The global molded fiber packaging industry is optimistic about the coming years. This is according to the first worldwide benchmarking reports from the International Molded Fiber Association (IMFA). The study provides, for the first time according to the association, a global database on production development, investment plans and market trends in the industry.
Manufacturers from North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, South America, and Africa participated in the survey. The aim was to provide robust comparative data for an industry that has grown significantly in recent years and is increasingly replacing packaging applications that were previously based on other materials.
Majority expects production growth
According to the results, 79 per cent of the surveyed companies expect an increase in their production in 2026. At the same time, 74 per cent plan to build additional production capacities within the next 24 months. Confidence is also evident in the labour market: 84 per cent of participants intend to expand their workforce or at least maintain it at the current level.
The results suggest that manufacturers continue to expect rising demand for fibre-based packaging solutions.
Regulation boosts demand
Fast 70 percent of respondents see regulatory requirements as a positive driver for demand for fibre-based packaging. The study thus underlines the growing importance of fibre-based packaging in light of stricter sustainability and circular economy requirements in many markets.
At the same time, companies are increasingly investing in new technologies. Around 73 percent of respondents plan to increase their use of artificial intelligence within the next twelve months. The aim is to achieve efficiency gains, process optimisations, and improvements in operational performance.
Energy prices remain a challenge
Despite the positive outlook, companies continue to see significant challenges. Participants cited high energy costs, regulatory uncertainty, and technological limitations as the main growth inhibitors. Tariffs and trade barriers are also impacting business development in many regions.
„When we started this initiative, the goal was simple: to provide our industry with the market information that's taken for granted in established industries,“ explained Gary Visser, Executive Chairman of the IMFA.
Visser continued: „What the results show us is encouraging. Manufacturers are investing in additional capacity, planning for growth, expanding their workforces, and responding to the increasing demand for fibre-based packaging solutions. Equally importantly, companies from all over the world were willing to contribute to this initiative because they recognised that a better understanding of the industry benefits everyone.“
According to the IMFA, the benchmarking initiative is to be continued regularly in the future. This will make it possible to measure changes in market conditions, investments, employment and the use of technology in the long term.
Source: IMFA
