Advancing Sustainable Packaging in Emerging Markets

IFC supports the manufacturers of plastic, metal, and glass packaging, helping companies strengthen their supply chains, expand production capacity, adopt sustainable materials, and reduce their environmental footprints. The packaging sector is a crucial enabler of trade, food security, and industrial growth, especially in emerging markets. In these regions, factors like high freight costs, the fragility of glass, and the low value-to-weight ratio of rigid plastics create compelling conditions for local manufacturing competitiveness and import substitution for non-paper packaging.

Why is Sustainable Packaging a Growing Priority?

Globally, the packaging industry employs more than 25 million people and is projected to grow at 3.9% CAGR, reaching US$1.18 trillion by 2032. This growth is increasingly driven by emerging markets, where high levels of urbanization, rising incomes, growing consumer markets, and the rapid expansion of e‑commerce are accelerating demand for durable, efficient, and affordable packaging solutions.

While the sector generates significant value through job creation, improved food preservation, and support for domestic manufacturing, it also presents substantial environmental challenges. Packaging is a major global source of waste — about 40% of global plastic waste originates from packaging materials — and many emerging markets lack the recycling infrastructure needed to manage this waste responsibly. IFC works closely with packaging manufacturers to ensure that sector growth is compatible with sustainability and circular economy goals, promoting a transition to eco-friendly packaging products.

How IFC Supports the Non‑Paper Packaging Sector

Scaling Sustainable Production: IFC finances companies to expand their production of modern, resource-efficient materials. This includes lightweight plastics, materials with recycled content, bio-based resins, and advanced composites, which form the basis of eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Promoting Circular Economy Solutions - Through our investment and advisory services, we help clients modernize their products and facilities. This support encourages an increased use of recycled feedstock, backward integration into recycling operations, the development of reverse logistics systems, and the introduction of reusable or refillable packaging formats.

Enhancing Environmental and Social Sustainability - IFC provides guidance on reducing emissions, improving resource efficiency, managing waste responsibly, and implementing safe labor practices. This can involve support for energy-efficient equipment upgrades, water-saving technologies, and the adoption of global environmental and social best practices.