Food Container Market Trends

Global Food Container Market Overview

The Food Container Market Size was valued at USD 238.07 Billion in 2023. The Food Container industry is projected to grow from USD 249.49 Billion in 2024 to USD 375.69 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.25% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Food containers are containers designed for storing, transporting, and preserving food. They come in a variety of materials, sizes, shapes, and types to suit different needs and purposes. Food containers can be made of materials such as plastic, glass, metal, paper, and various types of composite materials. They can be used for both hot and cold foods and can come with various features such as lids, handles, and insulation. Food containers are widely used in the food industry, both for commercial and domestic purposes. They are used for packaging and storing food products, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, and prepared meals. Food containers can also be used for transporting food products from one place to another, such as from a restaurant to a customer's home. Additionally, food containers can be used for storing leftovers or meal-prepped foods in the home, reducing food waste and allowing for easier meal planning.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Food Container Market Trends

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  Environmentally friendly food containers

  
  

The need for food containers has increased in this worldwide industry. There are more environmentally friendly food containers being produced as people grow more conscious of environmental problems. Also, this industry will keep expanding as individuals pay more attention to their health. Also, this business will have a lot of potential throughout the expected time because of the growing need for perishable goods like dairy and meat that may be preserved in environmentally friendly containers. Thus, throughout the anticipated period, ecologically friendly food containers will drive the expansion of the market.

The launch of a new range of Faerch Group’s Tumbler recyclable beverage containers was done in February 2024, which are claimed to have at least 30% post-consumer recycled content. It is alleged that the cups can be entirely reprocessed into fresh food packages in endless rounds while maintaining their safety and functional properties. Consequently, this resolution is expected to optimize supply chains for businesses and customers alike, thus creating a unified platform for all users. There are four different lid designs that are common among them, and several capacities that meet different food service needs. One thing Faerch strives to achieve with its certified audit recycled PET packaging is to clarify its sustainability claims.

Silgan Holdings Inc. has completed acquisition of Unicep Packaging on September 2021—Unicep designs and develops precision dosing devices including oral care products system solutions primarily has the healthcare, animal health diagnostics oral care and personal care businesses as its customer base where it serves as a specialty contract manufacturer and developer (SCMD) solutions provider.

Food Container Market Segment Insights

Food Container Type Insights

The market segmentation, based on Type, includes Rigid, Flexible. The Rigid segment holds the majority share in 2022, contributing to the global Food Container revenue. Owing to various properties of rigid packaging like high impact strength, high stiffness, and high barrier properties it is widely used in the market for packing food and beverages as it prevents damage and helps in providing convenience in handling.

Food Container Material Insights

Based on Material, the market segmentation includes Plastic, Paper & Paperboard, Metal, and Glass. The Plastic segment dominated the market. This segment’s growth can be attributed to the plastic’s resilience against extreme exterior circumstances and lightweight nature, which allows the product to be handled and moved with ease.

Food Container Application Insights

Based on Application, the market segmentation includes Fruits & Vegetables, Dairy, Meat Products, Frozen Foods, Baked, and Confectionary Products. The Frozen Food segment is the largest segment of the market.

Pactiv Corporation released its EarthChoice(TM) brand, which is made up of approximately eighty environmentally friendly packs, including items such as cups, hinged-lid containers, plates, and straws intended for single-use food service purposes. The whole product line of EarthChoice(TM) possesses various attributes that include sustainable resources plus renewable sources; less plastic amounts employed; diminished levels of fossil fuel used in the production process; post-consumer recycled content; certified compostable and chlorine-free processing. Among the EarthChoice(TM) offerings are cold drink cups, portion cups, and lids; hinged lid & deli containers; and Ingeo(TM) PLA (Polylactic Acid) based straws – naturally plastic material made from PLA or Polylactic Acid sold under Ingeo(TM). This 100 percent annual renewable resource is derived solely from plants, which some clients prefer. PLA-lined soup cups, together with hot cups, also make up part of the EarthChoice(TM).

Plastipak is planning an investment into recycling at its Spanish facility based in Toledo during 2021 so as to enable the production of food-grade recycled pellets from PET flakes. Those pellets are already certified for direct usage inside new food crates; this plant will be manufacturing such pellets, 20000 tonnes p.a., starting in the summer of 2022.

Figure 2: Food Container Market, by Type, 2022 & 2030 (USD Million)Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Food Container Regional Insights

By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America is the largest segment of the market in terms of region. This is due to a rise in packaged product consumption, increased acceptance of small-sized food containers in the home, reduced waste, and increased demand for fresh food.

The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing region in the market. This is attributed to the changing consumer lifestyles, increased demand for canned food, increased disposable income of people, and increased popularity of packaged goods.

Figure 3: FOOD CONTAINER MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Food Container Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the market grow even more. Market participants are also taking various strategic initiatives to grow their worldwide footprint, with key market developments such as new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations. Competitors in the Food Container industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market environment.

Manufacturing locally to cut operating costs is one of the main business tactics manufacturers use in the global Food Container industry to benefit customers and expand the market sector. Major market players, including Bemis Company Inc, Berry Plastics Corporation, Seal Packaging, Graham Packaging Company, Graphic Packaging International, and others, are attempting to increase market demand by funding R&D initiatives.

Bemis Company Inc. is a global supplier of flexible and rigid packaging products and solutions. It offers a wide range of packaging products, including flexible packaging such as pouches, bags, and shrink films, as well as rigid packaging such as containers and lids. Their products are used for a variety of applications, including food and beverage, healthcare, personal care, and industrial products. They also offer printing and graphics services to help customers with branding and labeling needs.

Berry Global Inc is a global manufacturer and marketer of plastic packaging products and engineered materials. The product portfolio includes a wide range of packaging solutions, including flexible packaging, rigid packaging, nonwoven materials, and medical packaging. The company serves a diverse range of markets, including food and beverage, healthcare, personal care, and industrial markets. Some of the products that Berry Global produces include plastic films, bags, pouches, bottles, jars, and closures. The company is also a leading producer of nonwoven materials used in hygiene products, medical apparel, and filtration.

• Bemis Company Inc


• Berry Plastics Corporation


• Seal Packaging


• Graham Packaging Company


• Graphic Packaging International


• Ball Corporation


• Constar International UK Ltd


• Anchor Glass Container Corporation


• Plastipak Holdings Inc


• PRINTPACK

Food Container Industry Developments

In February 2024 Amcor announced that they were working with Unilever to develop recyclable paper packaging for Lipton tea bags in a bid to reduce plastic waste and encourage circular economy.

In 2024, Berry Global also revealed in a press release on the same month that it would invest heavily in boosting its rPET production for food packaging, as demand grew for eco-friendly alternatives.

In 2024, Apeel captured $100 million capital funding to accelerate growth and commercialize its technology, which is geared towards fruits staying fresher longer.

In 2024, Huhtamaki declared its plans to acquire Elopak ASA, a major provider of cartons made from recycled paperboard used in aseptic liquid packing, thus solidifying its position as the leader in the sustainable beverage packaging category.

In April 2022, Amcor added new high barrier laminates to its pharmaceutical containers segment making them greener. High barrier and performance needs underpinning rPET's drive toward desired recyclability goals of the pharmaceutical sector led to creation of groundbreaking recycle-ready and low carbon footprint package options.

Food Container Market Segmentation

Food Container Type Outlook

• Rigid


• Flexible

Food Container Material Outlook

• Plastic


• Paper & Paperboard


• Metal


• Glass

Food Container Application Outlook

• Fruits & Vegetables


• Dairy


• Meat Products


• Frozen Food


• Baked


• Confectionary Products

Food Container Regional Outlook

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  North America

  
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


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  Europe

  
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


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  Asia-Pacific

  
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


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  Rest of the World

  
  
  
  
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    Middle East

    
    
  
  
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    Africa

    
    
  
  
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    Latin America