Global Food Storage Container Market Outlook, 2029

In the realm of modern-day convenience and sustainability, the food storage container industry stands as an unsung hero. These seemingly simple vessels play a crucial role in preserving the freshness and flavor of our food while minimizing waste. However, behind their apparent simplicity lies a dynamic and innovative industry that continuously evolves to meet the demands of consumers, driven by technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and changing lifestyles. The global food storage container market has been witnessing steady growth over the past few years.

This growth is fueled by several factors, including the increasing awareness of food wastage, changing consumer preferences towards healthier eating habits, and the rising demand for convenience-oriented products. The food storage container industry is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector that plays a crucial role in our daily lives. These containers are essential for preserving, transporting, and storing food items, ensuring they remain fresh and safe for consumption. The industry encompasses a wide range of products, from plastic and glass containers to innovative smart storage solutions, catering to both commercial and residential needs.

The market growth is expected to be driven by the growing demand for packaged food products across the globe. Moreover, the convenience offered by these containers in packaging, carrying, and transporting food products is another major factor driving the product demand in the global industry. Packaged foods primarily include Ready-To-Eat (RTE) meals, RTE convenience foods, frozen meals, cake mixes, snacks, and desserts, among others. The growing demand for these products is expected to force manufacturers to enhance production capacities, which, in turn, will fuel the demand for food containers over the forecast period.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the market witnessed sluggish growth in 2020. As the food items come under the essential products, the demand for the packaged food items has increased during the pandemic. Moreover, with the deep market penetration and the strong supply chain of established food brands in several economies, the demand for food containers has not witnessed a downfall. However, the turnover of various big companies, such as Amcor plc, has declined in 2020 due to supply chain disruptions and transportation restrictions.

Food containers help in increasing the shelf life of products by preserving and preventing food from deterioration. Increasing consumer awareness regarding sustainability and environmental issues is expected to influence the market. Moreover, the increasing focus of manufacturers on innovation and aesthetics of the food containers is also significantly attracting food manufacturers to offer their products in different innovative food packaging, which, in turn, is expected to fuel the growth.

According to the research report, “Global Food Storage Container Market Outlook, 2029”, the market is anticipated to cross USD 230 Billion by 2029, increasing from USD 172.5 Billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow with 5.26% CAGR by 2024-29. One of the primary drivers of innovation in the food storage container industry is technological advancement. Manufacturers are constantly leveraging new materials and production techniques to enhance the performance and durability of their products.

From traditional plastic containers to more sustainable alternatives like glass, silicone, and stainless steel, consumers now have a wide array of options to choose from, each offering unique benefits such as improved insulation, resistance to odors, and microwave or dishwasher compatibility. Furthermore, advancements in sealing technologies have led to the development of airtight and leak-proof containers, ensuring that food remains fresh for longer periods. Additionally, the integration of smart features, such as temperature sensors and vacuum sealing mechanisms, adds another layer of convenience for consumers seeking precise control over their food storage conditions.

In recent years, sustainability has emerged as a key focus area for both consumers and industry players alike. Concerns over plastic pollution and environmental degradation have prompted many manufacturers to explore eco-friendly alternatives and adopt more sustainable practices throughout their supply chains. As a result, there has been a surge in the popularity of reusable and biodegradable food storage containers made from materials like bamboo, recycled plastics, and plant-based polymers. Moreover, several companies have implemented recycling programs and launched initiatives to reduce the use of single-use plastics, further contributing to the industry's sustainability efforts.

The evolving lifestyles and dietary preferences of consumers have also influenced the food storage container industry. With an increasing emphasis on health and wellness, there is a growing demand for containers that support portion control, meal prep, and on-the-go snacking. Furthermore, the rise of alternative diets, such as veganism and gluten-free, has led to a demand for specialized containers that cater to specific dietary requirements. Additionally, the trend towards home cooking and DIY food preservation, driven by the desire for healthier and more cost-effective meals, has created opportunities for innovative storage solutions tailored to these needs. For instance, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set guidelines for the use of food-grade materials, while the European Union's (EU) Regulation No 1935/2004 governs materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.

Market Drivers

• Consumer Awareness and Demand for Sustainability: Increasing consumer awareness about environmental issues, particularly regarding plastic pollution and waste, has driven demand for more sustainable food storage solutions. Consumers are actively seeking alternatives to single-use plastics and are willing to invest in reusable, eco-friendly containers made from materials like glass, stainless steel, or biodegradable plastics. This growing consciousness among consumers is a significant driver for innovation and product development in the food storage container industry.
• Technological Advancements: Rapid advancements in materials science, manufacturing processes, and product design have enabled manufacturers to create more durable, functional, and versatile food storage containers. From airtight seals to compartmentalized designs and microwave-safe materials, technological innovations have enhanced the performance and usability of food storage containers, catering to the evolving needs and preferences of consumers. Moreover, the integration of smart features like RFID tracking and temperature sensors further enhances the utility and convenience of modern food storage solutions.

Market Challenges

• Regulatory Compliance and Food Safety: The food storage container industry is subject to stringent regulations governing food safety, packaging materials, and labeling requirements. Compliance with these regulations, particularly across different markets and regions, can pose significant challenges for manufacturers. Ensuring that containers are made from food-grade materials, free from harmful chemicals, and meet specific hygiene standards adds complexity to the production process and may increase costs. Moreover, maintaining consistency and transparency in labeling and product information is essential to build trust and credibility with consumers.
• Competition and Market Saturation: The food storage container market is highly competitive, with numerous players ranging from multinational corporations to small-scale manufacturers and startups. Intense competition can lead to price wars, margin pressure, and commoditization of products, particularly in segments dominated by standard plastic containers. Additionally, the market may become saturated with similar offerings, making it challenging for brands to differentiate themselves and capture market share. To stay competitive, companies must continuously innovate, differentiate their products, and adapt to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics.

Market Trends

• Rise of Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Solutions: Sustainability is a driving force shaping the food storage container industry, with a growing emphasis on eco-friendly materials, reusable designs, and recyclable packaging. Consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives to single-use plastics and are gravitating towards containers made from renewable resources, recycled materials, or compostable plastics. Manufacturers are responding to this trend by investing in sustainable production practices, exploring innovative materials, and adopting circular economy principles to minimize waste and environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle.
• Integration of Smart and Connected Features: The convergence of food storage containers with smart home technology is a notable trend shaping the industry. Smart containers equipped with sensors, RFID tags, and connectivity features enable users to monitor food freshness, track inventory, and receive alerts for expiration dates or replenishment needs. These connected containers can sync with mobile apps, smart home assistants, or online platforms to streamline meal planning, grocery shopping, and food management tasks. As consumers seek greater convenience and efficiency in their daily lives, the demand for smart food storage solutions is expected to grow, driving further innovation in this space.

Bottles and jars are leading in the food storage container market due to their versatility, which allows for storing various types of food and liquids, from pantry staples to homemade preserves, facilitating organization and preservation while offering convenience and durability.

Bottles and jars stand as stalwarts in the food storage container market, reigning supreme due to their unparalleled versatility. This singular attribute allows them to accommodate a wide array of food items, ranging from dry goods like grains and spices to liquids such as sauces, jams, and pickles. The cylindrical or rectangular shapes of bottles and jars, coupled with their sturdy construction, make them ideal vessels for storing both perishable and non-perishable items, ensuring freshness and longevity. At the heart of their dominance lies their ability to facilitate organization within the kitchen space.

The uniformity in shape and size of bottles and jars enables seamless stacking and arrangement, optimizing storage space and promoting neatness. This organizational prowess extends beyond mere aesthetics, enhancing accessibility and ease of use for consumers seeking to locate and retrieve specific items amidst their pantry or refrigerator. Moreover, bottles and jars excel in the art of preservation, serving as guardians of flavor and quality for homemade concoctions and store-bought essentials alike. Their airtight seals and durable materials create a protective barrier against moisture, air, and light, shielding delicate contents from degradation and spoilage.

Whether it's preserving seasonal fruits in homemade jams, storing bulk grains in pantry staples, or housing oils and vinegars for culinary endeavors, bottles and jars ensure that food remains fresh and flavorful for extended periods. The enduring popularity of bottles and jars also stems from their inherent convenience and durability. Unlike flimsy plastic bags or cumbersome containers, bottles and jars offer a robust and reliable solution for food storage needs. Their transparent bodies provide visibility into contents, allowing users to quickly assess quantities and inventory levels.

Additionally, their ease of cleaning and reusability make them a sustainable choice, aligning with the growing consumer preference for eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics. Furthermore, bottles and jars cater to a diverse range of culinary preferences and lifestyles, accommodating various dietary restrictions and preferences. From the DIY enthusiast crafting artisanal preserves to the health-conscious individual meal prepping nutritious smoothies and salads, bottles and jars offer a versatile canvas for culinary creativity. This adaptability ensures that bottles and jars remain indispensable companions in the modern kitchen, transcending cultural and culinary boundaries to meet the evolving needs of consumers worldwide.

Plastic is leading in the food storage container market due to its affordability, lightweight construction, and versatility, offering consumers a cost-effective and convenient solution for storing and transporting food items in various settings.

Plastic reigns supreme in the food storage container market, claiming its dominance through a combination of affordability, lightweight construction, and unparalleled versatility. At the heart of its allure lies its cost-effectiveness, making it an accessible option for consumers across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Unlike its counterparts made from glass, metal, or silicone, plastic containers are comparatively inexpensive to manufacture, allowing for mass production and widespread distribution at competitive price points. This affordability factor resonates with budget-conscious consumers seeking practical and economical solutions for their food storage needs.

Moreover, the lightweight nature of plastic containers adds to their appeal, offering unparalleled convenience in both household and on-the-go settings. Whether it's packing lunches for school or work, storing leftovers in the refrigerator, or organizing pantry staples, plastic containers are effortlessly portable, reducing the burden of carrying heavy loads and facilitating ease of handling for users of all ages. This lightweight construction also translates to reduced shipping costs and carbon emissions, making plastic containers a more environmentally friendly choice in terms of transportation logistics. Furthermore, plastic's inherent versatility lends itself to a myriad of applications within the food storage realm.

From transparent food-grade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers for showcasing vibrant salads and snacks to opaque high-density polyethylene (HDPE) tubs for storing bulk grains and dry goods, plastic offers a diverse range of shapes, sizes, and designs to suit various culinary needs and preferences. Additionally, plastic containers come in a spectrum of colors and finishes, allowing for customization and personalization to align with individual tastes and kitchen aesthetics. The durability and shatter-resistant properties of plastic containers further enhance their appeal, offering peace of mind to consumers concerned about breakage and safety.

Unlike fragile glass containers, plastic containers are resilient to accidental drops and impacts, minimizing the risk of breakage and potential injury. This durability factor makes plastic containers ideal for households with young children or individuals with mobility limitations, providing a reliable and long-lasting solution for everyday food storage needs. Furthermore, plastic containers excel in terms of convenience and ease of maintenance, requiring minimal upkeep compared to their counterparts. Their non-porous surfaces resist stains and odors, facilitating quick and effortless cleaning with soap and water. Additionally, many plastic containers are dishwasher-safe, further streamlining the cleaning process and saving time for busy consumers. This hassle-free maintenance regime contributes to the popularity of plastic containers among consumers seeking practical and low-maintenance solutions for their busy lifestyles.

Refrigerator storage application is leading in the food storage container market due to the widespread adoption of refrigeration technology in households and commercial settings, driving demand for containers specifically designed to optimize space, preserve freshness, and prevent cross-contamination within refrigerators.

Refrigerator storage application stands as a dominant force in the food storage container market, propelled by the ubiquity of refrigeration technology in modern households and commercial establishments. At the core of its ascendancy lies the pivotal role that refrigerators play in preserving the freshness and extending the shelf life of perishable food items. As consumers increasingly prioritize food safety, convenience, and minimizing waste, the demand for containers tailored to refrigerator storage applications has surged, driving innovation and competition within the industry.

The widespread adoption of refrigerators across households and foodservice establishments has catalyzed the need for specialized containers designed to maximize space efficiency and organization within the confined confines of refrigerator shelves and drawers. Refrigerator storage containers are ingeniously crafted with dimensions that fit snugly into standard refrigerator compartments, optimizing storage capacity and eliminating wasted space. This space-saving design not only enhances accessibility but also promotes neatness and orderliness within the refrigerator, allowing users to efficiently organize and categorize their food items for easy retrieval.

Furthermore, refrigerator storage containers are engineered with features that prioritize food preservation and freshness, thereby extending the shelf life of perishable items and minimizing food waste. These containers are equipped with airtight seals and leak-proof lids, creating a protective barrier against moisture, air, and odors, which can accelerate spoilage and deterioration. By creating an optimal environment for food storage, refrigerator containers help maintain the texture, flavor, and nutritional integrity of fresh produce, dairy products, meats, and leftovers, ensuring that they remain appetizing and safe for consumption over an extended period.

Moreover, refrigerator storage containers play a crucial role in preventing cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses by offering a hygienic and segregated environment for storing different food items. Containers with multiple compartments or stackable designs allow users to separate raw meats from ready-to-eat foods, dairy from produce, and leftovers from fresh ingredients, minimizing the risk of cross-contact and bacterial contamination. This food safety aspect is particularly important in commercial kitchens and foodservice establishments, where strict hygiene standards and regulatory compliance are paramount.

The convenience and versatility offered by refrigerator storage containers further contribute to their prominence in the food storage container market. These containers are suitable for a wide range of food items, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, prepared meals, and beverages, catering to diverse culinary preferences and lifestyles. Additionally, many refrigerator storage containers are designed for multi-functional use, doubling as serving dishes or meal prep containers, thereby streamlining meal planning and preparation processes for busy individuals and families.

The Asia-Pacific region is leading in the food storage container market due to rapid urbanization, changing lifestyles, and increasing disposable incomes, which drive demand for convenient and innovative solutions for food storage and preservation.

The Asia-Pacific region emerges as the frontrunner in the food storage container market, propelled by a confluence of factors that underscore its dynamic economic landscape and evolving consumer preferences. At the heart of its leadership lies the phenomenon of rapid urbanization, which has reshaped the socio-cultural fabric of the region and fueled demand for modern conveniences and lifestyle products. As urban populations continue to swell across major cities in countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea, the need for efficient and innovative solutions for food storage and preservation has become increasingly pronounced, driving the proliferation of food storage containers tailored to diverse culinary habits and preferences.

Changing lifestyles and dietary patterns further contribute to the dominance of the Asia-Pacific region in the food storage container market. With the rise of dual-income households, hectic work schedules, and shifting cultural norms, consumers are increasingly seeking convenience-oriented solutions that streamline meal preparation, storage, and consumption. Food storage containers offer a convenient and practical means of extending the shelf life of perishable items, facilitating meal planning, and reducing food waste - an issue of growing concern in urban centers grappling with limited space and resources.

Whether it's packing lunches for school or work, storing leftovers for later consumption, or organizing bulk purchases in compact urban kitchens, food storage containers have become indispensable tools for modern consumers navigating the challenges of urban living. Moreover, the increasing disposable incomes and rising standards of living across the Asia-Pacific region have contributed to the growing demand for premium and innovative food storage solutions. As consumers become more discerning and health-conscious, there is a greater emphasis on food safety, quality, and freshness, driving interest in containers equipped with advanced features such as airtight seals, compartmentalized designs, and smart technology.

Manufacturers are responding to these evolving preferences by introducing a wide range of food storage containers that cater to various needs and preferences, from eco-friendly options made from sustainable materials to high-end containers with cutting-edge features for preserving flavor and nutritional value. Furthermore, the Asia-Pacific region's diverse culinary heritage and vibrant food culture play a significant role in shaping the demand for food storage containers tailored to specific cuisines and cooking traditions.

From traditional Asian delicacies to international fusion cuisines, consumers in the region seek containers that accommodate a wide range of ingredients, flavors, and cooking styles. This diversity in culinary preferences drives innovation in the design and functionality of food storage containers, leading to the development of specialized products suited to the unique requirements of Asian cooking, such as containers for steaming, marinating, or fermenting ingredients.

Recent Developments

• In April 2022, Amcor recently introduced an innovative addition to its pharmaceutical container business by incorporating new high-shield laminates that offer enhanced sustainability. These laminates are designed to meet the demanding requirements of the pharmaceutical industry, particularly regarding high barriers and performance while aligning with the industry's recyclability goals. Amcor's new recycle-ready and low-carbon packaging options are revolutionizing how pharmaceutical products are packaged, providing more sustainable solutions that contribute to a greener future.
• In October 2021, Easytech Closures S.p.A. was acquired by Silgan Holdings Inc. In Europe, this company manufactures and sells easy-open and sanitary metal ends for metal containers, particularly for food products.
• In September 2021, Unicep Packaging was bought by Silgan Holdings Inc. today. Unicep develops, devises, manufactures, and markets precision dosing supplying products and solutions, such as oral care and skin care products, primarily for the health care, animal health, diagnostics, oral care, and personal care businesses as a Specialty Contract Manufacturer and Developer (SCMD) solutions provider.
• In 2021, Plastipak announced its recycling investment at its Toledo, Spain plant, aiming to convert P.E.T. flakes into food-grade recycled pellets. These pellets are considered for direct use in new food containers. This plant would manufacture nearly 20,000 tons of food-grade pellets yearly and produce them from the summer of 2022.

Considered in this report

• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• Food Storage Container market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type

• Bottles & Jars
• Boxes
• Cans
• Cups & Tubs
• Others (Bags and pouch)

By Material

• Plastic
• Glass
• Metal
• Others

By Application

• Refrigerator storage
• Freezer Storage
• Pantry Storage
• On-the-go $ Lunch Containers
• Others

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. After this, the analyst started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once the analyst had primary data, they started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Food Storage Container industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.


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