Food Containers Market Report 2025

The food containers market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $298.77 billion in 2024 to $326.02 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to food preservation and shelf life, convenience and on-the-go lifestyles, urbanization and population growth, food safety regulations, sustainability concerns.

The food containers market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $489.3 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to customization and branding, health and safety concerns, online food delivery and meal kits, regulatory changes and packaging standards. Major trends in the forecast period include innovation in material science, meal prep and portion control, single-use plastics alternatives, smart packaging, eco-friendly packaging.

The growing consumption of processed and packaged frozen food is expected to drive the growth of the food container market. Processed foods often contain various ingredients, including artificial colors, flavors, and other chemical additives, which can negatively impact health, leading to obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Due to individuals' fast-paced lifestyles, the consumption of processed and frozen packaged foods has surged. This high demand encourages the food processing and packaging industries to develop products with enhanced nutritional value while minimizing side effects. For example, in 2022, the American Frozen Food Institute reported that frozen food sales in the U.S. exceeded $72 billion. Additionally, nearly all U.S. households - approximately 98.6% - purchase frozen food at least once a year. As a result, the demand for processed and packaged food is driving 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.

Major companies in the food container market are increasingly investing in recycling products to gain a competitive edge. These recycled products will facilitate the conversion of polyethylene terephthalate (P.E.T) flakes into food-grade recycled pellets. For example, in November 2024, CHUK, a sustainable packaging company based in India, introduced the Beverage Cup, a 4-inch Dona, and a 3-cup Snack Tray, aimed at reducing single-use plastics in the food service industry. The Beverage Cup is made from bagasse and is suitable for both hot and cold beverages, the 4-inch Dona is designed for serving appetizers and desserts, and the 3-cup Snack Tray features versatile compartments ideal for food truck vendors and casual dining settings.

In April 2024, Affinity Equity, a private equity firm based in the US, acquired Lock&Lock Co. for an undisclosed sum. The purpose of the acquisition is to take full control of Lock&Lock Co. to enhance management and tackle declining earnings resulting from competitive pressures. Lock&Lock Co. is a household products company based in South Korea that specializes in the production of airtight food storage containers.

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., Graphic Packaging International LLC, Anchor Glass Container Corporation, 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.

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.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the food containers market in 2024. 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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