Market Trends of Americas Plastic Bags and Sacks Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Americas Plastic Bags & Sacks Market according to our research experts:
Consumer and Retail Accounts for the Largest Market Share
- As a general trend, for many years, thin, plastic grocery store bags have been most commonly used in the region that is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). However, restrictions are increasing on single-use bags for groceries and other purchases to protect sea animals, wildlife, and humans. Multiple states that include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New York, Oregon, and Vermont have previously banned single-use plastic bags.
- Multiple retail chains have also taken initiatives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, Whole Foods no longer allowed its customers to bring in personal, reusable bags during the pandemic. Also, Nugget Market implemented one of the most aggressive policies to mitigate coronavirus spread in its stores. On its website, regarding reusable bags, the new policy stated that to help protect the guests and associates, for the time being, the supermarket will only be using single-use bags (or new reusable bags purchased during the transaction) when bagging groceries at checkout.
- The market has been in transition mode in the region. This transition includes the significant changes in regulatory policies for plastic bags and the changing consumer preferences. With many online retailers expanding their brick-and-mortar footprint, the demand for plastic bags is anticipated to grow over the forecast period. Also, the rising awareness of plastic waste in the region has led various companies to adopt sustainability solutions to boost their brand image and sales.
- Further, the increase in expansion projects and high footfall in supermarkets have also increased the sale of plastic bags. The growth is additionally expected to increase by several investments made by supermarket chains, boosting the economy of the retail market. Supermarkets are one of the most visited stores in the region, making them one of the most profitable outlets.
- Many grocery stores are taking action to meet the environmental targets they have previously pledged and to meet customer demand. Retailers and brands are setting strategies around sustainability. For example, in Jan 2021, Albertsons Cos joined the consortium to reinvent the retail bag as a supportive partner to help reduce plastic waste through the Beyond the Bag Initiative. Albertsons operates 2,252 food and drug stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia.
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United States Accounts for the Largest Market Share
- The United States is witnessing prominent usage of plastic bags and sacks due to rising consumption across various end-users ranging from commercial, industrial, and other sectors. According to the Earth Policy Institute, more than 100 billion plastic bags pass through the hands of U.S. consumers every year, almost one bag per person each day.
- Moreover, the fast-moving lifestyle across the country and the growing retail market penetration are also driving the country's usage of plastic bags. According to MRI Simmons data, 79.93 million consumers used on an average two bags in 7 days in the year 2020, and 92.88 million consumers used on an average two bags in 7 days in the year 2020.
- The retailer's Southern California stores offer bags made with up to 90% post-consumer plastics that would otherwise end up in oceans and waterways. And at the checkout lanes, Albertsons is working to reduce double-bagging and increase the number of items in each bag.
- Moreover, in Dec 2020, Meijer signed onto Beyond the Bag Initiative. Also, in Jan 2020, Meijer opened its first small-format store, Woodward Corner Market, without single-use plastic bags. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, reusable bags have been restricted with the exceptions of customers using the company's Shop & Scan technology and self-checkouts.
- Further, the industry sector's growth in the United States is also driving the market for industrial plastic bags, mainly heavy-duty plastic sack bags, FIBC bags, P.P. woven sacks, Baffle bags, and others. The rising growth of the export market in the United States is majorly driving the growth of FIBC plastic bags in the country. Performance standards for FIBCs were established and issued by the Chemical Packaging Committee of the Packaging Institute, USA, under T-4102-85. These standards were used to obtain exemptions until DOT included flexible containers with the other types of IBCs in the Title 49 CFR for hazardous products.
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