North America Packaging Market Overview
North America's packaging market size was valued at USD 281.2 billion in 2022. The packaging industry is projected to rise from USD 293.2 billion in 2023 to USD 410.7 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound yearly growth rate (CAGR) of 4.30% throughout the forecast period (2024 - 2032). The growing demand for convenient packaging is one of the major market drivers in North America. The changing lifestyle drives the packaging market in North America, meeting consumer demands for convenience and the rising number of single-person households
Source: The Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Packaging Market Trends
-
Rising demand for convenient packaging is driving market growth
The North American Packaging market CAGR is expanding due to the increasing demand for convenient packaging as people demand easy-to-carry packaging solutions. Consumers in North America have increased the demand for ready-to-eat foods, which is at an all-time high. Ready-to-eat food has come up as the best solution for the new generation's working population throughout time and the Gen-Z, who look for convenience in everything. Further, with the growth of single-person households, most consumers look for frequent shopping of groceries in smaller quantities as they can sustain their favorite products with them whenever they go for convenience. Party-size bags of food items have become traditional as individual-sized packages help consumers feel more in control of portion size. Millennial customers prefer single-serving and on-the-go food and beverage products, mainly designed to be durable, portable, and lightweight. The growing demand for snacks, fresh items, and processed foods is foreseen to fuel the convenience of packaging in the country's food and beverage industry.
Furthermore, the consumption of breakfast cereals is growing at a rapid rate, driving the market growth of packaging. As per the US Census Bureau, the revenue for the breakfast cereal manufacturing industry is foreseen to reach USD 10 billion by FY 2023 in the US. The new type of packaging, like pouches that can be reused or folded and bag-in-box, is making flexible packaging and firm packaging formats popular. Moreover, the rising demand for paperboard packaging boxes from the healthcare industry due to rising awareness of sustainable packaging material adoption of eco-friendly packaging and demand from the e-commerce industry for paper and paperboard containers boosts the market growth. Thus driving the Packaging market revenue.
Packaging Market Segment Insights
Packaging Material Type Insights
The North America Packaging market segmentation, based on material type, includes Paper and Paperboard, Plastic, Glass and Metal. The plastic segment dominated the market due to their convenience, portability, and lightweightness, facilitating on-the-go consumption. The cost-effectiveness and durability of the packaging ensure long-term protection for stores of food and beverages. It gives a broader range of options for packaging solutions, like rigid containers and flexible films, serving diverse product requirements. Further, the advancements in technologies have led to the development of innovative packaging designs. On the other hand, the paper and paperboard category is the second most dominant due to its ease of customization and sustainability.
Figure 1: North America Packaging Market, by Type, 2023 & 2032 (USD Billion)
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Packaging End User Insights
The North America Packaging market segmentation, based on end user, includes Food, Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Household and Personal Care. Food end-use dominates the packaging market due to the high dependence of customers on packaged food products, changing regulatory schemes in accordance with the emphasis on environmental protection and adoption of eco-friendly packaging food industries. Further, there is a continuous demand for new and innovative packaging to ensure the safety of food, extension of self-life, and convenience of consumers.
Packaging Country Insights
The packaging industry in North America is a highly competitive and dynamic landscape due to different country-specific factors. The huge customer base and diverse industrial sectors in the US, including healthcare, e-commerce, and food and beverage, drive the market. Its broad economy boosts innovation and technological advancements in packaging designs and materials. Canada has a significant presence in the packaging industry, mainly in sustainable packaging solutions and modern manufacturing technologies, and its company focuses on recyclable and biodegradable packaging options. Further, Mexico's strategic geographic location helps its packaging sector, providing a gateway for trade between North and South America. The surging demand for high-quality packaging solutions, mainly in the automotive and electronics industry, fuels the market growth in Mexico. Also, the growing middle class helps to raise the consumption of packaged goods, thus driving the overall growth of the market.
Figure 2: NORTH AMERICA PACKAGING MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2023 & 2032 (USD Billion)
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Packaging Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to extend their product lines, which will help the Packaging market grow even more. Market players are also undertaking different strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including contractual agreements, new product launches, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To extend and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, the Packaging industry must offer cost-effective items.
Major players in the Packaging market are trying to raise market demand by investing in research and development operations, including American Packaging Corporation, Sonoco Products Company, Sealed Air Corp., Owen Illinois Inc., Crown Holdings, CCL Container Inc., Ball Corporation, Berry Global Inc., International Paper Company, and Proampac LLC.
Key Companies in the Packaging market include
Packaging Industry Developments
In December 11, 2023, Combi Packaging Systems, LLC, a producer of packaging machines based in North Canton, Ohio, disclosed that it had made a significant amendment to its partnership with 3M Corporation. After 22 years as business partners, Siat Group took over Combi Packaging Systems, locking it under Siat, a standalone entity. The initiative is intended to improve Combi’s strategic development and increase its geographical coverage and diversity in the offering of packaging solutions in the North American market with a focus on load wrapping and strap containment solutions. At the same time, Combi will be offering 3M’s 3M-Matic™ products in North America. Thus, the companies will work together further.
Earlier still, in January 2024, ProAmpac and Maple Leaf Foods entered into a partnership with respect to the creation of packaging solutions that are environmentally friendly with respect to food products. In essence, this partnership is aimed at advancing more sustainable food packaging, using flexible packaging technologies solutions that ProAmpac specializes in. These investments reflect an increasing trend of innovation and sustainability in the packaging industry in North America.
A further important joint venture took place in April 2024 when WestRock and Atlas Holdings formed a new company whose scope is sustainable packaging solutions. This partnership is being set up to cater to the market needs for green packaging that are prevalent in the food and beverage industries. Their venture targets modern enhancements of the ever-increasing demand for renewable and recyclable materials to comply with legal requirements and the purchasing power of consumers.
Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) anyway performed nicely this year as well. A company located in Lake Forest, Illinois, PCA is one of the largest manufacturers of containerboard and uncoated freesheet paper. As per PCA’s Q3 earning results, which were announced in October 2024, it has predicted a rise of 20.5% in profits as compared to the previous year, which is expected as the company has performed well after beating Wall Street estimates in previous quarters. The company’s commitment to packaging solutions in sectors like construction and retail has seen the company grow and become very competitive​
Packaging Market Segmentation
Packaging Material Type Outlook
- Paper and Paperboard
- Plastic
- Glass
- Metal
Packaging End User Outlook
- Food
- Beverage
- Pharmaceuticals
- Household
- Personal Care
Packaging Regional Outlook
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Mexico
- Rest of North America
Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
Market Size 2022 |
USD 281.2 Billion |
Market Size 2023 |
USD 293.2 Billion |
Market Size 2032 |
USD 410.7 Billion |
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
4.30% (2024-2032) |
Base Year |
2023 |
Market Forecast Period |
2024-2032 |
Historical Data |
2019- 2022 |
Market Forecast Units |
Value (USD Billion) |
Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
Segments Covered |
Material Type, End User, and Region |
Region Covered |
North America |
Countries Covered |
The US, Canada, Mexico, and the Rest of North America |
Key Companies Profiled |
American Packaging Corporation, Sonoco Products Company, Sealed Air Corp., Owen Illinois Inc., Crown Holdings, CCL Container Inc., Ball Corporation, Berry Global Inc., International Paper Company and Proampac LLC |
Key Market Opportunities |
·        Growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. |
Key Market Dynamics |
·        Technological advancements enable greater customization, traceability, and efficiency. ·        The growth of e-commerce and demand for protective and aesthetically pleasing packaging solutions. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The North America Packaging market size was valued at USD 293.2 Billion in 2023.
The market is projected to rise at a CAGR of 4.30% throughout the forecast period, 2024-2032.
The prime players in the market are American Packaging Corporation, Sonoco Products Company, Sealed Air Corp., Owen Illinois Inc., Crown Holdings, CCL Container Inc., Ball Corporation, Berry Global Inc., International Paper Company and Proampac LLC.
The plastic segment will dominate the market in 2023.
The food category had the largest share of the market.