US Packaging Container Market – Forecast (2024-2029)

Overview

The US Packaging Container Market size is forecast to reach USD 225.49 Billion by 2029, after growing at a CAGR of 3.89% during the forecast period 2024-2029. The US packaging container market is crucial to various industries, including food and beverage, healthcare, personal care, and e-commerce. The market is driven by increasing demand for sustainable packaging, convenience, and aesthetics. Plastic containers are anticipated to dominate the market due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness, although there is a growing trend towards eco-friendly alternatives like paper and biodegradable materials. E-commerce growth has also fueled demand for innovative packaging solutions that ensure product safety during transit. The US packaging container market constantly evolves to meet consumer preferences and sustainability goals. The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies anticipates that by 2028, the beverage sector in the United States will bring in 45.5 billion dollars in revenue. Technological advancements, such as smart packaging and digital printing, are also shaping the future of the packaging container market in the US.

Report Coverage

The report “US Packaging Container Market – Forecast (2024-2029)”, by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the US Packaging Container market.

By Material: Paper &Board, Flexible Plastic, Rigid Plastic, Glass, Metal, Others

By Field of Application: Food, Beverages, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Others

By Size: Less than 150ml, 150ml-300ml

By Color: Transparent (Including flint/colorless bottles), Opaque (Plastic, Amber, Opaque Glass, Metal, Other) 

Key Takeaways

•    The U.S. cosmetic packaging container market is characterized by its diverse supply chain, innovation in packaging materials, and the collaborative efforts of major brands with their suppliers. As sustainability becomes a core focus, companies throughout the supply chain are adapting to meet consumer and regulatory demands for eco-friendly and functional packaging solutions. This interconnected system is expected to continue evolving, driven by technological advancements and shifting market dynamics.

By Material - Segment Analysis

The Paper & Board segment dominated the US Packaging Container market in 2023. The USA's paper and board packaging container market is thriving, with a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Recently, there has been a shift towards more environmentally friendly packaging options, increasing the use of paper-based containers. One key trend in the market is the rising popularity of corrugated cardboard packaging, which is widely used for shipping and transporting goods due to its durability and recyclability. For instance, recognized as the Paper Checkoff program, the How Life Unfolds® campaign by the Paper and Packaging Board is a nationwide marketing initiative financed by producers and importers of paper and paper-based packaging. The industry's unparalleled sustainability narrative is the campaign's main focus. A $0.35 per short ton assessment on American producers and importers of paper and paper-based packaging funds the program. The rise in the government initiatives is anticipated to drive the market growth.

By Field of Application - Segment Analysis

The Food segment dominated the US Packaging Container market in 2023. The US packaging container market for food is a dynamic and competitive industry that plays a crucial role in the safe transportation and storage of food products. With increasing consumer demand for convenience, sustainability, and freshness, packaging containers have evolved to meet these changing needs.  For instance, in 2022, $13.4 million in financing for future plastics innovations that lower the power usage and carbon emissions of plastics that are only used once was announced by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). the seven R&D projects that were chosen. For better food packaging, TDA Research Inc. (Wheat Ridge, Colorado) will create films that are eternally recyclable and biodegradable the amount of the award is $1,609,056. Also, the growing emphasis on sustainable packaging solutions is in response to consumer demand for eco-friendly options. This has led to the development of biodegradable materials, recyclable packaging, and compostable containers in the food packaging industry. Additionally, technological advancements have enabled packaging companies to incorporate features such as tamper-evident seals, resealable closures, and interactive labels to enhance the safety and convenience of food packaging containers.

By Size - Segment Analysis

The 150ml-300ml dominated the US Packaging Container market in 2023. There has been a growing demand for smaller-sized packaging containers due to trends such as convenience, portability, and portion control. Companies are increasingly offering products in these smaller-sized bottles to cater to consumer preferences. These smaller-sized bottles are popular across various industries such as beverages, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and more.  The market for 150ml or 300ml bottle-size packaging containers is driven by innovation in design, functionality, and sustainability. Small bottle sizes, including 150ml or 300ml, have been popular in the US market due to their convenience for on-the-go consumption, portion control, and suitability for single-servings. Companies are constantly looking for ways to differentiate their products through unique packaging solutions that appeal to consumers. 

By Color - Segment Analysis

The Opaque dominated the US Packaging Container market in 2023.  The opaque-color container packaging market in the US is a competitive and growing industry. Opaque color containers are popular for their ability to protect products from light and maintain product integrity. The rise of e-commerce has also contributed to the growth of the opaque color container packaging market, as online retailers seek durable and aesthetically pleasing packaging solutions to enhance the unboxing experience for customers. The opaque-color container packaging market in the US is projected to continue to grow as industries recognize the importance of quality packaging in protecting their products and attracting consumers. The market is competitive, but there are opportunities for companies to differentiate themselves through innovative packaging solutions and sustainable practices.

Drivers – US Packaging Container Market

•  Rise in E-Commerce

The need for robust, efficient, and innovative packaging solutions has skyrocketed. This growth is fueled by the increasing number of online shoppers and the growing convenience of purchasing goods online, which necessitates safe and durable packaging to protect products during transit. Packaging containers such as corrugated boxes, mailers, and protective inserts have become indispensable to meet these requirements. One major trend driven by e-commerce is the shift toward sustainability in packaging. With environmental concerns gaining traction, both consumers and governments are pressuring businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices. E-commerce packaging generates significant waste, particularly single-use materials, leading to the development of sustainable options such as recyclable, biodegradable, and reusable packaging containers. 

For instance, the adoption of Ships in Own Container (SIOC) packaging eliminates the need for additional shipping boxes, reducing material usage and costs. This shift reflects the industry's commitment to aligning with environmental goals while addressing consumer demand for sustainable solutions. Additionally, e-commerce has driven innovation in packaging designs and technologies. Companies are increasingly adopting lightweight, customizable packaging that minimizes shipping costs and enhances the unboxing experience, a key marketing tool for online retailers. Smart packaging solutions, such as QR codes and tracking systems, are also gaining prominence, enabling better inventory management and enhanced customer interaction. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated e-commerce adoption, with U.S. e-commerce sales rising which generated a revenue of $102.08 billion in 2020, further boosting demand for packaging solutions.

•  Food and Beverage Industry Growth

The growth of the food and beverage industry is a significant driver for the U.S. packaging container market, driven by shifting consumer preferences, urbanization, and evolving lifestyles. As the demand for packaged foods, beverages, and ready-to-eat meals grows, the need for specialized packaging solutions to maintain product freshness, extend shelf life, and ensure safety has surged. One of the key factors is the rising preference for convenience and portability among consumers. With busy lifestyles, people increasingly opt for on-the-go products, such as single-serving beverages, pre-portioned snacks, and meal kits. This has led to a significant rise in demand for lightweight, resealable, and durable packaging containers that cater to portability without compromising quality. Meal kit services, for instance, require specialized insulated containers and vacuum-sealed pouches to maintain freshness during shipping, driving innovation in the sector.

Challenges – US Packaging Container Market

•  Environmental Concerns and Regulations

Environmental concerns and regulations present significant challenges for the U.S. packaging container market, forcing companies to navigate complex compliance requirements while balancing costs and consumer expectations. The increasing awareness of the environmental impact of packaging waste, especially single-use plastics, has led to heightened scrutiny and stricter regulations. For instance, numerous states, including California, New York, and Washington, have enacted bans or restrictions on single-use plastic products, compelling businesses to transition to eco-friendly alternatives. This shift often entails higher costs, supply chain restructuring, and the development of new packaging solutions. A primary challenge stems from the lack of a standardized national policy on recycling and waste management in the U.S., which creates inconsistencies across regions. The recycling rate for packaging materials remains relatively low—only 32.1% of municipal solid waste was recycled in 2021, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This inconsistency places additional pressure on packaging manufacturers to create materials that are both recyclable and compatible with limited recycling infrastructure, particularly in areas lacking advanced waste management systems.

•    Technological Barriers

Technological barriers pose a significant challenge for the U.S. packaging container market as companies strive to adopt advanced solutions while balancing costs, scalability, and sustainability. The integration of emerging technologies, such as smart packaging, automation, and eco-friendly materials, requires substantial investment and technical expertise, which can be particularly burdensome for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The shift toward sustainable packaging materials is another area where technological barriers arise. Developing biodegradable, compostable, or recycled alternatives to traditional materials demands significant R&D investment and specialized manufacturing processes. For example, bioplastics are often more expensive to produce than conventional plastics, and they require new machinery and processing techniques. A study by the International Journal of Environmental Research found that producing bioplastics involves higher initial costs due to limited raw material availability and production inefficiencies, creating hurdles for widespread adoption.

Market Landscape

Agreements, product launches, partnerships, contracts, expansions, and production capacities are key strategies adopted by players in the US Packaging Container market. In 2023, the US Packaging Container market share has been fragmented by the top twelve players accounting for 28.68% of the share. Major players in the US Packaging Container market are International Paper Company, Packaging Corporation of America, Crown Holdings, Silgan Holdings, Graphic Packaging International, Ball Corporation, Veritiv Corporation, Berry Global, Amcor Plc, Ardagh Group SA, Smurfit Kappa Group, Pactiv Evergreen Inc.., and others.

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