Plastic Packaging Market

• Benefits of plastic packaging to boost market growth

Due to busy lifestyles, there is a higher need for convenient items, which raises the need for flexible packing. Flexible plastic packaging is more cost-effective than other types of packaging because it requires less energy and resources to manufacture. As a result, flexible packs are more affordable and occupy less retail shelf space. Plastic packaging increases shelf life and reduces product waste. Bananas, for example, mature more gradually when covered in flexible plastic packaging, extending their shelf life.

Using the least amount of packaging possible, this type of packing can increase or maintain product protection while lowering the cost of warehousing and transportation. Further boosting the growth rate of the plastic packaging market are elements like plastic's low cost and outstanding printability. Additional market growth variables anticipated to support expansion include rising consumer income and accelerating e-commerce operations, particularly in emerging markets.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

Additionally, plastic packaging is a particularly adaptable and versatile type of packaging, enabling producers to alter its style, size, and shape to meet the needs of their clients. Plastic packing is an incredibly lightweight and very space-efficient storage alternative. They require little storage space and are very simple to move, which minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Plastic packaging can withstand harsh conditions and doesn't quickly deteriorate in hot or cold temperatures, protecting the quality of the food or beverage inside. Users can ensure their goods are well-preserved because plastic is incredibly strong and resistant to outside influences.

Plastic packaging, a ubiquitous modern convenience, poses an enduring environmental challenge as it lingers in our ecosystems for centuries.

Furthermore, due to increasing time restrictions among working professionals and the availability of convenience food goods, the demand for packaged food items is quickly expanding. Packaged food items offer superior barrier protection, confinement or accumulation, advertising, in-depth ingredient information, safety, appropriateness, and more. Due to the growing time restrictions caused by the majority of customers, especially women, shift work, the market is shifting towards packaged or ready-to-eat goods. Thus, the increasing demand for packaged food products is another factor driving the growth of the Plastic Packaging market revenue.

Mars China introduced a Snickers bar with dark chocolate cereal inside mono-material flexible packaging in December 2023. While offering a low sugar and low glycemic index (GI) option, this new item also provides an individual package made from a mono PP material that complies with the “Designed For Recycling” principle, which can simply be recycled through dedicated channels. Flexible packaging is popularly used for lightweight applications, flexibility, and moisture/humidity resistance. It is also employed as packaging material for instant noodles, biscuits, and snack foods.

Normally, multiple layers of different materials are assembled into flexible packages that meet the requirements of food safety while being lightweight and flexible.

The rise of e-commerce is a pivotal driver for the Global Plastic Packaging Market Industry. As online shopping continues to expand, the demand for efficient and protective packaging solutions increases. Retailers are seeking packaging that not only safeguards products during transit but also enhances the unboxing experience for consumers. This trend is particularly evident in sectors such as food and beverage, where packaging plays a crucial role in maintaining product integrity. The e-commerce sector's growth is anticipated to propel the market, contributing to a projected increase in market size to 575.5 USD Billion by 2035.

The Global Plastic Packaging Market Industry is projected to experience robust growth over the coming years. With a market size anticipated to reach 360.9 USD Billion in 2024 and further expand to 575.5 USD Billion by 2035, the industry is on a promising trajectory. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.33% from 2025 to 2035 indicates a steady increase in demand for plastic packaging solutions across various sectors. This growth is driven by factors such as sustainability initiatives, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences.

Technological advancements in packaging materials and processes are reshaping the Global Plastic Packaging Market Industry. Innovations such as smart packaging, which incorporates sensors and indicators, are gaining traction. These technologies enhance product safety and provide real-time information to consumers. Additionally, advancements in polymer science are leading to the development of lighter and more durable packaging solutions. Such innovations not only improve efficiency but also align with sustainability goals. As the industry embraces these technologies, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.33% from 2025 to 2035.

Global supply chain dynamics play a crucial role in shaping the Global Plastic Packaging Market Industry. The interconnectedness of markets means that disruptions in one region can have ripple effects worldwide. Factors such as trade policies, tariffs, and logistics challenges can influence the availability and cost of packaging materials. Companies are increasingly focusing on supply chain resilience to mitigate risks and ensure consistent product availability. This focus on supply chain optimization is expected to drive innovation and efficiency within the industry, contributing to its overall growth.

The Global Plastic Packaging Market Industry is increasingly influenced by sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact. Governments worldwide are implementing regulations that encourage the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials. For instance, the European Union has set ambitious targets for reducing plastic waste, which is likely to drive innovation in sustainable packaging solutions. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, brands are compelled to adopt sustainable practices, thereby influencing market dynamics. This shift is expected to contribute to the market's growth, with projections indicating a market size of 360.9 USD Billion in 2024.

Consumer preferences for convenience are significantly impacting the Global Plastic Packaging Market Industry. Modern consumers increasingly favor packaging that offers ease of use, portability, and resealability. This trend is particularly pronounced in the food and beverage sector, where single-serve and ready-to-eat options are gaining popularity. Packaging that enhances convenience not only attracts consumers but also encourages repeat purchases. As brands adapt to these preferences, the market is likely to experience sustained growth, aligning with the overall upward trajectory of the industry.

By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. North America plastic packaging market accounted for USD 91896.0042 million in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a 41.80% CAGR growth during the study period. Due to the flexible qualities afforded by plastic packaging in the area have led to an increase in utilization across the food and beverage, industrial, healthcare, and personal care industries.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are: The U.S, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 3: PLASTIC PACKAGING MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2021 (%)Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

North America plastic packaging market accounts for the largest market share. This is mostly because food packaging technology is improving, and more packaged organic food items are being introduced in this region. Due to people's increasingly hectic work schedules and growing inclination for ready-to-eat and convenience meals, the area is considered the most lucrative market for packaged food goods. Further, the US plastic packaging market held the largest market share as packaging was seen as a crucial function. The FDA has said that the COVID-19 virus is not currently spread through packaging in the US.

However, according to some sources, viruses can survive on packing materials for one to three days. As a result, the region's critical services have been classified as including the food, beverage, healthcare, and other end-user businesses. Additionally, the Canada plastic packaging market was the fastest growing market in the North American region.

The Europe plastic packaging market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2030. It is projected that businesses operating in the Europe plastic packaging market would spend on research to create multi-material product profiles and validate their cleaning and processing for chemical recycling. Moreover, Germany plastic packaging market held the largest market share, and the Australia Plastic Packaging market was the fastest growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

For instance, Australia plastic packaging market is driven by presence of several major market players. By purchasing Cormack Packaging in September 2021, TricorBraun expanded its presence in Australia and New Zealand and be able to provide rigid packaging to the food and beverage, personal care, industrial, and healthcare.

Major market players are spending a lot of capitals on R&D to enhance their product lines, which will aid the Plastic Packaging market expand. Market players are also taking a range of strategic measures to expand their worldwide footprint, with prime market developments such as new product innovations & launches, contracts & agreements, mergers and acquisitions, better investments, and collaboration & strategic partnerships with other organizations in the plastic packaging market. Competitors in the plastic packaging industry must offer cost-effective items to extend and survive in an increasingly high competitive and expanding market environment.

One of the primary business strategies adopted by manufacturers in the plastic packaging industry to benefit clients and expand the market sector is to manufacture locally to reduce operating costs. In recent years, plastic packaging manufacturer has provided with some of the most significant benefits. The plastic packaging manufacturers major player such as Amcor Ltd (Australia), Wipak Group (Finland), Ampac Holdings LLC (US), BASF SE (Germany), Saint-Gobain (France), and others are working to drive the market growth via investing heavily in research and development activities.

Amcor (Australia) is a company that offers packaging services. Pet bottles, plastic bottles and jars, capsules and closures, customized folding cartons, free films, bags and pouches, wrappers, rigid containers, laminates, and flow packs are just a few of the plastic, fiber, metal, and glass packaging goods it provides. In January 2021, Amcor will present how it is redefining dairy packaging by providing more sustainable solutions and cutting-edge design and delivery, prolonging shelf life for consumers, as the headline sponsor of the 2021 International Dairy Forum. Amcor will also demonstrate the most recent advancements in dairy packaging and sustainability.

Also, Saint-Gobain (France) creates, produces, and distributes products essential to everyone's future well-being and our own. Products from Saint-Gobain are ideal for the packaging industry because they offer a durable, non-stick-release surface and chemical and high-temperature resistance. In manufacturing plastic bags, heat shrinking, sealing, and metal food confinement are common applications. In April 2020, the brilliant idea to offer to use the plastic often used to package its goods to produce aprons for healthcare workers came from Saint-Placo.

Gobain's Placo sent its plastic packaging to nearby businesses to create protective garments for medical crews after passing the initial tests with flying colors.

SABIC, a global chemical industry leader in April 2024 rolled out the first-ever circular packaging project in Saudi Arabia as part of its TRUCIRCLE program aimed at speeding up the implementation of a circular plastic economy. The Oat Arabic Bread from FONTE, one of the key players in the bakery industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), now comes with bread bags made out of SABIC’s certified circular polyethylene (PE).

Napco National, a vertically integrated Saudi producer of flexible film and packaging products, manufactures these bags by using two food contact-approved grades of circular polyethylene resin (LLDPE) from the TRUCIRCLE catalog offered by SABIC. Starting March 2023, when this joint project was launched, and continuing until May 2023, when this experiment was successfully accomplished at Napco, FONTE has begun distributing these flexible bags throughout supermarkets located across Saudi Arabia.