Global Single Use Plastic Packaging Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The market size for single-use packaging, particularly plastic, has experienced growth driven by increased demand for convenience and utility, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This surge in demand was fueled by a rise in online food delivery services and a preference for single-use products due to hygiene concerns. Despite environmental challenges and regulatory pressures leading to a shift towards alternative materials, the market continues to expand as consumers and businesses prioritize the practicality of single-use options. The transition to more sustainable materials is ongoing, but the reliance on single-use plastics remains significant due to their lightweight and durable properties.

Market Size of Global Single Use Plastic Packaging Industry

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Global Single-Use Plastic Packaging
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Market Size (2024) USD 23.47 Billion
Market Size (2029) USD 28.16 Billion
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 3.71 %
Fastest Growing Market North America
Largest Market Asia-Pacific

Major Players

Global Single Use Plastic Packaging Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

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Single Use Packaging Market Analysis

The Global Single Use Plastic Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 23.47 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 28.16 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.71% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The COVID-19 pandemic provided significant relief to the single-use packaging vendors. Although many countries were slowly banning such packaging and promoting reusable packaging, the outbreak changed the consumers' and governments' behavior toward them.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the demand for nutritional drinks and healthy food increased exponentially. The majority of these products are packaged with single-use plastic. The orders were so huge on a global level that the manufacturers and packaging companies in the field even expanded their facilities, which was also supported by most of the governments.

  • Factors driving the market's growth include the growing demand for online food delivery services and the use of single-use packaging that offers increased convenience and utility. Single-use plastics are still being considerably used due to their lightweight and durable properties compared to other materials, despite having significant effects on the environment. However, the effect of the driver will gradually decrease once alternatives to single-use plastics gain significant traction in the market.
  • According to Business Insider, online packaged food sales in the United States are expected to reach USD 166 billion in 2021 from USD 6 billion in 2012. The growth in end-user industry consumption is also increasing the demand for single-use packaging. Most of these end-users are adopting single-use packaging due to their low cost and easy availability. This has also affected the recycling industry across the world.
  • Several companies are switching their production lines from plastic to natural fiber-based options due to the ban on single-use plastics in several countries. For instance, BFG Eco Packaging, which makes boxes, plates, and trays from polystyrene and polypropylene, makes products using sugarcane fiber, a sub-product obtained during the sugar manufacturing process. Also, banking on the fiber-based macro trend is Vegware, a UK packaging manufacturer, which uses renewable plant-based materials as the natural fibers provide an economical, sturdy takeaway box.
  • The EU's ban on a range of single-use plastic items by 2021 came under threat as more consumers and restaurants became more dependent on disposable plastic products due to contagion fears. Consumers and vendors prefer single-use plastic to reusable plastic products. For instance, given the pandemic, Starbucks announced a temporary pause on reusable cups across its global outlets.

Single Use Packaging Industry Segmentation

Single-use plastics, often also referred to as disposable plastics, are commonly used for plastic packaging and include items intended to be used only once before they are thrown away or recycled. These include, among other items, grocery bags, food packaging, bottles, straws, containers, cups, and cutlery. The report covers a detailed analysis of various kinds of materials used for manufacturing single-use plastic products across the globe. The trends related to demand from major end-user industries such as food service restaurants are also covered in detail the Global Single-Use Plastic Packaging Market is Segmented by Material (Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene (PE)), by Product Type (Bottles, Clamshells, Trays, Cups & Lids), by End-User( Quick-service Restaurants, Full-service Restaurants, Institutional, Retail) and by Geography.

By Material
Polylactic Acid (PLA)
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Polyethylene (PE)
Other Types of Materials
By Product Type
Bottles
Clamshells
Trays, Cups & Lids
Other Product Types
By End-User
Quick Service Restaurants
Full Service Restaurants
Institutional
Retail
Other End-users
By Geography
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Latin America
Middle East & Africa
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Global Single Use Plastic Packaging Market Size Summary

The global single-use plastic packaging market is experiencing a notable expansion, driven by the increasing demand for convenience and utility in packaging solutions. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted consumer behavior, leading to a surge in demand for single-use packaging, particularly in the food and beverage sector. This demand was further fueled by the rise in online food delivery services, which rely heavily on single-use packaging for efficiency and hygiene. Despite environmental concerns, the lightweight and durable properties of single-use plastics continue to make them a preferred choice for many industries. However, the market is also witnessing a shift as companies explore alternatives, such as natural fiber-based packaging, in response to regulatory pressures and changing consumer preferences.

The market is characterized by a high level of competition, with key players like Dart Container Corporation, Georgia-Pacific LLC, and Graphic Packaging International, Inc. dominating the landscape. These companies are actively engaging in strategic partnerships and innovations to enhance their market presence and address environmental challenges. The use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) remains predominant due to its versatility and recyclability, although the effectiveness of recycling initiatives varies by region. Government regulations and initiatives, such as the EU's Single-Use Plastic Directive and the US Department of Energy's funding for advanced recycling technologies, are influencing market dynamics, potentially leading to a more sustainable future for single-use packaging.

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Global Single Use Plastic Packaging Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET DYNAMICS

    1. 1.1 Market Overview

    2. 1.2 Industry Value Chain Analysis

    3. 1.3 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis

      1. 1.3.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      2. 1.3.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers

      3. 1.3.3 Threat of New Entrants

      4. 1.3.4 Threat of Substitutes

      5. 1.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

    4. 1.4 Market Drivers

    5. 1.5 Market Challenges

    6. 1.6 Market Opportunities

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 By Material

      1. 2.1.1 Polylactic Acid (PLA)

      2. 2.1.2 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

      3. 2.1.3 Polyethylene (PE)

      4. 2.1.4 Other Types of Materials

    2. 2.2 By Product Type

      1. 2.2.1 Bottles

      2. 2.2.2 Clamshells

      3. 2.2.3 Trays, Cups & Lids

      4. 2.2.4 Other Product Types

    3. 2.3 By End-User

      1. 2.3.1 Quick Service Restaurants

      2. 2.3.2 Full Service Restaurants

      3. 2.3.3 Institutional

      4. 2.3.4 Retail

      5. 2.3.5 Other End-users

    4. 2.4 By Geography

      1. 2.4.1 North America

      2. 2.4.2 Europe

      3. 2.4.3 Asia-Pacific

      4. 2.4.4 Latin America

      5. 2.4.5 Middle East & Africa

Global Single Use Plastic Packaging Market Size FAQs

The Global Single Use Plastic Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 23.47 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 3.71% to reach USD 28.16 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the Global Single Use Plastic Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 23.47 billion.

Single Use Packaging Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)