability

The fast food wrapping paper market is being propelled by the growing popularity of on-the-go food consumption, as busy lifestyles and an expanding working population drive the need for quick, convenient, and safe food packaging. Additionally, the surge in consumer and regulatory focus on biodegradable and compostable packaging solutions is prompting manufacturers to invest in innovative, sustainable products. Leading companies are continuously launching new, eco-friendly packaging options to enhance their product portfolios and meet the evolving demands of the fast food sector.

Market Introduction

Fast food wrapping paper is a multi-purpose, food-grade packaging solution used for wrapping a wide variety of ready-to-eat food products such as burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and bakery items. These wrapping papers, made from materials including polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), are extensively used in cafes, restaurants, and quick-service food outlets. Paper-based options—such as kraft paper, wax-coated, foil, and greaseproof papers—offer versatility, varying thicknesses, and specialized barrier properties to keep food fresh and contamination-free.

Key Market Drivers

  • Rapid Adoption of On-the-Go Food Products:
    The fast food industry is witnessing significant growth as more consumers opt for ready-to-eat products due to their convenience and minimal preparation time. In the United States, fast food consumption remains robust, with a large percentage of adults eating fast food on a daily or weekly basis. High-quality fast food wrapping papers protect food from moisture, heat, air, and chemical reactions, ensuring the products remain fresh and safe throughout distribution and consumption.
  • Surge in Demand for Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging Solutions:
    Heightened awareness of environmental sustainability is pushing manufacturers to develop fast food wrapping papers made from eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, cellulose, seaweed, and corn starch. These biodegradable solutions meet stringent regulatory standards and address growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging, further bolstering the market.

Regional Outlook

North America emerged as the most lucrative region in 2023, driven by high fast food consumption and a strong focus on sustainable packaging practices. The region’s dynamic food and beverage sector, supported by robust infrastructure and innovation in packaging technologies, is expected to maintain its lead throughout the forecast period. In the U.S., significant expenditure on food away from home underscores the critical role of high-performance packaging solutions in enhancing food safety and consumer satisfaction.

Analysis of Key Players

Key market players are actively expanding their product portfolios and investing in research and development to introduce innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. Leading companies include:

  • Berry Global, Inc.
  • Delfort Group
  • Georgia-Pacific LLC
  • Twin Rivers Paper Company
  • Huhtamaki Oyj
  • Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Limited
  • Amcor Plc
  • Mondi Group
  • Reynolds Group Holding Limited
  • The Clorox Company
  • S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
  • Nordic Paper AS
  • Anchor Packaging Inc.
  • Pudumjee Paper Products Ltd.

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Key Developments

  • February 2024: Berry Global, Inc. introduced its new reusable tableware range designed to provide sustainable packaging solutions, thereby enhancing its product portfolio and aligning with consumer demand for eco-friendly options.
  • February 2023: Koehler Paper launched its innovative packaging solution, Koehler NexPure OGR, which delivers an oil- and grease-resistant, sustainable wrapping paper tailored for the fast food sector.

Market Segmentation

By Thickness:

  • Plastic & Aluminum Foil:
    • Below 8 Microns
    • 8 to 14 Microns
    • 14 to 20 Microns
    • 20 Microns & Above
  • Paper:
    • Up to 30 GSM
    • 30 to 50 GSM
    • Above 50 GSM

By Material Type:

  • Plastic:
    • Polyethylene (PE)
    • Polypropylene (PP)
    • Polyamide
    • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
    • Others
  • Paper:
    • Kraft Paper
    • Specialty Paper (Wax, Greaseproof, Foil, etc.)

By Fast Food Type:

  • Sandwiches
  • Burgers
  • Pizza
  • Wraps & Rolls
  • Chicken
  • Other Snack Foods

By End-use:

  • Hotels
  • Restaurants
  • Cafes
  • Fast Food Outlets
  • Cinemas
  • Airline & Railway Catering
  • Institutional

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How big was the global fast food wrapping paper market in 2023?
    It was valued at US$2.7 billion in 2023.
  • What is the forecast market value by 2032?
    The market is projected to reach US$3.5 billion by 2032.
  • What is the anticipated CAGR during the forecast period?
    The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.8% from 2024 to 2032.
  • What are the key factors driving market demand?
    Rapid adoption of on-the-go food products and the surge in demand for biodegradable and compostable packaging solutions are the primary drivers.
  • Which region was the most lucrative in the fast food wrapping paper market in 2023?
    North America was the most lucrative region in 2023.
  • Who are the prominent fast food wrapping paper manufacturers?
    Leading manufacturers include Berry Global, Inc., Delfort Group, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Twin Rivers Paper Company, Huhtamaki Oyj, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Limited, Amcor Plc, Mondi Group, Reynolds Group Holding Limited, The Clorox Company, S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc., Nordic Paper AS, Anchor Packaging Inc., and Pudumjee Paper Products Ltd.

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