I. Market overview

1. Definition and product characteristics

Pulp coffee tray is a kind of environmentally friendly packaging products made of pulp as raw materials. It is mainly used for the bottom support of coffee cups, which has the characteristics of heat insulation, anti-slip and environmental protection. With the increasing global awareness of environmental protection and the rapid growth of coffee consumption, pulp coffee trays have gradually replaced traditional plastic products and become the preferred packaging for coffee chain brands and takeaway markets.

Market Drivers

Global coffee consumption Growth: The global coffee market continues to expand, especially with a steady rise in coffee consumption in emerging markets (e.g., India, Southeast Asia) and mature markets (e.g., North America, Europe).

Environmental policy drive: The EU "plastic ban", environmental regulations in US states, and global sustainability initiatives are driving the demand for biodegradable packaging products such as pulp coffee trays.

Takeout and chain catering development: The rapid growth of the global takeout market and the expansion of coffee chain brands further boost the demand for pulp coffee trays.

 

 

2. Market size and growth trend

1. Current market size

In 2024, the global (excluding China) pulp coffee tray market size was about US $10 billion, accounting for more than 30% of the global pulp packaging market.

2. Future growth forecast

Compound growth Rate (CAGR), 2025-2031: Expected to be 12%-15%.

Market Size by 2031: Expected to exceed $20 billion.

3. Regional market analysis

North American market: Mainly in the United States and Canada, the market size is about 4 billion US dollars, with an average annual growth rate of 10%.

European market: With Germany, Britain and France as the core, the market size is about 3.5 billion US dollars, with an average annual growth rate of 8%.

Asia-pacific market (excluding China) : dominated by India, Japan and Southeast Asia, the market size is about 2.5 billion US dollars, with an average annual growth rate of 15%.

Other regions: Latin America, the Middle East and Africa are growing faster, but from a smaller base and have huge potential in the future.

 

 

Iii. Competition pattern and head enterprises

1. Major companies

International giants: Huhtamaki (Finland), Mondi (United Kingdom), UFP Technologies (United States) and other companies dominate with their technological advantages and global layout.

Regional leading enterprises: Oji Paper of Japan, ITC Paperboards of India and other enterprises have strong competitiveness in the local market.

2. Market share

The top three companies (Huhtamaki, Mondi, UFP Technologies) account for more than 35% of the global market (excluding China).

The number of small and medium-sized enterprises is large, and the market competition is fierce.Pulp Making System

3. Enterprise capacity and layout

 

Huhtamaki: Annual production capacity of about 5 billion, global layout, focus on Europe and North America market.

Mondi: annual production capacity of about 4 billion, focusing on Europe and Asia Pacific markets.

UFP Technologies: Annual production capacity of about 3 billion, mainly in the North American market.

Iv. Technology trends and innovations

1. Material innovation

Native fiber and recycled fiber: the current market mainstream, but the cost is higher.

New materials: bagasse, bamboo fiber, straw fiber and other environmentally friendly materials have gradually become the focus of research and development.

2. Production process

Automated production line: Head enterprises generally use automated production lines to improve production capacity and reduce costs.

Lightweight and low gram weight: In order to meet the environmental protection and cost requirements, enterprises constantly optimize product design and reduce the amount of material used.

3. Customize your requirements

 

Customized services such as brand identification, dyeing and personalized design have become emerging growth points, especially favored by chain brands and high-end markets.

 

V. Key application areas

 

1. Coffee chains

Starbucks: The world's largest coffee chain is switching from plastic packaging to pulp coffee trays.

Costa Coffee: Accelerated rollout in Europe and India, driving demand for pulp coffee trays.

Other brands: Tim Hortons, McCafe and others are also increasing their use of papier-mache coffee trays.

2. The takeout market

Pulp coffee tote is the first choice for takeaway coffee packaging because of its water resistance and environmental protection characteristics. The takeaway market accounted for more than 25% of the total demand for pulp coffee trays in 2024.

3. Convenience store and office scene

With the diversification of coffee consumption scenarios, the demand for pulp coffee trays in convenience stores and office scenarios has grown rapidly.

 

Sixth, the future development trend

1. Market integration and scale

As market competition intensifies, head enterprises will further expand market share through mergers and acquisitions and technical cooperation, and small and medium-sized enterprises will face greater pressure to survive.

2. Green environmental protection and sustainable development

Environmentally friendly materials and production processes will become the core direction of industry development, enterprises need to find a balance between technological innovation and cost control.

3. Emerging market expansion

Emerging markets such as India, Southeast Asia and Latin America will be the main drivers of future growth, and companies need to accelerate their positioning.

Vii. Conclusions and Suggestions

1. Suggestions for enterprises

We will increase investment in technology research and development and promote innovation in materials and production processes.

Expand customized services to meet the needs of the high-end market.

Pay attention to the potential of emerging markets and improve the regional layout.

2. Advice to investors

 

Focus on the scale advantage and innovation ability of the head enterprise.

Invest in small and medium-sized enterprises with technical barriers and research and development capabilities of environmentally friendly materials.

Pay close attention to policy changes and market demand dynamics.

 

Foshan Shunde Zhiyuan Pulp Molding Equipment Co., Ltd. was founded in 2004, specializing in the research and development, production, and marketing of a full set of Pulp Molding Equipment,  Pulp Making Systems, Paper Pulp Moulds, and environmental protection packaging solutions. Headquartered in Shunde, Foshan, with an office area of over 1,000 square meters, the company operates a manufacturing base in Heshan, Jiangmen, spanning 17,000 square meters. Over the years, adhering to the principles of "integrity and cooperation, quality and service," Zhiyuan has established strong competitiveness in the pulp molding industry by delivering advanced Pulp Molding Equipment, innovative Paper Pulp Mould designs, and efficient Pulp Making Systems tailored to global sustainability needs.