EPS Container Market

EPS Container Market Outlook for 2024 to 2034

The EPS container market size is estimated at USD 1.83 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3.09 billion by 2034, registering a moderate CAGR of 5.40% from 2024 to 2034.

Attributes	Details
Market Value for 2024	USD 1.83 billion
Market Value for 2034	USD 3.09 billion
Market Forecast CAGR for 2024 to 2034	5.40%

Consumption Analysis of EPS Containers

• Demand for expanded polystyrene (EPS) food containers is pushed due to its use in food items, including ready-to-eat, frozen, ice cream, dairy, bakery, confectionery, meat, seafood, and poultry.
• Demand for EPS containers is advancing due to social factors, sustainable practices, and increased food service industry demand.
• Need for EPS packaging containers has surged due to urbanization and e-commerce’s popularity, affecting the consumer goods, retail, food, and pharmaceutical sectors.
• Demand from the electronic appliances sector is anticipated to progress, with expanded polystyrene containers used for packaging appliances such as blenders, washing machines, and personal computers.
• Expanded polystyrene's moisture resistance, thermal insulation, and shock absorption properties propel its demand in packaging due to the extending food service industry growth and its increased packaging needs.
• Expanded polystyrene containers, a lightweight, cost-effective, and versatile packaging alternative, are used in various industries due to their recyclability and biocompatible nature, compelling transition in multiple sectors.

Historical Performance and Future Growth of the EPS Container Market

The demand for EPS packaging containers historically developed at a CAGR of 4.30%. However, sales are in line to increase at a prompter pace, displaying a CAGR of 5.40% from 2024 to 2034.

Attributes	Details
Market Historical CAGR for 2019 to 2023	4.30%

The EPS container market faces restraints like high expenses, stringent environmental regulations, enriching competition, and physical protection concerns.

Acute aspects that are anticipated to influence the demand for EPS container through 2034 include:

• With the growth of the packaging industry, there is an opportunity to promote the demand for EPS containers with easy and suitable applications that augment freshness.
• Introducing novel sustainable materials such as bio-degradable and recycled paper packaging in the form of bioplastic containers has paved the way for developing the expanded polystyrene packaging market.

Key Trends Influencing the EPS Container Market

Emergent Trend of Green Innovations Fuels the Need for Lightweight Containers

• Green innovations in the market offer sustainable materials, satisfy consumer expectations, and fulfill regulatory requirements, attracting companies seeking to differentiate themselves and develop their packaging consumer base.
• EPS container market is witnessing a ripple in the demand for lightweight containers and packaging, particularly in sectors such as food, healthcare, and electronics, to reduce environmental impact and production costs.
• Companies offer lightweight EPS containers and packaging, reducing weight and fuel consumption in transportation and warehousing industries, compelling expanded polystyrene container market growth due to high demand.

eCommerce Packaging Transits the Demand for Expanded Polystyrene Packaging

• Demand for energy-efficient construction practices and stringent environmental regulations has driven the expansion of polystyrenes containers for eCommerce packaging, particularly for thermal insulation in residential, commercial, and industrial structures.
• The eCommerce industry, pushed by evolving consumer preferences and stringent regulatory measures, is propelling the growth of the demand for EPS packaging containers for food products.
• Expanded polystyrene packaging containers are achieving a novel consumer base on eCommerce platforms, particularly for meals and snack bars, with subscription boxes and grocery pickups potentially compelling market development in the forthcoming decade.
• eCommerce growth and energy efficiency awareness endeavors have increased demand for expanded polystyrene in packaging, as it offers shock-absorbing properties and cost-effectiveness for fragile items.

Category-wise Insights

An in-depth segmental analysis of the market indicates that trays are developing exceptional demand as a convenient product. Similarly, the institutional food services sector develops an emergent demand for AMAP solutions.

Demand for Trays Carries Up to 57% of Market Share

Attributes	Details
Top Product	Trays
Market Share in 2024	57%

The need for trays for food carrying is significant in 2024, expected to hold a market share of 57%. The subsequent aspects display the demand for trays:

• EPS trays are preffered due to their affordability, durability, and adaptability, making them suitable for various packaging requirements, sizes, shapes, and transparency levels.
• The eCommerce industry, particularly food delivery, requires innovative EPS tray designs for safe product transportation, while sensor-equipped trays track freshness, boosting the sector's growth.
• Trend towards eco-friendly packaging is gaining momentum, with EPS trays made from recycled materials becoming more durable and eco-friendly due to new paper manufacturing methods.

Institutional Food Services Cultivate Around 37% of Market Share

Attributes	Details
Top End Use	Institutional Food Services
Market share in 2024	37%

EPS container use for institutional food service is anticipated to acquire almost 37% market share in 2024. The development of the institutional food services’ demand for EPS containers is highlighted by the following aspects:

• EPS foam, a thermoplastic material, is used in food storage and transportation packaging for its exceptional thermal insulation, preventing heat transfer and maintaining food temperature.
• Busy lifestyles demand convenient, ready-to-eat options, including meal kits and delivery services. Product packaging for pasta, bread, and coffee has evolved into premium items with EPS containers.
• Luxury experiences manipulate hotel market growth, influencing premium food packaging using EPS containers. Customers prioritize unique experiences and personal luxury items, thereby increasing demand for luxury food service.

Country-wise Insights

The following section explains the demand for EPS container in various countries. Chinese and Indian industries are experiencing intermediate growth, while Japan and the United Kingdom are progressing with similar CAGR, and Thailand is slotted in to have a moderate CAGR.

Countries	CAGR from 2024 to 2034
United Kingdom	4.5%
Thailand	5.9%
China	6.3%
India	6.6%
Japan	4.5%

India’s Food and Beverage Sector Augments the Demand for EPS Packaging

The demand for lightweight packaging in the food service industry in India is increasing due to its flexibility, reduced damage, and longer shelf life. The growing demand for expanded polystyrene packaging in India, driven by green food packaging alternatives, presents significant growth opportunities with an expected CAGR of 6.6% through 2034.

The growing number of food retail chains and increased demand for packaged food in India are anticipated to increase the consumption of polystyrene packaging containers.

Chinese Food Packagers Opt for Innovation in Specialized Packaging

China's economic development and urbanization have increased demand for packaged food. China's fast-growing food business in the Asia Pacific utilizes modern packaging, sustainable materials, specialized packaging, digital integration, and food delivery applications to cater to its large customer base.

The food packaging sector in China is rising primarily because of the emerging culinary culture trend, aiding in registering an anticipated CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2034. Due to multinational food service industry players developing their companies, China is envisioned to offer favorable growth prospects for restaurant EPS packaging in the coming decade.

Rising Ready-To-Eat Consumption Develops Demand for EPS Packaging in Thailand

The Thai food packaging market is projected to experience a CAGR of 5.9% through 2034 due to the growing demand for ready-to-eat products. Thailand's leading food producers are experiencing market growth due to increasing consumption of snacks, bakery, and confectionery products.

Thailand's leading position in roadside food markets is causing a surge in ready-to-eat food consumption, increasing demand for food packaging solutions such as EPS containers.

Food Delivery Services Mature the Demand for EPS Containers in Japan

Japan's eCommerce and food delivery sectors drive market growth in the EPS packaging industry, as packaging significantly influences consumer perceptions and brand differentiation.

Japan's CAGR is anticipated to be 4.5% from 2024 to 2034, due to the increasing demand for convenient and ready-to-eat food items in urban areas. Due to its exceptional properties, expanded polystyrene (EPS), a lightweight, closed-cell plastic, is utilized in food packaging in Japan.

The United Kingdom Demand for Fresh Food Delivery Packaging Influences the Market Positively

The expanded polystyrene packaging industry in the United Kingdom is supposed to display a CAGR of 4.5% by 2034, with ongoing development in the research on fresh food packaging. High raw material presence creates growth opportunities for fresh food packaging manufacturers in the country.

The United Kingdom is experiencing a shift towards organic food, with a growing demand for fresh vegetables and fruits, thereby snowballing the demand for active and expanded polystyrene packaging containers.

Market Players Shaping the Outlook of the Global EPS Container Market

Food and beverage packaging companies focus on devising sustainable products to develop their customer base and comply with novel rules for EPS containers. They also adopt techniques such as mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, facility expansions, price reduction, and strengthening distribution channels.

The EPS container industry faces challenges from new players entering the market, technological improvements, and the introduction of new packaging products, making it essential for expanded polystyrene manufacturers to maintain their presence in the market.

The collaboration between packaging manufacturers and food processors aspires to design customized expanded polystyrene packaging solutions for specific product categories, adopt smart packaging technologies for traceability, and integrate sustainable packaging practices for environmental sustainability.

Recent Developments in the EPS Container Market

• In January 2024, BEWI introduced recycled feedstock-based products, demonstrating resource efficiency and a circular economy, offering reduced CO2 footprints in sectors like food packaging and pharmaceuticals.
• Also in January 2024, SEE developed the first bio-based industrial compostable protein packaging tray, the CRYOVAC brand, which is USDA-certified and biodegradable. The tray will be introduced at the International Product & Processing Expo.
• In November 2023, Mondi introduced sustainable corrugated packaging for white goods and electronic equipment, offering 100% recyclability and compostability, with a portfolio of boxes crafted from at least 60% recycled fibers.
• In April 2023, Epsilyte introduced 124LR, an EPS product with 50% post-consumer recycled content, designed for packaging parts with a smooth finish, facilitated by extrusion technology at Piqua, Ohio.
• In March 2023, Electrolux Group introduced 70% less ink, recycled, paper-based packaging for small appliances, promoting circularity and decreasing carbon emissions, using the same box for multiple products.

Key Companies in the Market

• Genpak
• Dart Container
• Biopac India Corporation
• Landaal Packaging Systems
• Harwal Group of Companies
• Great Northern Corporation
• Megafoam Containers Enterprise
• Republic Plastics
• Styrotech Corporation
• Packaging Resources
• Beltec Sdn
• Citi Pak
• Reach Plastic Industrial
• Di Xiang Trading
• Bestern Industry And Trade
• Luheng Papers Company
• Jeafer Foodservice Solutions
• ZBR Packaging Materials

Key Coverage in the EPS Container Market Report

• Sales analysis of EPS Container in the United States
• Comparative Analysis Between Polystyrene and Expanded Polystyrene Packaging
• Emerging Trends in Expanded Polystyrene Packaging of Ready-to-eat Foods
• Growth Overview of Demand for Fresh Food Packaging in the United States
• Dynamics of Foam Storage Containers Market

Key Segments

By Product Type:

• Plates
• Cups
• Bowls
• Trays
• Clamshells

By Sales Channel:

• Direct Sales
• Retailers
• Hypermarkets / Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Discount Stores and Wholesale Clubs
• E-retail

By End Use:

• Institutional Food Services
• Commercial
• Household

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia
• Oceania
• Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

How Big is the EPS Container Market?

The market is valued at USD 1.83 billion in 2024.

What is the Future Outlook of the EPS Container Market?

The market is line to be valued at USD 3.09 billion by 2034.

Which Country is Forecast to be Productive for the EPS Container Market?

The EPS packaging industry in India is estimated to register a CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2034.

What is the Forecast for the EPS Container Industry?

The market is set to register a CAGR of 5.40% from 2024 to 2034.

Which Product is in Significant Demand for EPS Containers in 2024?

Expanded polystyrene trays are anticipated to acquire a 57% market share in 2024.