Plastic Sleeve Market

Plastic Sleeve Market Outlook from 2024 to 2034

Customization and Branding to Affect the Plastic Sleeve Industry Positively . Businesses and brands across domains are increasingly using plastic protective sleeves as a platform for branding and product differentiation. With the help of advanced printing technologies, these companies are prominently displaying logos, product information, and eye-catching designs.

This is helping them enhance brand visibility and consumer appeal. It is for this reason, the demand for plastic protective sleeves is touching the skies in the food and beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals industries.

Emphasis on Sustainability to Attract More Businesses to the Market

There is an observed push toward sustainable packaging solutions in the manufacturing sector. This trend has created a conducive environment for manufacturers as they have already started developing sleeves made from recyclable materials or biodegradable alternatives.

The sleeves made from sustainable material not only reduce the overall carbon footprint of the companies but also enhance the brand value of the product, thereby attracting eco-conscious consumers.

Environmental Concerns Regarding Plastic Waste to Impede Adoption

Traditional plastic protective sleeves contribute significantly to environmental degradation. This has been one of the major challenges this industry is facing, which has deterred consumers and businesses alike. Governments in some parts of the world have also put a ban on single-use plastic which has made the market environment even more challenging for manufacturers.

2019 to 2023 Plastic Sleeve Demand Outlook Compared to Demand Forecast from 2024 to 2034

The plastic sleeve market, in the last few decades, experienced a very stable demand. The emergence of e-commerce and the beginning of automation in the manufacturing sector gradually pushed the demand in the industrial sector. The market also experienced a surge in sales due to the advent of multi-national companies in developing and underdeveloped economies. However, things began to change when the pandemic hit the world.

During the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the market experienced a surge in demand. Heightened awareness of hygiene and safety led to an increased need for protective packaging in various industries, particularly food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.

Consumers and businesses prioritized clean and secure packaging solutions to prevent contamination. This significantly drove the adoption of plastic protective sleeves. This demand spike was also fueled by the rapid growth of online shopping and food delivery services, which relied heavily on plastic sleeves for protective packaging.

In the last phases of the pandemic, there was a renewed focus on sustainability as environmental concerns regained prominence. Consumers and businesses started seeking more eco-friendly packaging options, including biodegradable and recyclable plastic protective sleeves.

Supply chain disruptions and fluctuating raw material costs impacted production and pricing. Despite these challenges, the market remained robust and reported a CAGR of 4.6% from 2019 to 2023.

Market Concentration

Tier one companies like Amcor plc, Berry Global Group, Inc., and Sealed Air Corporation are leading the market by focusing on innovation and sustainability. These companies are investing heavily in research and development to create eco-friendly packaging solutions, such as recyclable and biodegradable plastic sleeves. They are also leveraging their global presence and extensive distribution networks to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging.

Tier two companies, including Bemis Company, Inc. and Huhtamaki Oyj, are enhancing their market position through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. These companies are expanding their product portfolios by collaborating with innovative startups and acquiring smaller firms with unique technologies. They are also focusing on improving operational efficiency and reducing production costs to offer competitive pricing.

Tier three companies like Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH and ProAmpac are differentiating themselves by specializing in niche markets and offering customized solutions. These companies focus on delivering high-quality, tailored packaging solutions to meet specific customer needs. They also emphasize sustainability by using environmentally friendly materials and processes.

Country-wise Insights

According to the region-wise analysis of the plastic sleeve market, it can be estimated that Asian countries, primarily due to their enormous population and industrial development, are very likely to gain prominence in the coming few years. In the West, Canada and the United States are some of the most lucrative markets for plastic sleeve manufacturers.

Countries	Value CAGR (2024 to 2034)
Canada	3.4%
The United States	2.5%
Germany	2.8%
India	6.7%
Thailand	5.8%
South Korea	3.7%
China	4.5%
The United Kingdom	3.7%

Food Delivery Platforms to Drive Market Growth in India

The plastic sleeve industry in India is slated to show a 6.7% CAGR for the forecast period of 2024 to 2034. In India, the market is growing due to the rapid expansion of the food and beverage industry and increasing urbanization. The rising number of quick-service restaurants, food delivery services, and packaged food products drive demand for hygienic and durable packaging solutions.

The growth of e-commerce and retail sectors has also enhanced the need for secure and visually appealing packaging. Indian consumers' increasing disposable incomes and preference for convenient, ready-to-eat products further fuel the adoption of plastic protective sleeves in the country.

Booming E-commerce Augments the Adoption of Plastic Sleeves in China

China also is a promising country in this industry. Over the next ten years, the plastic sleeve industry is projected to rise at 4.5% CAGR. China's market is experiencing growth primarily due to its booming manufacturing sector and extensive e-commerce market.

As the world's largest manufacturer, China has a high demand for packaging materials to support its diverse production needs. The rapid expansion of online shopping platforms requires efficient and protective packaging solutions. This is also one of the main factors driving the adoption of plastic sleeves in China.

China's emphasis on technological advancements and innovation in packaging has also enhanced the appeal of plastic protective sleeves with features like improved barrier properties and customization options, meeting the diverse needs of businesses and consumers alike.

Stringent Hygiene Standards in the United States Push the Demand for Plastic Sleeves

The United States plastic sleeve industry is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 2.5% through 2034. The growth of the market is driven by a combination of high consumer demand for convenience and stringent hygiene standards. The robust food and pharmaceutical industries rely heavily on plastic protective sleeves for packaging products safely and securely.

The United States market also benefits from a strong focus on sustainability, with companies investing in eco-friendly plastic sleeves to meet regulatory requirements and consumer preferences. The rise of online retail and direct-to-consumer business models necessitates reliable packaging solutions, further boosting the adoption in the country.

Category-wise Insights

The global plastic sleeve market is segmented by material, sleeve type, and application. The top two categories are discussed below.

Industries are Increasingly Opting for Polyethylene Sleeves

By material, the market includes polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polyvinyl chloride, oriented polystyrene, and polypropylene. As of 2024, the polyethylene segment holds a market share of 57%.

Material	Polyethylene
Value Share (2024)	57%

Industries are increasingly opting for polyethylene (PE) sleeves due to their excellent durability and flexibility. The demand for PE sleeves is also touching the skies as they provide strong barrier properties against moisture, chemicals, and physical damage, ensuring product integrity during transportation and storage. Their cost-effectiveness and ease of production also make them an attractive choice for businesses looking to balance performance and budget.

PE sleeves can also be easily customized and printed. This is why businesses are increasingly using them to market their products using visually appealing designs and graphics. These companies also use this space to print interactive messages to lure consumers into buying their products.

Thermoformed Hinged Containers are Highly Sought After due to their Cost-effectiveness

Plastic sleeves, based on application, are classified into carbonated beverages, alcoholic beverages, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, and other beverages. The carbonated beverages segment holds a share of 38%, as of 2024.

Applications	Carbonated Beverages
Value Share (2024)	38%

The demand for plastic sleeves in the carbonated beverages industry is touching the skies as they provide excellent barrier properties against moisture, chemicals, and physical damage. Manufacturers, can thus, ensure product integrity during transportation and storage.

The sleeves can also be easily printed and customized. This is another reason why they are highly sought after in these industries as they enable companies to enhance their branding and marketing efforts.

The sleeves manufactured with plastic are also very lightweight. This helps companies stock up on large quantities of their products without significantly increasing transportation costs. Besides this, the durability and resistance to moisture and damage have also increased the adoption of plastic protective sleeves in the carbonated beverage industries.

Competitive Landscape

With sustainability trends hovering over the packaging world, the future of the plastic sleeves market is very unpredictable. However, the market is filled with international companies that have a strong foothold in the industry due to their prolonged presence and vast market reach. These companies are investing billions of dollars in curating sleeves made from less harmful materials to cater to the demands of eco-conscious consumers and businesses.

Some of the most prominent companies in the market are Amcor plc, Berry Global Group, Inc., Sealed Air Corporation, Bemis Company, Inc., and Huhtamaki Oyj.

Recent Developments

• In September 2023, Mondi launched Hug-IT, a sustainable sleeve packaging for Coca-Cola HBC's 1.5-liter sparkling soft drink multipacks in Austria, replacing conventional plastic shrink wrap with their high-strength Advantage SpringPack Plus paper.
• In January 2023, CCL Label launched the thinnest stretch sleeve in the market at 30 microns thickness. Made from mono-PE, it adheres to 1-litre PET water bottles without adhesives or heat, boasting sustainability with integrated recycled content to reduce carbon footprint.

Key Players in the Plastic Sleeves Industry

• Amcor plc
• Berry Global Group, Inc.
• Sealed Air Corporation
• Sonoco Products Company
• Mondi Group
• Bemis Company, Inc.
• Huhtamaki Oyj
• Coveris Holdings S.A.
• AptarGroup, Inc.
• Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH
• CCL Industries Inc.
• ProAmpac
• Glenroy, Inc.
• Winpak Ltd.
• Clondalkin Group
• Printpack, Inc.
• Schur Flexibles Group
• Flexopack SA
• SleeveCo, Inc.
• Transcontinental Inc.

Key Segments of the Plastic Sleeves Industry

By application:

By application, the market is divided into carbonated beverages, alcoholic beverages, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, and other beverages.

By Material:

By material, the market includes polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polyvinyl chloride, oriented polystyrene, and polypropylene.

By Sleeve Type:

By sleeve type, the segmentation covers full-body sleeves, neckband sleeves, partial sleeves, and multipack sleeves.

By Application:

By application, the market is divided into carbonated beverages, alcoholic beverages, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, and other beverages.

By Region:

Key countries of North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Oceania have been covered in the report.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall global valuation for the plastic sleeve industry?

The global valuation is USD 9.8 billion as of 2024.

What does the future of the plastic sleeve industry look like?

The market is expected to reach USD 15.4 billion by 2034.

What is the growth of plastic sleeve industry in terms of CAGR?

The market is expanding at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2024 to 2034.

Who are the prominent leaders in plastic sleeve sector?

Amcor plc, Berry Global Group, Inc., Sealed Air Corporation, and Bemis Company, Inc.

What was the plastic sleeves market value in 2023?

In 2023, the global market was valued at USD 9.4 billion.