Rigid Plastic Packaging Market
Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Material Type (PET, PP, HDPE, Others), By Product Type (Bottles & Jars, Trays, Tubs, Cups & Pots, Others), By end-use industry (food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care & cosmetics, industrial packaging, Others), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa) -- Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031.
Market Overview:
The rigid plastic packaging market is expected to develop at a CAGR of 4.8% between 2024 and 2031. The market's worth is predicted to increase from XX USD in 2024 to YY USD by 2031. Asia-Pacific now dominates the industry, with China making a significant contribution. Key metrics include production capacity, recycling rates, and technological improvements in packaging materials.
The rigid plastic packaging market is growing steadily, owing to rising demand from a variety of end-use industries, including food and beverage and pharmaceuticals. The material's durability, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability in packaging applications all help to drive market growth. However, rising environmental concerns and limits on plastic use are forcing the sector to prioritise sustainable and recyclable alternatives.
Market Dynamics:
Market trend: shift towards sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions
The rigid plastic packaging sector is experiencing a dramatic shift towards sustainable and recyclable packaging options. Increased environmental awareness, severe legislation, and shifting consumer tastes are all driving this transition. Manufacturers are investing in R&D to produce environmentally friendly alternatives and increase the recyclability of existing items.
One noticeable trend is the increased usage of recycled PET (rPET) in packaging. Major beverage firms have agreed to use a high percentage of recycled content in their packaging. For example, Coca-Cola plans to use at least 50% recycled material in their packaging by 2030. Similarly, PepsiCo has committed to increasing recycled content in its plastic packaging to 25% by 2025.
Another growing trend is the use of bio-based polymers in rigid packaging. These polymers, made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to standard petroleum-based plastics. Braskem, for example, has created bio-based polyethylene for use in rigid packaging applications.
The industry is also seeing advancements in single-material packaging solutions that are easier to recycle. By eliminating mixed materials from packaging, these designs make recycling easier and improve the quality of recycled materials.
Market Driver: Growing demand from the food & beverage and pharmaceutical industries
The robust growth of the food and beverage and pharmaceutical industries is a significant driver of the rigid plastic packaging industry. Rigid plastic packaging has various benefits for these industries, including good barrier qualities, durability, and lightweight design, which contribute to longer shelf life and lower transportation costs.
In the food and beverage business, the move towards convenience foods and ready-to-eat meals is driving up demand for rigid plastic packaging. According to the Flexible Packaging Association, the worldwide convenience food market will be worth $1.6 trillion by 2027, necessitating the development of efficient and safe packaging solutions.
Another major factor is the expansion of the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in emerging economies. IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science predicts that the global pharmaceutical market will approach $1.5 trillion by 2023. This industry prefers rigid plastic packaging because of its ability to meet strict quality and safety standards, as well as its tamper-evident features.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has fuelled the demand for rigid plastic packaging in both industries. The increased emphasis on sanitation and safety has resulted in an increase in packaged food consumption and medicinal products, hence driving demand for rigid plastic packaging.
Market Restraint: Environmental concerns and regulatory pressures
One of the most significant difficulties for the rigid plastic packaging market is increased environmental awareness about plastic waste and its impact on ecosystems. This has resulted in growing regulatory demands and shifting customer preferences, which may limit industry expansion.
Many countries have adopted or are contemplating measures to discourage single-use plastics and boost recycling. For example, the European Union's single-use plastics directive, which took effect in July 2021, attempts to limit the environmental impact of some plastic products. Such laws can have a substantial impact on the rigid plastic packaging business, forcing manufacturers to modify their goods and processes.
Consumer awareness of plastic pollution has resulted in a shift in preferences for more sustainable packaging solutions. According to an industry survey, 72% of customers are currently purchasing more ecologically friendly products than they were five years ago, with 81% expecting to do so in the next five years.
These reasons are increasing pressure on businesses to invest in sustainable alternatives and improve their recycling infrastructure, perhaps leading to higher expenses.
To meet these issues, the industry is investing in recycling technologies, researching bio-based materials, and redesigning packaging to make it more recyclable. However, transitioning to more sustainable methods would involve significant investment and time, potentially slowing market development in the short to medium term.
Segment Overview:
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) dominates the rigid plastic packaging market, offering versatility and recyclability for various applications.
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is the main material in the rigid plastic packaging sector, with a large market share. Its supremacy is due to its diverse qualities, which include clarity, strength, and barrier performance, making it suitable for a wide range of packaging applications, particularly in the food and beverage and personal care industries.
PET has experienced significant development in recent years, thanks to its extensive use in beverage bottles, food containers, and personal care packaging. According to industry sources, PET accounts for 30–35% of the global rigid plastic packaging market, and this figure is likely to rise further in the future years.
One of the primary benefits of PET is its recyclability. PET is one of the most widely recycled plastics, having well-established recycling systems in many countries. This is consistent with the increased emphasis on sustainability in the packaging business. The European Federation of Bottled Waters (EFBW) reports that the recycling rate for PET bottles in the European Union reached 58% in 2019, underscoring the material's circular economy potential.
Major beverage firms have been at the forefront of promoting PET use and recycling. For example, Coca-Cola, the world's largest beverage business, has pledged to make all of its packaging recyclable by 2025 and to utilise at least 50% recycled material by 2030. Such activities by industry leaders are driving up the demand for PET in rigid packaging applications.
The PET industry has also profited from technological advances in material composition and processing. Innovations such as lightweight PET bottles have helped to reduce material use while retaining performance, addressing both economic and sustainability concerns. For example, Amcor's lightweight PET bottle technology has resulted in weight savings of up to 30% over standard designs.
Furthermore, the advancement of barrier PET technologies has broadened their employment in delicate product categories such as dairy and juices, which were previously packaged in other materials. These developments have enabled PET to reclaim market share from materials such as glass and metal in several applications.
As the industry focusses on more sustainable packaging solutions, the PET category is likely to maintain its leading position. The growing use of recycled PET (rPET) in packaging, fuelled by both consumer demand and regulatory restrictions, is predicted to boost PET's market position in the rigid plastic packaging industry.
Regional Outlook:
Asia-Pacific leads the global rigid plastic packaging market, with China being the primary contributor to regional dominance.
The Asia-Pacific region has emerged as the largest market for rigid plastic packaging, with China driving the increase. The region's dominance is due to rising industrialisation, urbanisation, changing lifestyles, and an expanding middle-class population, all of which have resulted in higher consumption of packaged goods.
China, being the world's largest manufacturing hub and consumer market, has been a major driver of regional rigid plastic packaging demand. The country's strong economic growth, combined with its large population, has boosted demand for packaged food, beverages, and consumer goods. The China Plastics Processing Industry Association estimates that the country's plastic product output would reach 78.84 million metric tonnes in 2020, with packaging being a prominent end-use sector.
India is a significant contributor to the region's market growth. The country's thriving e-commerce sector, combined with rising urbanisation and shifting customer preferences, has driven up demand for rigid plastic packaging. According to the Indian Institute of Packaging, the Indian packaging sector would develop at a CAGR of more than 26% between 2021 and 2026, with rigid plastic packaging playing an important role in this growth.
Japan and South Korea, with their superior manufacturing and high-tech sectors, are driving innovation in rigid plastic packaging. These countries are at the forefront of developing sustainable packaging solutions and high-performance materials, helping the region maintain its technological leadership in the field.
The Asia-Pacific area has also seen major investment in rigid plastic packaging production plants. For example, Amcor, a global leader in packaging solutions, has been increasing its footprint in China and other Asian regions to meet rising demand. Similarly, Berry Global Group has made investments in its Asian businesses to expand its presence in the region.
The rigid plastic packaging market in the region is characterised by a mix of global and local manufacturers. While global corporations such as Amcor, Berry Global, and Alpla have significant presence, local competitors like Takemoto Yohki in Japan and Zhongfu Enterprise in China are gaining ground with cost-effective solutions suited to regional needs.
Looking ahead, Asia-Pacific is likely to maintain its lead in the worldwide rigid plastic packaging market. Continued urbanisation, increased disposable incomes, and the rise of organised retail and e-commerce are all projected to drive long-term demand for rigid plastic packaging in the region. To maintain long-term success, the sector will need to address growing environmental concerns as well as adapt to changing legislation surrounding plastic usage and recycling.
Competitive Intelligence:
The global rigid plastic packaging market is highly competitive, with a mix of large international firms and regional players. To preserve their competitive advantage, key industry leaders prioritise product innovation, sustainability initiatives, and strategic acquisitions.
Amcor plc, one of the world's major packaging firms, has led the way in rigid plastic packaging innovation. The company's focus on developing sustainable packaging solutions, such as the AmLite Ultra Recyclable high-barrier laminate, has helped to increase its market position. Amcor's acquisition of Bemis Company in 2019 broadened its global footprint and product offerings.
Berry Global Group, Inc. has actively pursued a growth strategy based on acquisitions. The company's acquisition of RPC Group in 2019 considerably increased its rigid plastic packaging capabilities, particularly in Europe. Berry Global has also made investments in recycling technologies and sustainable product development to address growing environmental concerns.
ALPLA Group, a leading manufacturer of plastic packaging, has prioritised circular economy activities. The company has invested in PET recycling operations in several countries and has pledged to make all of its packaging completely recyclable by 2025. ALPLA's work with Avantium, a renewable materials firm, to create PEF (polyethylene furanoate) bottles demonstrates its dedication to sustainable innovation.
Sealed Air Corporation has used its Cryovac brand to increase its position in the food packaging section of the rigid plastic packaging industry. Customers in the food business have responded positively to the company's focus on finding solutions to extend food shelf life and reduce waste.
Silgan Holdings Inc. has a strong presence in the rigid packaging sector through its plastic container division. The company's emphasis on delivering tailored packaging solutions for food, personal care, and healthcare items has helped it maintain a competitive advantage.
In terms of market strategies, key trends include:
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Increased focus on developing sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions to address environmental concerns and meet regulatory requirements.
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Investment in advanced manufacturing technologies to improve production efficiency and reduce costs.
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Expansion of product portfolios through acquisitions and partnerships to cater to a wider range of end-use industries.
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Development of smart packaging solutions incorporating technologies like QR codes and NFC tags to enhance product traceability and consumer engagement.
Regional dynamics influence the competitive landscape, with local players such as Takemoto Yohki Co., Ltd. in Japan and Zhongfu Enterprise Co., Ltd. in China gaining market share in their various regions by providing cost-effective solutions suited to local market demands.
As the industry shifts towards more sustainable and technologically advanced packaging solutions, companies that can effectively balance innovation, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness will likely gain a competitive advantage in the worldwide rigid plastic packaging market.
Analyst Opinion:
The rigid plastic packaging market is at a critical juncture, with major prospects and difficulties. The ability of the industry to address expanding environmental concerns while fulfilling the increasing need for efficient and cost-effective packaging solutions will have a significant impact on its future.
One of the most promising market developments is the expansion of circular economy projects. The industry is moving beyond mere recycling and towards a more comprehensive approach to sustainability. This includes creating recyclable packaging, using more recycled content, and investing in sophisticated recycling equipment. Companies that can successfully shut the loop in their packaging lifetime will have a substantial competitive advantage.
Another area with high potential is the development of bio-based and biodegradable polymers for rigid packaging applications. While these materials now account for a minor percentage of the market, continued R&D efforts are enhancing their performance and cost-effectiveness. As these materials become more feasible, they may provide a solution to the plastic waste problem while maintaining the benefits of plastic packaging.
The use of smart technologies in rigid plastic packaging is yet another intriguing prospect. IoT-enabled packaging that can check product freshness, authenticate products, and create interactive customer experiences has the potential to significantly increase the value of packaged products. This tendency is consistent with the increased customer demand for transparency and traceability in the items they purchase.
However, the industry faces considerable problems, particularly in terms of regulatory compliance and shifting customer views. The hodgepodge of legislation governing plastic use and recycling across different regions complicates operations for global packaging companies. Harmonising these regulations and developing clear standards for recycling and labelling would be extremely beneficial to the sector.
Furthermore, the industry must address the disconnect between customer perceptions and the realities of plastic packaging. While plastic packaging frequently has a lower total environmental impact than alternatives when factoring in transportation emissions and food waste reduction, this message is not well communicated to consumers. Improving consumer knowledge and clearly expressing the advantages and disadvantages of various packaging materials will be critical.
Finally, rising technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning have a significant impact on packaging design and production processes. These technologies offer the potential to optimise recycleability in packaging designs, increase production efficiency, and improve supply chain management.
While problems exist, particularly in scaling up sustainable solutions and managing the shift to a circular economy model, the long-term forecast for the rigid plastic packaging market is optimistic. As the industry evolves and adapts to shifting market needs and environmental concerns, rigid plastic packaging is likely to remain an important part of the global packaging landscape.
Major Players:
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Amcor plc
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Berry Global Group, Inc.
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ALPLA Group
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Sealed Air Corporation
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Silgan Holdings Inc.
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Sonoco Products Company
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Plastipak Holdings, Inc.
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Graham Packaging Company
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Greiner Packaging International GmbH
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RPC Group plc (now part of Berry Global Group)
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Pactiv LLC
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Klöckner Pentaplast Group
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Coveris Holdings S.A.
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Consolidated Container Company
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Winpak Ltd.
Key Developments:
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June 2023: Amcor announced the launch of its new recyclable PET bottle for dairy products, designed to replace hard-to-recycle PVC and HDPE bottles in the dairy sector.
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April 2023: Berry Global Group introduced a range of lightweight caps and closures for rigid plastic containers, aiming to reduce plastic usage while maintaining product performance.
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Market Definitions & Study Assumptions
1.2. Market Research Scope and Segment
1.3. Research Methodology
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2.1. Market Overview & Insights
2.2. Segment Outlook
2.3. Region Outlook
3. COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE
3.1. Companies Financial Position
3.2. Company Benchmarking—Key Players
3.3. Market Share Analysis -- Key Companies
3.4. Recent Companies Key Activities
3.5. Pricing Analysis
3.6. SWOT Analysis
4. COMPANY PROFILES (Key Companies List by Country) (Premium)
5. COMPANY PROFILES
5.1. Amcor plc
5.2. Berry Global Group, Inc.
5.3. ALPLA Group
5.4. Sealed Air Corporation
5.5. Silgan Holdings Inc.
5.6. Sonoco Products Company
5.7. Plastipak Holdings, Inc.
5.8. Graham Packaging Company
5.9. Greiner Packaging International GmbH
5.10. RPC Group plc (now part of Berry Global Group) (*LIST NOT EXHAUSTIVE)
6. MARKET DYNAMICS
6.1. Market Trends
6.1.1. Shift towards sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions
6.1.2. Integration of smart technologies in rigid plastic packaging
6.1.3. Development of bio-based and biodegradable plastics for rigid packaging
6.2. Market Drivers
6.2.1. Growing demand from the food & beverage and pharmaceutical industries
6.2.2. Increasing urbanisation and changing consumer lifestyles
6.2.3. Technological advancements in plastic materials and manufacturing processes
6.3. Market Restraints
6.3.1. Environmental concerns and regulatory pressures
6.3.2. Fluctuations in raw material prices
6.4. Market Opportunities
6.5. Porter's Five Forces Analysis
6.5.1. Threat of New Entrants
6.5.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
6.5.3. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
6.5.4. Threat of Substitute Products
6.5.5. Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
6.6. Supply Chain Analysis
6.7. Value Chain Analysis
6.8. Trade Analysis
6.9. Pricing Analysis
6.10. Regulatory Analysis
6.11. Patent Analysis
6.12. SWOT Analysis
6.13. PESTLE Analysis
7. BY MATERIAL TYPE (MARKET SIZE/VALUE (US$ Mn), SHARE (%), MARKET FORECAST (%), YOY GROWTH (%)-- 2020-2031)
7.1. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
7.2. PP (Polypropylene)
7.3. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
7.4. PS (Polystyrene)
7.5. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
7.6. Others
8. BY PRODUCT TYPE (MARKET SIZE/VALUE (US$ Mn), SHARE (%), MARKET FORECAST (%), YOY GROWTH (%)-- 2020-2031)
8.1. Bottles & Jars
8.2. Trays
8.3. Tubs
8.4. Cups & Pots
8.5. Rigid bulk products
8.6. Others
9. BY END-USE INDUSTRY (MARKET SIZE/VALUE (US$ Mn), SHARE (%), MARKET FORECAST (%), YOY GROWTH (%)-- 2020-2031)
9.1. Food & Beverage
9.2. Pharmaceuticals
9.3. Personal Care & Cosmetics
9.4. Industrial Packaging
9.5. Healthcare
9.6. Others
10. REGION (MARKET SIZE/VALUE (US$ Mn), SHARE (%), MARKET FORECAST (%), YOY GROWTH (%)-- 2020-2031)
10.1. North America
10.1.1. United States
10.1.2. Canada
10.1.3. Mexico
10.2. South America
10.2.1. Brazil
10.2.2. Argentina
10.2.3. Rest of South America
10.3. Europe
10.3.1. Germany
10.3.2. United Kingdom
10.3.3. France
10.3.4. Italy
10.3.5. Spain
10.3.6. Russia
10.3.7. Rest of Europe
10.4. Asia-Pacific
10.4.1. China
10.4.2. Japan
10.4.3. India
10.4.4. Australia
10.4.5. South Korea
10.4.6. Rest of Asia-Pacific
10.5. Middle-East
10.5.1. UAE
10.5.2. Saudi Arabia
10.5.3. Turkey
10.5.4. Rest of Middle East
10.6. Africa
10.6.1. South Africa
10.6.2. Egypt
10.6.3. Rest of Africa
*NOTE: All the regions mentioned in the scope will be provided with (MARKET SIZE/VALUE (US$ Mn), SHARE (%), MARKET FORECAST (%, YOY GROWTH)--2020-2031
Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Segmentation:
By Material Type:
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PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
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PP (Polypropylene)
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HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
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PS (Polystyrene)
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PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
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Others
By Product Type:
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Bottles & Jars
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Trays
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Tubs
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Cups & Pots
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Rigid bulk products
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Others
By End-Use Industry:
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Food & Beverage
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Pharmaceuticals
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Personal Care & Cosmetics
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Industrial Packaging
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Healthcare
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Others
By Region:
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North America
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Europe
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Asia-Pacific
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Latin America
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Middle East & Africa
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