Report Overview

A spurring demand for lightweight packaging materials from thriving e-retail, food & beverages, personal care, and pharmaceutical sectors is expected to drive United States Plastic Packaging Market during the forecast period between 2024 and 2030.

United States Plastic Packaging Market – Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2030

United States Plastic Packaging Market size by value was estimated at USD 93.99 billion in 2023. During the forecast period between 2024 and 2030, United States Plastic Packaging Market size is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.10% reaching a value of USD 133.79 billion by 2030. United States Plastic Packaging Market is driven by several key factors. The growth of the food and beverage industry significantly boosts demand for packaging solutions. Additionally, the expansion of personal care and pharmaceutical sectors contributes to market growth. The rise of e-commerce has increased the need for flexible, lightweight packaging to reduce transportation costs. Furthermore, the trend towards sustainability and recycling initiatives is influencing the market, as companies seek eco-friendly packaging options

Plastic Packaging – Overview

Plastic packaging is essential for its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. It's widely used across various industries, particularly food and beverage, due to its ability to protect against external elements and maintain product integrity. The industry’s growth is propelled by increasing demands from the food and beverage, healthcare, and personal care sectors, alongside the burgeoning e-commerce market. Innovations in biodegradable and recyclable materials are also shaping the market, as sustainability becomes a key consumer and regulatory focus. Plastic packaging’s adaptability and protective qualities make it a staple in modern packaging solutions.

United States Plastic Packaging Market  

Growth Drivers

Increasing Demand for Convenience and Processed Foods

United States Plastic Packaging Market is experiencing significant growth, primarily driven by the increasing demand for convenience and processed foods. This trend is a result of consumers' busy lifestyles and their growing preference for ready-to-eat meals and on-the-go snacks. The market is responding to this demand with innovative packaging solutions that offer longer shelf life and ease of use, catering to the needs of the fast-paced American consumer. This surge in convenience food consumption is propelling the plastic packaging industry forward, as it plays a crucial role in preserving the quality and freshness of these products.

Challenges

Increasing Environmental Concerns

Increasing environmental concern over plastic waste is a major restraining factor in United States Plastic Packaging Market. Despite the market's growth, stringent regulations and public awareness about the environmental impact of single-use plastics are challenging its expansion. The U.S. has seen 16 states implement laws to reduce plastic waste, reflecting a nationwide push toward sustainability. This environmental scrutiny is prompting the industry to innovate and adopt more eco-friendly materials and practices, but it also poses a significant barrier to the traditional plastic packaging market's future growth.

Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on United States Plastic Packaging Market

Intensifying geopolitical tensions, particularly trade disputes and economic sanctions, between major economies could have a profound impact on United States Plastic Packaging Market. Tensions among countries across the world could disrupt global supply chains, leading to material shortages and increased costs for plastic packaging manufacturers. The trade war between the US and China, for instance, has resulted in higher tariffs and strained trade relations, affecting industries with strong supply chain linkages to China. Moreover, the industry must navigate the uncertainty caused by such tensions, which can hinder growth, inflate prices, and create barriers to international cooperation. Despite these challenges, some experts believe that 2023 could see a positive outlook for the packaging industry as it adapts to these geopolitical shifts.

United States Plastic Packaging Market

Segmental Information

United States Plastic Packaging Market – By Material

By material, United States Plastic Packaging Market is divided into Polyethylene (PE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and Bio-based Plastics segments. The polyethylene (PE) segment is the largest in United States Plastic Packaging Market. PE is widely used due to its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. It dominates the market, especially in applications like plastic bags, films, and containers. The demand for PE is driven by its extensive use in the food and beverage industry for packaging, as well as in consumer goods and industrial applications. Its recyclability also contributes to its leading position in the market.

United States Plastic Packaging Market – By Product

On the basis of product, United States Plastic Packaging Market is split into Rigid and Flexible segments. The flexible packaging segment holds a larger market share in United States Plastic Packaging Market by product, due to its versatility, lightweight nature, and cost-effectiveness, making it a preferred choice across various industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. The increasing demand for convenience, extended shelf life, and sustainability in packaging further drives the growth of flexible packaging, outpacing the rigid packaging segment in market share and usage.

United States Plastic Packaging Market – By Technology

Based on technology, United States Plastic Packaging Market is divided into Injection Molding, Extrusion, Blow Molding, and Thermoforming segments. The extrusion segment typically holds the largest share. Extrusion is favored due to its efficiency in producing high volumes of plastic films and sheets, which are widely used in various packaging applications such as food, beverages, and consumer goods. The demand for flexible packaging and sustainable packaging solutions further drives the prominence of the extrusion process in this market segment, making it the most significant in terms of market share.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the highly competitive United States Plastic Packaging Market include Sigma Plastics Group Inc., Amcor PLC, Berry Global Inc., Sealed Air Corporation, Sonoco Products Company, Proampac LLC, Constantia Flexibles, Centor Inc., Bericap Holdings, and Cascades Flexible Packaging. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In February 2021 - Berry Global Group, Inc. launched a 50ml PET spirit bottle for e-commerce businesses.

• In February 2021 - Constantia Flexibles announced its new product, Perpetua, which is a recyclable, high-barrier, polymeric mono-material packaging solution for pharma products. According to the company, the solution has a wide range of pharma packaging applications and is now available worldwide. Perpetua offers product protection from oxygen, water vapor, and light.

Scope of the Report

By Material

• Polyethylene (PE)

• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

• Polypropylene (PP)

• Polystyrene (PS)

• Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

• Bio-based Plastics

By Product

• Rigid

• Flexible

By Technology

• Injection Molding

• Extrusion

• Blow Molding

• Thermoforming

By Application

• Food & Beverages

• Industrial Packaging

• Pharmaceuticals

• Personal & Household Care