Total packaging waste generated worldwide in 2025 will reach a projected 434.5 million tonnes, according to new research from Smithers, the global authority on the packaging industry. This will increase to 525 million tonnes in 2030 – equivalent to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9%.
In 2024, the average person worldwide generated 53kg of packaging waste, with 36kg recycled and 17kg discarded. By 2030, this is projected to rise to 63kg per person, with 44kg recycled and 19kg discarded.