The plastic and paper material value chains are structured differently, leading to differences in how relevant influences in each industry will impact material use through the 2025-2030 period. Eighteen potential drivers that will impact the future use of plastic or paper have been identified, and the current situation has been outlined; along with a forecast of how these drivers will impact the material landscape in 2030.

This report investigates the differences between plastic and paper and the pressures on both. It examines priorities that are being addressed to enable continued use of plastics for packaging applications - in particular aspects like recyclability, use of recycled plastic, and weight optimisation. Simultaneously it analyses the opportunities for using fibre-based solutions as an alternative approach.

This report is essential to
Packaging raw material suppliers 
Packaging converters and manufacturers
Retailers and brand owners

Key Questions 

• Where are the key priority areas for improving the sustainability profile and ensuring technical suitability of plastics and paper?
• How will differences in plastic and paper value chains affect material selection, cost, and use in packaging through to 2030?
• What new regulations and legislation will be influential or detrimental to the paper and plastic packaging sectors?
• Which market sectors favour plastic over paper, and what technical innovations are best positioned to alter this?