IMFA Survey Signals Strong Growth Prospects for Molded Pulp Industry
A new survey conducted by the International Molded Fiber Association (IMFA) indicates strong confidence in the future of the global molded pulp industry, with nearly 80% of participating manufacturers expecting production growth in 2026 and 74% planning to expand production capacity within the next two years.
The survey, which forms part of IMFA’s first global benchmarking report, gathered responses from molded fiber producers across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Africa. The initiative aims to provide industry stakeholders with valuable insights into market conditions, production trends, investment priorities, and future growth expectations.
Molded pulp products are manufactured using wood fibers and recovered paper grades such as old newspapers (ONP), old corrugated containers (OCC), and double-lined kraft cuttings (DLK). As demand for sustainable packaging solutions continues to rise worldwide, the industry has experienced significant expansion in both scale and complexity.
According to IMFA, the findings reflect an industry entering a period of accelerated growth and investment. In addition to production expansion plans, 84% of respondents indicated they expect to either increase their workforce or maintain current staffing levels, highlighting confidence in long-term market demand.
Sustainability regulations are also playing a key role in driving growth. Nearly 70% of survey participants reported that regulatory developments are positively influencing demand for molded fiber packaging, reinforcing the industry’s position as a sustainable alternative to traditional packaging materials.
Gary Visser, Executive Board Chair of IMFA, said the benchmarking initiative was launched to provide the industry with reliable data and market intelligence. He noted that manufacturers are investing in new capacity, planning for growth, expanding workforces, and responding to increasing demand for fiber-based packaging solutions.
Visser added that the strong participation from companies worldwide demonstrates a shared commitment to building a deeper understanding of the industry’s evolution. He emphasized that the benchmarking report establishes an important baseline for tracking future changes, identifying emerging trends, and delivering increasingly valuable insights to participating companies.
IMFA believes the survey results reflect strong long-term confidence in the molded fiber sector, supported by rising demand, favorable regulatory developments, and ongoing investments in innovation and manufacturing capabilities.