Food Containers Market Report 2026

The food containers market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $322.85 billion in 2025 to $356.57 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in packaged food consumption, expansion of dairy and bakery product markets, rising use of plastic and glass containers, increased demand for food storage solutions, growth of retail food distribution.

The food containers market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $527.72 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing regulatory push for eco-friendly packaging, rising demand for recyclable food containers, expansion of ready-to-eat food markets, growing focus on extended shelf-life solutions, increasing adoption of reusable packaging models. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for sustainable food containers, rising adoption of reusable packaging solutions, growing use of lightweight plastic and glass containers, expansion of rigid and flexible packaging formats, enhanced focus on food safety and shelf-life.

The growing consumption of processed and frozen foods is expected to drive the expansion of the food container market. Processed foods often contain ingredients such as artificial colors, flavors, and chemical additives, which can impact health and contribute to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. However, due to increasingly fast-paced lifestyles, the consumption of processed and frozen foods continues to rise. This elevated demand has increased the need for packaged processed and frozen foods, encouraging food processing companies to develop a wider range of products with improved nutritional value while aiming to minimize adverse health effects. For example, in April 2025, according to Frozen Food Europe, an Eastern Europe-based organization tracking trends in frozen produce markets, Euromonitor data showed that the Eastern European market for frozen processed fruits and vegetables reached USD 2.53 billion in 2024, reflecting a 7.4% year-on-year increase from USD 2.36 billion in 2023. Therefore, the rising demand for processed and packaged foods is fueling the need for food containers.

Key companies operating in the food container market are increasingly investing in recycling initiatives to gain a competitive edge. These recycling efforts support the conversion of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flakes into food-grade recycled pellets, promoting sustainability in packaging. For instance, in November 2024, CHUK, an India-based sustainable packaging company, introduced products such as the Beverage Cup, 4-inch Dona, and 3-cup Snack Tray to reduce single-use plastic in the food service sector. 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 operators and casual dining settings.

In April 2024, Affinity Equity, a US-based private equity firm, acquired Lock&Lock Co. for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition was intended to secure full control of Lock&Lock Co. in order to improve management practices and address declining earnings caused by rising competitive pressures. Lock&Lock Co. is a South Korea-based household products company specializing in the manufacture of airtight food storage containers.

Major companies operating in the food containers market are 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.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the food containers market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the food containers market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the food containers market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

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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