Food Containers Global Market Report 2024

A food container is a receptacle typically made of metal, plastic, or wood, designed for the storage and transportation of food from one location to another. Its primary function is to protect food items, preventing damage or microbial contamination and thereby extending the shelf life of the stored food. Food containers come in various forms, such as bags, plastic containers, or glass containers.

Key products within the food containers market include bottles and jars, cans, cups and tubs, and boxes. Bottles and jars in the food containers market are specifically designed for the storage of liquids and semiliquid foods and beverages. They are characterized by high permeability and the inability to be sealed with heat, ensuring the safety of the contents. The primary materials used in the production of food containers are plastic, metal, and glass. These containers find application in storing a variety of food products, including meat, dairy, bakery items, and fruits and vegetables.

The food containers market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides food containers market statistics, including food containers industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a food containers market share, detailed food containers market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the food containers industry. This food containers market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The food containers market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $275.51 billion in 2023 to $300.63 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. The growth observed in the historic period can be attributed to several factors. These include a heightened focus on food preservation and extending shelf life, the increasing demand for convenience aligning with on-the-go lifestyles, the effects of urbanization and population growth leading to greater reliance on food containers, adherence to food safety regulations prompting the use of suitable storage solutions, and growing concerns about sustainability influencing the choice of food packaging materials.

The food containers market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $435.82 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be ascribed to factors such as the increasing emphasis on customization and branding, rising concerns related to health and safety, the surge in online food delivery services and meal kit subscriptions, and evolving regulatory changes and packaging standards. Noteworthy trends expected in the forecast period include advancements in material science, the growing popularity of meal preparation and portion control solutions, the exploration of alternatives to single-use plastics, the integration of smart packaging technologies, and a heightened focus on eco-friendly packaging solutions.

The anticipated surge in the consumption of processed and packaged frozen foods is set to drive the growth of the food container market. Processed foods, containing various additives such as artificial colors or flavors, have been linked to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The current fast-paced lifestyles have led to an increased preference for processed and frozen packaged foods. This heightened demand drives the production and packaging industries to develop more nutritious products while minimizing adverse effects. In 2022, the American Frozen Food Institute reported that frozen food sales in the US surpassed $72 billion, with nearly 98.6% of households purchasing frozen food at least once annually. Thus, the rising demand for processed and packaged foods is fueling the need for food containers.

The substantial global increase in food production is expected to be a significant driver of growth in the food container market. Food production involves converting raw materials into consumable products, and food containers play a crucial role in maintaining food quality, prolonging shelf life, ensuring safety, and meeting the demands of a diverse and expanding food production landscape. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's 2022 report, the number of food items globally has surged by 700% from the previous year. This remarkable escalation in food output is poised to propel the food container market forward.

Technological advancements represent a notable trend gaining momentum within the food container market. Advanced technologies have revolutionized the food manufacturing industry, introducing concepts such as recyclable packaging, smart packaging, and micro packaging to enhance food preservation and prevent direct contamination. Recyclable materials, particularly in the packaging industry, facilitate the implementation of circular packaging practices. Additionally, recyclable packaging technologies focus on mono-material packaging, eliminating the need for multi-layer packaging systems. Technological innovations, including recyclable packaging solutions, epitomize the advancement of knowledge-driven technology. For example, in October 2022, Huhtamäki Oyj, a Finland-based consumer packaging company, unveiled an innovative, recyclable ice cream packaging solution based on paper-based technology. This development represents a breakthrough in environmentally friendly and recyclable food containers.

Leading companies within the food container market are directing significant investments towards recycling initiatives to secure a competitive edge. These investments focus on transforming polyethylene terephthalate (P.E.T) flakes into food-grade recycled pellets. For example, in May 2021, Plastipak, a US-based company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and recycling of plastic containers, unveiled a substantial investment in recycling at its manufacturing facility in Toledo, Spain. This newly established recycling facility is dedicated to converting PET flakes into food-grade recycled PET (rPET) pellets, suitable for direct utilization in new preforms, bottles, and containers.

In December 2021, Sonoco, a US-based sustainable packaging enterprise, completed the acquisition of Ball Metalpack for a deal valued at $1.35 billion. This strategic acquisition is anticipated to broaden Sonoco's sustainable packaging portfolio by integrating Ball Metalpack's expertise in metal packaging, recognized as the most recycled packaging material in the United States. Ball Metalpack, a US-based manufacturer, specializes in producing sustainable metal packaging solutions for food and household products, aligning with Sonoco's commitment to enhancing its sustainable packaging offerings.

Major companies operating in the food containers market include Amcor PLC, Plastipak Holdings Inc., Sonoco Products Company, Graham Packaging Company Inc., Ball Corporation, Printpack Incorporated, Ardagh Group, Tetra Laval International S.A., Bemis Company Inc., Graphic Packaging International LLC, Anchor Glass Container Corporation, Caraustar Industries Incorporated, Evergreen Packaging, Anchor Packaging Inc., Berry Global Group Inc., Cambro Manufacturing Company, CKS Packaging Inc., Crown Holdings Inc., Dart Container Corporation, D&W Fine Pack LLC, Eco-Products Inc., Fabri-Kal Corporation, Genpak LLC, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Huhtamäki Oyj, Inline Plastics Corporation, International Paper Company, Libbey Inc., Menasha Packaging Company LLC, Novolex Holdings LLC, Pactiv LLC, Placon Corporation, Polytainers Inc., Reynolds Group Holdings Limited, Sabert Corporation

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the food containers market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the food containers market share report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa.

The countries covered in the food containers market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA.

The food container market consists of sales of rigid containers, pouches, flexible containers, paper and paperboard material, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, and polypropylene terephthalate. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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