Garbage Bag Market

Garbage Bag Market Outlook from 2024 to 2034

Exhibiting a y-o-y growth of 3.3%, the global garbage bag market size reached US$ 9,382.6 million in 2023. Over the forecast period, global sales of garbage bags are projected to surge at 4.2% CAGR. Total market valuation is estimated to increase from US$ 9,681.0 million in 2024 to US$ 14,602.3 million by 2034.

Demand remains particularly high for PE garbage bags due to their strength and tear-resistance properties. The majority of PE garbage bags are made from LDPE & LLDPE, while the remaining ones are made from HDPE. The target segment is set to account for a market share of 71.7% in 2034.

Garbage bags are becoming essential in waste disposal globally. They are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors to collect and dispose of waste. The global market for garbage and waste bags is set to witness steady growth due to increasing waste generation and the ever-increasing development of residential and family houses.

Consumers' disposable income and purchasing power are leading to an increasing demand for convenient and cost-effective trash bags for waste collection. Similarly, improving economic performance and rising living standards of the middle-income population are expected to boost the sales of HDPE garbage bags.

Other Factors Expected to Boost Garbage Bag Market Growth Include

• Exploding population and rapid urbanization
• Higher waste generation in households, coupled with the growing need for easily disposable garbage bags
• Growing demand for convenient and sanitary waste disposal bags triggered by increasing focus on hygiene and sanitation
• Incorporation of garbage bags in smart bins and other waste management systems
• Rising awareness about cleanliness and hygiene
• Increasing government initiatives aimed at promoting waste recycling
• Expansion of housing facilities across the globe
• Rise of online shopping
• Increasing demand for garbage bags in hospitals

Key Garbage Bag Market Trends

• Transition towards eco-friendly packaging solutions like paper garbage bags, biodegradable trash bags, and compostable garbage bags
• Innovations in garbage bag materials and design
• Incorporation of features like odor control and antimicrobial properties in garbage bags
• High adoption of recyclable garbage bags in residential and HoReCa sectors

Key Factors Restraining Growth of the Garbage Bag Market

• Environmental hazards associated with plastic garbage bags will likely limit market expansion
• Implementation of stringent regulations on the usage of plastic packaging, including garbage bags, is expected to impact the market negatively

Historical Performance Vs. Global Garbage Bag Market Future Forecast

Global garbage bag sales recorded a CAGR of 1.6% between 2019 and 2023. Overall market valuation at the end of 2023 reached around US$ 9,382.6 million. In the assessment period, the global market for garbage bags is poised to expand at a 4.2% CAGR.

The worldwide garbage bag market witnessed sluggish growth during the historical period. This was mostly due to the COVID-19 impact and low adoption rate of garbage bags in commercial and industrial sectors.

For the projection period, a steady CAGR has been predicted for the garbage bag market. This is attributable to the increasing waste generation in households and the changing preference of consumers to dispose of trash in a sanitary way and

Garbage bags provide a means for households to dispose of recyclables or decrease garbage, which might otherwise get littered in backyards and public places. This high adoption of these trash bags in the residential sector is set to boost the market.

Growing public awareness of the necessity of cleanliness and sanitation, coupled with an increase in waste output throughout the globe, is expected to drive demand for garbage bags. Subsequently, increased focus on new garbage bag breakdown methods or processes is expected to benefit the market.

Semi-annual Market Update

Plant-based Garbage Bags Creating Growth Opportunities for Market Players

Garbage bags are available in a wide variety that includes industrial garbage bags, lawn garbage bags, black garbage bags, contractor garbage bags, compostable garbage bags and many more. The rising usage of these bags in diverse applications is expected to boost the market.

Certain new advances have occurred in the global garbage bag industry in the last few years. These include developing and using plant-based garbage bags, owing to their eco-friendly nature.

For instance, Plastno compostable garbage bags are gaining wider popularity for household and kitchen use owing to their eco-friendly and versatile nature. These bags are made from renewable, plant-based materials and are fully compostable and non-toxic. They help in promoting sustainability without compromising durability and quality.

In North America, the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certifies biodegradable items. This emblem signifies that a product complies with ASTM requirements for packaging (ASTM D6400) or biodegradable bags (ASTM D6868).

Plant-based garbage bags are gaining rapid traction, particularly among the urban populace. This is due to their reusable, recyclable, and sustainable nature.

Eco-conscious customers nowadays prefer biodegradable garbage bags for waste collection and disposal purposes. The government's crackdown on plastic bags is another key factor propelling demand for sustainable products like plant-based garbage bags.

Ismail Sutaria

Principal Consultant

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Growing Demand for Premium Garbage Bags Trending in the Market

Consumers are becoming aware of the importance of odor-resistant, eco-friendly, and durable waste disposal solutions. This is leading to a shift from traditional options to premium-quality garbage bags.

In advanced economies, the demand for high-quality garbage bags will likely gain momentum. Two key trends fuelling their sales are their stretchable strength and odor control nature. These premium bags are made of proprietary/patented materials that prevent punctures.

The market growth is supported by the integration of aesthetically pleasing designs and customizable options. These innovations are changing the perception of trash bags and making them more than utilitarian items.

Country-wise Insights

The below table shows the estimated growth rates of the top countries. India, China, and Japan are set to record lucrative CAGRs of 6.8%, 5.7%, and 4.2%, respectively, through 2034. This is attributable to factors like rapid urbanization, rising waste generation, increasing usage of garbage bags in households, and the growing popularity of biodegradable plastic garbage bags.

High Usage of Compostable Scented Garbage Bags Boosting the United States Market

The United States garbage bag market value is estimated to total US$ 1,841.7 million in 2024 and US$ 2,600.9 million by 2034. Overall demand for garbage bags in the United States is projected to rise at a CAGR of 3.5%. Some of the key drivers/trends include:

• Growing adoption of garbage bags across residential, commercial, and industrial settings
• Rising emphasis on hygiene and sanitation
• Increasing popularity and usage of compostable scented garbage bags
• Easy availability of trash bags on online shopping platforms
• Innovations in garbage bag materials and designs

Garbage bags, usually made from polyethylene, are tough and light and hold garbage securely without leaking or spilling. As a result, they are widely used across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

In the United States, plastic trash bags are witnessing significant demand from the residential sector. These bags allow people to collect and dispose of waste generated in households easily. They help to keep homes and communities clean.

Several cities and states in the United States have taken steps toward zero-waste policies. For instance, the ban on single-use plastic bags has been passed in 11 states, and more cities are considering bans on other single-use food ware and packaging. This is directing the trash bag market towards compostable garbage bags.

The United States is home to several leading garbage bag manufacturers, including Berry Global Inc. and Reynolds Consumer Products LLC. These top players are leading the charge in helping the market transition to eco-friendly products.

Several government organizations are also striving to reduce plastic usage and explore new biodegradable materials. For instance, in January 2022, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) invested US$ 13.4 million to develop next-generation plastics technologies. This will likely have a positive impact on the United States garbage bag market share.

Rising Urbanization Making Japan a Lucrative Market for Garbage Bag Companies

Japan’s garbage bag market size is anticipated to expand from US$ 419.7 million in 2024 to US$ 632.7 million by 2034. Over the forecast period, sales of garbage bags in Japan are projected to soar at 4.2% CAGR, making it a lucrative trash bag market for manufacturers. This is attributable to factors like:

• Rapid urbanization, coupled with increasing waste generation in households
• Increasing waste management regulations
• Rising cultural emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene
• Shift towards eco-friendly garbage bags amid crackdown on plastic usage
• High consumer spending on waste disposal solutions, including trash cans and garbage bags

Developments in the manufacturing sector have led to higher adoption of garbage bags in Japan. This can be attributed to the high standard of living, which has contributed to a high disposable income.

In Japan, garbage bags are considered more of a commodity than a luxury. They are becoming ideal solutions for reducing waste and enhancing cleanliness of households. With rapid urbanization, garbage bag market demand in Japan is set to rise steadily.

Garbage bags are widely used in retail, industrial, and institutional segments. Demand for star-sealed bottom garbage bags is high due to their high durability and storage capacities.

Drawstring garbage bags are increasingly used in the retail segment. Hence, growth of retail as well as HoReCA sectors is projected to also play a key role in bolstering sales of garbage bags across Japan during the forecast period.

Category-wise Insights

The section below highlights top segments' projected market shares and CAGRs, including material and application. This information can be crucial for players to offer popular and demanding products to maximize their profits.

• The polyethylene segment is expected to dominate the trash bag industry during the forecast period, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.7%.
• The household segment will likely advance at 3.2% CAGR, holding a dominant market share of 21.8% by 2034.

Polyethylene Remains the Preferred Material for Making Garbage Bags

As per the latest analysis, the polyethylene segment is expected to rise at a 3.7% CAGR during the forecast period. It will likely total US$ 10,479.1 million by 2034, holding a market share of 71.7% in the trash bag industry. This is attributable to factors like:

• Rising preference of manufacturers towards using polyethylene for producing garbage bags due to its multiple advantages
• Growing end user demand for polyethylene garbage bags
• Ongoing polyethylene technology evolution
• Surging demand for polyethylene (PE) scented trash bags

Polyethylene possesses several properties that make it a go-to material for producing garbage bags. These include high strength and durability, versatility, lightweight, and cost-effectiveness.

The flexibility of polyethylene allows for making garbage bags in different sizes and strengths. This suits what consumers need or practice to remove waste. As a result, more and more garbage bag manufacturers prefer polyethylene material for making their products.

Improvements in polyethylene technology have created high-density and low-density types. These versions offer better properties than their older forms. The easy-to-use trash bag made of polyethylene helps users better handle their waste. They also use less material, which is good for the environment and matches goals to protect it.

Polyethylene garbage bags can easily deal with messy or bulky trash, owing to the material’s puncture and tear resistance. Similarly, these bags are lightweight and flexible, making them easy to transport.

To gain maximum profit, leading companies need to constantly upgrade their polyethylene garbage bags portfolio by using recycled polyethylene as well as novel forms like LDP, LLDP, and HDP.

On the other hand, the compostable materials segment is projected to register a higher CAGR of 6.6% through 2034. This is due to the growing demand for biodegradable and compostable garbage bags. To benefit from this, key companies will likely use compostable materials.

Household Segment to Generate Significant Revenue in the Market

Consumption of garbage bags remains high in households. This is due to increased household waste generation and growing awareness about the benefits of garbage bags. The target segment is poised to expand at a 3.2% CAGR, accounting for a revenue share of 21.8% by 2034.

Garbage bags have become ideal waste disposable solutions across households. They are widely used in homes to collect and dispose of waste. Rising demand for garbage bags, including plastic garbage bags and paper garbage bags from the residential sector, is expected to boost the target segment.

The increasing importance of proper disposal and waste segregation and the focus on sustainability significantly increase the need for household garbage bags. These bags offer a helpful way to keep waste in check.

Competitive Landscape

Leading manufacturers of garbage bags are concentrating on developing novel products, such as compostable garbage bags from sustainable and eco-friendly materials. They are also inclined towards adopting strategies like partnerships, distribution agreements, mergers, and collaborations to boost their revenue and expand their footprint.

Recent Developments in the Garbage Bag Market

• In May 2022, a new range of high-strength refuse sacks was introduced by Berry Global’s United Kingdom refuse sack business. The new products are manufactured from recycled plastics at Berry’s recycling and manufacturing facility in Heanor, Derbyshire.
• In May 2022, Reynolds Consumer Products launched an updated line of small and medium waste bags with premium features.

Scope of the Report

Global Garbage Bag Market Segmentation

By Material:

• Polyethylene
  • Low Density Polyethylene
    • Virgin PE
    • Recycled PE
  • Linear Low Density Polyethylene
    • Virgin PE
    • Recycled PE
  • High Density Polyethylene
    • Virgin PE
    • Recycled PE
• PLA
• PHA
• Sugarcane Bagasse
• Compostable Materials

By Capacity:

• Up to 30 Liters
• 30 to 90 Liters
• 90 to 150 Liters
• Above 150 Liters

By Sales Channel:

• Direct Sales (Manufacturers)
• Distributors/Wholesalers

By End-use:

• Service
  • Facilities Management
  • Catering
  • Logistics & Transportation
• Healthcare
• Building & Construction
• Retail
• Hotels & Restaurants
• Civil Government & Defense
• Household

By Region:

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