Rigid Food Packaging Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global rigid food packaging market is set to gain a valuation of USD 197.5 billion in 2023. It is likely to exceed USD 317.7 billion by 2033, and exhibit a CAGR of 4.9% between 2023 and 2033. About 30 to 35% of the global market share is estimated to be captured by the top 5 rigid food packaging manufacturers in 2033.

High demand for snacks such as potato chips, bread, and sausages in developing countries, especially India and China is a vital factor pushing sales of rigid food packaging solutions. Changes in consumption patterns and changing lifestyles are two factors contributing to the high demand for snacks.

Key companies are set to launch new snacks and food retail outlets to attract a large consumer base. Strict norms associated with the recycling of packaging materials by governments of numerous countries are projected to take sustainable or green packaging at the forefront. Bioplastics are estimated to be demanded by renowned packaging manufacturers across the globe, which would propel sales of rigid food containers.

Based on materials, paper and paperboard food packaging is expected to create substantial growth opportunities in the global market due to its recyclable, as well as compostable, and sustainable nature. The paper rigid food packaging segment is likely to grow 1.5x during the forecast period.

Future Market Insights, in its latest survey, found that the global rigid food packaging industry forms around 55-60% of the global food packaging market, which was worth USD 331.6 billion in 2022. In the same year, the rigid food packaging industry reached USD 189 billion amid escalating consumption of ready-to-eat food and fast food among millennials and the working population.

Expansion of the global food industry, as well as increasing sales of ready-to-eat food and dairy products, is projected to bolster the demand for rigid food packaging. The rigid food packaging market is predicted to expand 1.6 times throughout the assessment period.

Attributes Key Insights
Rigid Food Packaging Market Estimated Size (2023E) USD 197.5 billion
Projected Market Valuation (2033F) USD 317.7 billion
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) 4.9%
Collective Value Share: Top 5 Countries (2023E) 35-40%

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2018 to 2022 Rigid Food Packaging Market Outlook Compared to Demand Forecast from 2023 to 2033

The global market for rigid food packaging exhibited a CAGR of 4.0% during the historical period and generated a value of USD 197.5 billion in 2023 from USD 144 billion in 2015. The market has seen considerable growth in recent times. The strength and security provided by rigid containers are significant drivers of the global market for rigid food packaging.

The expansion of the food industry has supplemented the global market. In the last few years, the demand for packaged food has been rising at a fast pace. Various food delivery websites are adopting advanced rigid food containers while delivering food. Demand for packaged food has been increasing along with the consumption of ready-to-eat food. This trend is likely to support the market for rigid food packaging.

Rigid food packaging includes trays & clamshells, cups, tubs, boxes, cartons, jars, and bottles. They are being used by numerous food brands for food packaging purposes. The growth of the online food delivery sector has substantially increased the use of plastic containers and rigid boxes.

The expansion of retail networks and supermarkets is constantly supporting the food industry, thereby boosting demand for rigid food packaging solutions. Food safety and hygiene have become two important concerns for consumers, which has made food packaging one of the most crucial parts of food marketing. Food brands are working towards improving and developing new food packaging to maintain food quality and hygiene.

Top Trends Fueling Sales of Rigid Food Packaging Solutions Globally

Increasing Demand for Can Packaging Solutions for Food Preservation to Drive Sales

The increasing popularity of food cans in the field of food packaging is set to boost the rigid food packaging market. Rigid food packaging made from metal has gained immense popularity in recent times due to rising environmental concerns across the globe.

Metal food containers made from steel and aluminum are being adopted by various food brands for packaging their products. Metal food containers provide strength, durability, and safety to packaged food items, which is a driving force behind the sales of metal food containers in the food packaging market. The most important factor positively affecting metal food packaging is its ability to be recycled and reused.

Metal cans are becoming popular in the market as metal acts as a barrier and provides a structural layer, both of which play a significant role in food preservation. Research and innovations carried out by manufacturing companies in canning have substantially reduced the cost and weight.

The addition of design elements such as printing and laser engraving would allow food brands to develop attractive packaging and help their products to stand out from their competitors. Can linings and coatings for enhancing numerous properties of tin cans with minimum environmental damage and providing well-preserved food are attracting food companies to adopt can packaging solutions. This is a significant factor responsible for fueling the market for rigid food packaging.

Ismail Sutaria
Ismail Sutaria

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Rigid Food Packaging Market: Country-wise Insights

Country USA
Market Share (2023) 15.1%
Market Share (2033) 12.7%
BPS Analysis -240
Country China
Market Share (2023) 10.0%
Market Share (2033) 10.6%
BPS Analysis 60
Country India
Market Share (2023) 5.4%
Market Share (2033) 5.9%
BPS Analysis 50
Country Germany
Market Share (2023) 3.9%
Market Share (2033) 4.0%
BPS Analysis 10
Country UK
Market Share (2023) 2.0%
Market Share (2033) 2.1%
BPS Analysis 10

Why is the UK Considered to be the Most Attractive Hub for Rigid Food Packaging Manufacturers?

Increasing Vegan and Vegetarian Population in the UK to Boost Sales of Flexible Food Packaging

According to a survey published by Eating Better in 2021, most of the UK population is leaning towards plant-based and vegetarian food as people want to support sustainable and healthy food choices. Plant-based food is considered to be one of the prominent categories, and affordability provided by the same is flourishing sales of plant-based products.

A wide range of product availability in the plant-based category such as plant-based meat is set to develop the market for vegan food packaging. Ready-to-eat vegan product consumption is further expected to support the rigid packaging market in the country, as consumers are preferring safe and hygienic rigid container packaging. With the increasing veganism and the vegetarian population in the UK, rigid food packaging demand is expected to surge exponentially throughout the assessment period.

Why is the USA Estimated to Augment Sales of Rigid Food Packaging?

Increasing Retail Sales of Plant-based Food in the USA to Fuel Demand for Rigid Food Containers

As per data published by the Plant-Based Foods Association in 2021, retail sales of plant-based food are expected to keep increasing. They were up by 6.2% in 2021 from 2020. Total plant-based market value in the USA shifted to USD 7.4 billion in 2021 from 2020. Retail sales of plant-based food grew three times faster than retail sales of total food in the USA

In the USA, 62% of the population buys plant-based food products, which leads to 7 million USA households. In this category, plant-based milk contributes USD 105 million in terms of growth, and the plant-based meat category has shown a growth of 74% in the last three years.

Expansion of the plant-based food market is anticipated to create new growth opportunities for rigid food packaging solution providers, as it is considered to be one of the most secure and attractive packaging for food products. Metal cans and bottles can prove to be sustainable packaging solutions for plant-based products, and they will make these products fully sustainable.

Rigid Food Packaging Market : Category-wise Insights

Which is the Highly Preferred Material for Making Rigid Food Packaging Worldwide?

Sales of Rigid Plastic Food Containers to Skyrocket among Hotels and Restaurants

Based on material, rigid food packaging solutions made from plastic are expected to lead the market during the forecast period. Plastic rigid food containers are being widely used by hotels, restaurants, and other food chains for packaging and serving ready-to-eat meals. As per Future Market Insights, they are expected to hold 41.2% of the market share in 2023.

Which Application Segment Would Offer a Lucrative Growth Opportunity for Rigid Food Packaging Companies?

Demand for Rigid Plastic Packaging Solutions to Soar as Sales of Fresh Foods Burgeon

Demand for produce and fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables is expected to surge at a robust pace in the market for rigid food packaging. Produce food by application is projected to exceed 1.4 times the current market value during the estimated time frame. Increasing health consciousness across the globe is compelling key players to launch fresh food items and offer them in rigid food packaging, which would aid sales.

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Rigid Food Packaging Market: Competitive Landscape

Key companies in the rigid food packaging market faced a drop in trade and market share during the pandemic period. Presently, renowned players in the industry are striving to gain a high market share by developing new products in the field of rigid food packaging.

Recent development strategies implemented by leading players in the rigid food packaging industry include:

In September 2022, Amcor plc launched a new range of sustainable packaging solutions called ‘DairySeal.’ It is a line of packaging featuring ‘ClearCor.’ It also has an advanced PET barrier, especially for application in the ready-to-drink dairy product market.

In December 2022, Greif Inc. announced the completion of its acquisition process of Lee Container Corporation Inc., which is a manufacturer of blow-molded containers.

In May 2022, Berry Global Inc. announced the launch of a new all-clear plastic cup in partnership with Taco Bell. It is made up of post-consumer recycled plastic.

In January 2022, Sonoco Products Company announced the acquisition of a manufacturing company named Ball Metal pack. It is a reputed sustainable metal packaging manufacturer for food, aerosol, and household products.

Scope of the Report

Attribute Details
Estimated Market Size (2023) USD 197.5 billion
Projected Market Valuation (2033) USD 317.7 billion
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) 4.9%
Historical Data 2015 to 2022
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Quantitative Units Value (USD billion)
Segments Covered Material, Packaging Type, Application, Region
Regions Covered North America; Latin America; Europe; East Asia; South Asia; Middle East & Africa (MEA); Oceania
Key Countries Covered USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, Japan, India, Australia
Key Companies Profiled Amcor plc; Greif Inc.; Crown Holdings, Inc.; Mauser Packaging Solutions; Berry Global Inc.; Silgan Holdings Inc.; Sonoco Products Company; Pactiv LLC; Printpack; ITC Packaging; DS Smith; WestRock Company; Sealed Air Corporation; Smurfit Kappa Group plc; Huhtamaki Oyj; Genpak, LLC; Georgia-Pacific LLC; Winpak Ltd; International Paper Company; Fabri-Kal; Detmold Group; Dart Container Corporation; Sabert Corporation; Mondi Group; Tetra Pak Inc.; Stora Enso Oyj; Plastipak Holdings, Inc; Graham Packaging Company; Chemco Group; Resilux
Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, and Pricing Analysis

Rigid Food Packaging Market Outlook by Category

By Material:

  • Plastic
  • Paper & Paperboard
  • Metal
  • Glass
  • Bagasse

By Packaging Type:

  • Trays & Clamshell
  • Bottles & Jars
  • Cans
  • Cups & Tubs
  • Boxes & Cartons
  • Others (Bowls, Cutlery)

By Application:

  • Meat, Poultry & Seafood
  • Dairy Products
  • Bakery & Confectionary
  • Ready-to-eat Food
  • Baby Food
  • Produce Food
  • Other Foods (Spices, Sauces)

By Region:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors shape the market?

A variety of baby foods and ready-to-eat foods drive the market.

What is the future scope of the market?

The market will reach USD 317.7 billion by 2033.

What is the anticipated growth rate of the market?

A growth rate of 4.9% is predicted from 2023 to 2033.

Who are the key market players?

Amcor plc, Grief Inc., and Pactive LLC are key players.

Which application segment is most likely to grow?

The sale of ready-to-eat food is predicted to grow by 1.4x.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary | Rigid Food Packaging Market
	2. Market Overview
	3. Key Market Trends
	4. Key Success Factors
	5. Market Demand Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	6. Market - Pricing Analysis
	7. Market Demand (in Value or Size in USD Million) Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	8. Market Background
	9. Global Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Material
		9.1. Plastic
		9.2. Paper & Paperboard
		9.3. Metal
		9.4. Glass
		9.5. Bagasse
	10. Global Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Packaging Type
		10.1. Trays & Clamshell
		10.2. Bottles & Jars
		10.3. Cans
		10.4. Cups & Tubs
		10.5. Boxes & Cartons
		10.6. Others (Bowls, Cutlery)
	11. Global Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Application
		11.1. Meat, Poultry & Seafood
		11.2. Dairy Products
		11.3. Bakery & Confectionary
		11.4. Ready-to-eat Food
		11.5. Baby Food
		11.6. Produce Food
		11.7. Other Foods (Spices, Sauces)
	12. Global Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		12.1. North America
		12.2. Latin America
		12.3. Europe
		12.4. Middle East and Africa (MEA)
		12.5. East Asia
		12.6. South Asia
		12.7. Oceania
	13. North America Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	14. Latin America Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	15. Europe Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	16. Middle East & Africa Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	17. East Asia Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	18. South Asia Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	19. Oceania Market Analysis 2015 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	20. Country-wise Market Analysis 2022 to 2032
	21. Brand Share Analysis
	22. Market Structure Analysis
	23. Competition Analysis
		23.1. Amcor plc
		23.2. Greif Inc.
		23.3. Crown Holdings Inc.
		23.4. Mauser Packaging Solutions
		23.5. Berry Global Inc.
		23.6. Silgan Holdings Inc.
		23.7. Sonoco Products Company
		23.8. Pactic LLC
		23.9. Printpack
		23.10. ITC Packaging
		23.11. DS Smith plc
		23.12. WestRock Company
		23.13. Sealed Air Corporation
		23.14. Smurfit Kappa Group plc
		23.15. Huhtamaki Oyj
		23.16. Genpak LLC
		23.17. Georgia-Pacific LLC
		23.18. Winpak Ltd
		23.19. International Paper Company
		23.20. Fabri-Kal
		23.21. Detmond Group
		23.22. Dart Container Company
		23.23. Sabert Corporation
		23.24. Mondi Group plc
		23.25. Tetra Pak
		23.26. Stora Enso Oyj
		23.27. Plastipak Holdings, Inc.
		23.28. Graham Packaging Company
		23.29. Chemco Group
		23.30. Resilux
	24. Assumptions and Acronyms Used
	25. Research Methodology
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