Rigid Plastic Packaging Market

Global Rigid Plastic Packaging Market:

The global rigid plastic packaging market size reached USD 250.6 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 358.7 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% during 2025-2033. The rising focus among key players on product safety and extended shelf life, along with the increasing preference for sustainable packaging solutions, is stimulating the market.

Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The growing need for protective and durable packaging options, owing to the inflating consumption of packaged goods, represents one of the primary factors propelling the market.
• Key Market Trends: The increasing trend of home delivery and e-commerce services is bolstering the use of packaging that can withstand transportation and handling challenges while providing an appealing unboxing experience. Furthermore, numerous advancements in manufacturing technologies are also acting as significant growth-inducing factors.
• Geographical Trends: Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share. This can be attributed to the widespread adoption of recyclable and eco-friendly materials by key players. Moreover, they are also focusing on expanding the range of applications for rigid plastic packaging, which is positively influencing the regional market.
• Competitive Landscape: According to the rigid plastic packaging market overview, some of the prominent companies include ALPLA, Altium Packaging LLC, Amcor plc, Berry Global Inc., DS Smith plc, Graham Packaging Company, Pactiv Evergreen Inc., Plastipak Holdings Inc., Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Saudi Arabian Oil Company), Silgan Holdings Inc., Sonoco Products Company, and Winpak Ltd., among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Choosing the right plastic material for packaging involves various factors, such as performance, cost, and sustainability. However, manufacturers are using enhanced polymers while considering compatibility with barrier properties, packaging contents, and recyclability. This, in turn, is anticipated to catalyze the market over the forecasted period.

Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Trends:

Introduction of Sustainable Packaging Solutions

The rising consumer environmental consciousness is encouraging manufacturers to adopt recyclable and biodegradable materials, which is fueling the market. Moreover, government bodies and industry players are emphasizing on minimizing plastic waste, thereby promoting the usage of materials that have a lower impact on the environment. For instance, in March 2024, Mr. Sanjay Chincholikar, business head of Cosmo Plastech & Cosmo Sunshield, while interacting with the Asia Business Outlook, highlighted the major breakthroughs in the rigid packaging industry and how companies are tailoring their offerings to the environmental-conscious individuals. Besides this, prominent companies are widely incorporating recycled content into rigid plastic packaging, utilizing industrial scrap or post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics to minimize reliance on virgin materials and divert waste from landfills. For example, in March 2024, Little Rock, one of the film recycling companies based in Arkansas, launched Daily good Bags for everyday household use. In addition, these bags are made with as much as 97% of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, resulting in lower environmental impacts compared to trash bags made without recycled content. In line with this, in February 2024, Amcor signed a deal with Cadbury Australia, a subsidiary of Mondelēz International, to supply approximately 1,000 tons of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic to wrap the core chocolate product range of the company. Additionally, the initiative is set to elevate Cadbury’s efforts to minimize its reliance on virgin plastic for packaging its chocolate range. Apart from this, numerous advancements in biodegradable and compostable plastics are elevating the demand for environmentally conscious packaging solutions, thereby creating a positive rigid plastic packaging market outlook. For example, in March 2022, Amazon collaborated with the U.S. Department of Energy’s BOTTLE Consortium, led by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, to develop technology that enabled bio-based and biodegradable plastic recycling. 

Increasing Demand for convenience

Individuals across the globe are seeking packaging that preserves the quality of the product and offers portability. Consequently, the durability and versatility provided by rigid plastic packaging make it a preferred choice for consumer convenience. Furthermore, resealable closures, including screw caps or flip-tops, are commonly found on rigid plastic containers for products like condiments, beverages, personal care items, etc. These closures aid in preserving product freshness and preventing spills, thereby extending the shelf life of packaged goods. For example, in April 2024, Guillin Group's Fresh produce business unit launched innovative rPET, carton, and hybrid solutions that offer convenience to consumers without compromising on product quality. In line with this, the inflating popularity of on-the-go packaging formats, such as cups, pouches, and bottles, made from rigid plastics is further gaining extensive traction, thereby stimulating the rigid plastic packaging market demand. For instance, in April 2024, as part of a commitment to minimize its carbon, water, and waste footprints in half by 2030, Starbucks has launched new plastic cold cups that are between 10 to 20% smaller than the current cup sizes.

Introduction of Smart Packaging

Rigid plastic packaging is integral to the implementation and development of smart packaging solutions. Besides this, smart packaging solutions enable interactive experiences, such as augmented reality (AR) features or personalized content accessible via smartphone apps, thereby improving consumer engagement and brand loyalty. For example, in April 2024, DS Smith, one of the sustainable packaging solutions providers, entered a partnership with Bioenzymatic Fuel Cells (BeFC) to launch smart packaging solutions. Apart from this, extensive investments in R&D activities are further elevating the rigid plastic packaging market revenue. For instance, in April 2024, some of the researchers at the McMaster University developed advanced tests that enable food packages to signal whether their contents are contaminated. In line with this, they are working to bring regulators and producers together to get their inventions into commercial products, with the goal of reducing food waste and preventing illness. Consequently, these innovations are expected to bolster the market in the coming years.

Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with the rigid plastic packaging market forecast at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on the product, material, production process, and end use industry.

Breakup by Product:

• Bottles and Jars
• Trays and Containers
• Caps and Closures
• Others
   

Bottles and jars represent the most popular product

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product. This includes bottles and jars, trays and containers, caps and closures, and others. According to the report, bottles and jars represented the largest segment.

The rising focus of key players on branding and differentiation is primarily driving the growth in this segmentation. Moreover, bottles and jars offer product protection, visibility, and easy dispensing, thereby improving consumer convenience and maintaining product freshness. Besides this, manufacturers are prioritizing efficient packaging solutions, which is also acting as another significant growth-inducing factor. For instance, in January 2022, Ring Container Technologies, one of the manufacturers of plastic containers, launched a customizable PET solution for maintaining carbonation in beverages. Similarly, Vetroplas offers a wide range of high-quality packaging solutions, specializing in premium glass and plastic bottles and jars, with a prime focus on quality and sustainability.

Breakup by Material:

• Polyethylene (PET)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• High Density Polypropylene (HDPE)
• Others
   

Polypropylene (PP) holds the largest share in the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the material. This includes polyethylene (PET), polypropylene (PP), high density polypropylene (HDPE), and others. According to the report, polypropylene (PP) represented the largest market segmentation.

Rigid plastic packaging materials, particularly polypropylene (PP), are gaining extensive traction as they exhibit exceptional properties, such as chemical resistance, high stiffness, low density, etc. As a result, PP finds widespread applications in producing durable and lightweight packaging solutions. Besides this, numerous innovations in the manufacturing process represent the rigid plastic packaging market's recent opportunities. For example, in February 2024, Ravago and Repsol inaugurated the opening of a cutting-edge factory in Tangier, exclusively dedicated to the production of polypropylene compounds, a pivotal material widely adopted in the automotive sector. In addition to this, in March 2024, GEKA, one of Medmix's beauty brands, introduced a post-consumer-recycled (PCR) polypropylene (PP) material suitable for primary cosmetic packaging.

Breakup by Production Process:

• Extrusion
• Injection Molding
• Blow Molding
• Thermoforming
• Others
   

Extrusion accounts for the majority of the rigid plastic packaging market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the production process. This includes extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, and others. According to the report, extrusion represented the largest market segmentation.

Extrusion plays an important role in driving innovation and efficiency in the market. Additionally, it generally enables the production of numerous packaging components, such as containers, bottles, and caps, with precision and consistency. Extrusion allows manufacturers to incorporate features like handles or closures, create intricate designs, and optimize wall thickness for cost-effectiveness and durability. Continuous collaborations will continue to fuel the growth in this segmentation over the forecasted period. For example, in October 2023, Davis-Standard, LLC (Davis-Standard), a global leader in extrusion equipment, announced that it had reached a definitive agreement to acquire the Extrusion Technology Group (ETG) from entities controlled by the Dutch Investor Nimbus.

Breakup by End Use Industry:

• Food and Beverages
• Personal Care and Cosmetics
• Household
• Healthcare
• Others
   

Food and beverages represent the leading end use industry segment

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end use industry. This includes food and beverages, personal care and cosmetics, household, healthcare, and others. According to the report, food and beverages represented the largest market segmentation.

The escalating demand for functional and durable packaging solutions is primarily augmenting the rigid plastic packaging market's recent price across the food and beverage industry. Additionally, prominent players are using sustainable packaging materials across the sector. For instance, in November 2023, Nestlé, one of the global leaders in the F&B industry, invested in Impact Recycling's pioneering facility to create positive environmental change and advance hard-to-recycle plastic management. In line with this, in April 2024, a new study by multinational food packaging and processing company Tetra Pak revealed a shift in the food and beverage (F&B) industry, as various companies are prioritizing sustainable practices. Additionally, the wide presence of key players that cater to the emerging trend of on-the-go consumption is expected to drive the market in this segmentation over the forecasted period. For example, Rajshree Polypack is one of the leaders in manufacturing rigid plastic sheets.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

Asia Pacific exhibits a clear dominance in the market

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share.

Government bodies in the Asia Pacific are implementing stringent regulations to promote a circular economy, which is driving the regional market. For example, in February 2022, the government bodies in India notified the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, placing a statutory responsibility on manufacturers to recycle, collect, and reuse used plastic packaging and use recycled content in new plastic packaging. Moreover, the guidelines aimed to enhance packaging sustainability by setting ambitious targets and promoting improved packaging design. According to the rigid plastic packaging market statistics, advanced recycling partnerships in Asia Pacific will continue to fuel the regional market over the forecasted period. For example, Dow, one of the global materials science companies, introduced circular polyethene resins made from hard-to-recycle plastic waste and pyrolysis oil in Thailand.

Competitive Landscape:

Rigid plastic packaging market companies are consistently introducing innovative solutions to meet evolving consumer demands. These innovations include lightweighting techniques that maintain packaging integrity while reducing material usage, contributing to sustainability efforts. Customized designs and shapes that enhance shelf visibility and branding, along with user-friendly features like easy-open closures, are becoming prevalent. Integration of smart packaging technologies, such as QR codes or NFC tags for product information and traceability, further engages consumers. Additionally, advancements in bioplastics, incorporating plant-based materials, offer environmentally friendly alternatives. The incorporation of recycled content and closed-loop recycling systems underscores the commitment to circular economy principles. These advancements collectively cater to consumer preferences, environmental concerns, and technological advancements, propelling the market forward.

The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• ALPLA
• Altium Packaging LLC
• Amcor plc
• Berry Global Inc.
• DS Smith plc
• Graham Packaging Company
• Pactiv Evergreen Inc.
• Plastipak Holdings Inc.
• Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Saudi Arabian Oil Company)
• Silgan Holdings Inc.
• Sonoco Products Company
• Winpak Ltd.
   

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Recent Developments:

• April 2024: Origin Materials Inc., one of the zero-carbon plastic precursor manufacturer companies, introduced sustainable and fully recyclable plastic bottle caps for plastic bottles.
• April 2024: Klöckner Pentaplast developed the first food packaging trays, comprised of 100% recycled PET (rPET).
• March 2024: PepsiCo, INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe, and Amcor collaborated to launch a novel snack packaging solution for Sunbites crisps, incorporating 50% recycled plastic.

Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC's industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the rigid plastic packaging market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global rigid plastic packaging market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the rigid plastic packaging industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.