Rigid Trays Packaging Market Report 2026

The rigid trays packaging market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $328.19 billion in 2025 to $348.85 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of pharmaceutical packaging needs, expansion of ready-to-eat food distribution, rising demand for organized packaging, increased use of protective trays, availability of durable tray materials.

The rigid trays packaging market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $439.77 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing focus on sustainable packaging solutions, rising adoption of recyclable tray materials, expansion of cold-chain food packaging, growing pharmaceutical compliance requirements, increasing investments in rigid packaging automation. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for recyclable rigid trays, growing adoption in pharmaceutical packaging, expansion of compartmentalized tray designs, rising use in food service applications, enhanced focus on product protection.

The surge in e-commerce is expected to propel the growth of the rigid tray packaging market going forward. E-commerce, or electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the Internet. The surge in e-commerce is primarily driven by increased internet accessibility, advancements in technology, and a growing preference for online shopping due to its convenience and wider product selection. Rigid tray packaging in e-commerce is used to securely protect and organize products during transit, ensuring they arrive undamaged and in optimal condition. For instance, in May 2024, according to the United States Census Bureau, a US-based government agency, in the first quarter of 2024, U.S. retail e-commerce sales increased to $289.2 billion, an increase of 2.1% from the fourth quarter of 2023. Therefore, the surge in e-commerce is driving the growth of the rigid tray packaging market.

Key players in the rigid tray packaging market are focused on developing innovative products, such as compostable trays, to deliver sustainable alternatives to traditional foam trays. Compostable trays are eco-friendly containers designed to break down into organic material through composting processes. For instance, in April 2024, Sabert Corporation, a US-based food packaging company, launched compostable trays. Sabert Corporation's compostable trays feature renewable and plant-based materials, ensuring that they are environmentally friendly and can completely break down in industrial composting facilities. These trays are designed to be sturdy and durable, providing reliable performance for food service applications. They offer heat tolerance and moisture resistance, making them suitable for a variety of food types. Additionally, the trays meet strict compostability standards, ensuring that they do not leave behind any toxic residues.

In October 2024, ProMach, a US-based machinery manufacturing company, acquired HMC Products for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition enables ProMach to leverage HMC's expertise and customer service focus to improve lead times and broaden its packaging machinery offerings. HMC Products is a US-based company that specializes in the manufacturing, refurbishment, and servicing of horizontal form fill seal (HFFS) machines.

Major companies operating in the rigid trays packaging market are WestRock Company, Ball Corporation, Amcor plc, Berry Global Inc., Smurfit Kappa Group, DS Smith Plc, Graphic Packaging International LLC, Sonoco Products Company, Silgan Holdings Inc., Pactiv Evergreen Inc., Dart Container Corporation, Multivac Group, Klöckner Pentaplast, Genpak, CKS Packaging Inc., Greiner Packaging International GmbH, D&W Fine Pack, Anchor Packaging LLC, Placon Corporation, Printpack Holdings Inc.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the rigid trays packaging market in 2025. The regions covered in the rigid trays packaging market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the rigid trays packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The rigid trays packaging market consists of sales of durable, pre-formed trays made from materials such as retail trays, custom trays, and industrial trays. 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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