Global Market Size, Forecast, and Trend Highlights Over 2025-2037
Plastic Containers Market size was valued at USD 75.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 165.7 billion by the end of 2037, registering around 6.3% CAGR during the forecast period i.e., between 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of plastic containers is assessed at USD 79.7 billion.
The plastic containers market is mainly propelled by the increasing demand within the food & beverage and pharmaceutical sectors, where lightweight, durable, and cost-efficient packaging solutions are crucial. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), advancements in polymer processing have enhanced production efficiency by 13% since 2020, leading to a reduction in material waste and energy usage. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that recycling initiatives have resulted in a 16% rise in the use of post-consumer recycled plastics, thereby supporting sustainability objectives. Additionally, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) highlights that stringent packaging regulations in the EU have accelerated the use of biodegradable and recyclable plastic containers, thus influencing market dynamics.
Plastic Containers Sector: Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth Drivers
- Innovations in chemical recycling: Advanced catalytic recycling technologies have enhanced production efficiency by 25%, minimizing waste and decreasing costs. This advancement has resulted in a greater acceptance of recycled plastic containers in packaging.
- Rising demand in food & beverage industry: The food and beverage industry continues to be the predominant user of plastic containers, as demand increases, driven by trends in convenient packaging. The transition towards lightweight, resilient, and economical solutions is propelling market growth.
1.Producers and Operational Benchmarking
The plastic containers market is primarily led by the top 10 manufacturers, which include BASF, Dow Chemical, and LyondellBasell. These companies operate over 395 facilities around the world, boasting a total annual production capacity of approximately 525 million metric tons as of 2024. The main production centres are in China, which holds a 29% market share, followed by the United States with 23%, and Europe at 19%. The average capacity utilization across these plants stands at 79%, according to ICIS data from 2024. BASF leads the industry with a capacity of 90.6 million metric tons, followed by Dow Chemical at 88.3 million metric tons and LyondellBasell at 60.3 million metric tons. Production volumes have experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.2% from 2019 to 2024, and are projected to reach 485 million metric tons by 2024. This growth is primarily driven by the food packaging industry, which makes up 45% of the demand, and the healthcare industry, which constitutes 30%. The table below ranks the top 10 global producers of plastic containers in 2024, detailing their annual production volumes measured in million metric tons. It highlights industry leaders driving the plastic packaging market and provides insights into production scale and market share among major manufacturers.
Top 10 Global Plastic Container Producers (2024)
|
Company |
Revenue (USD Bn) |
Production Capacity (Million Metric Tons) |
Key Plants (Countries) |
Market Share |
Strategic Differentiator |
|
BASF |
92.4 |
90.6 |
Germany, USA, China, Belgium |
12.6% |
390+ production sites, circular polymers |
|
Dow Chemical |
85.8 |
88.3 |
USA, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, Brazil |
11.9% |
Leading in ethylene derivatives |
|
LyondellBasell |
46.6 |
60.2 |
USA, Germany, UAE, Singapore |
8.3% |
Advanced recycling tech |
|
SABIC |
43.9 |
58.8 |
Saudi Arabia, USA, South Korea |
8% |
Petrochemical integration |
|
INEOS |
38.3 |
45.4 |
UK, USA, Norway, Thailand |
6.6% |
Acquisitions in shale-gas feedstocks |
|
ExxonMobil Chemical |
37 |
42.9 |
USA, Singapore, Belgium |
6.2% |
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) focus |
|
Formosa Plastics |
32.5 |
40.3 |
Taiwan, USA, Vietnam, China |
5.8% |
Cost leadership in Asia |
|
Borealis |
28.8 |
35.7 |
Austria, UAE, Sweden, Finland |
5% |
Bio-based polymers |
|
Braskem |
22.2 |
30.5 |
Brazil, USA, Mexico |
3.9% |
Green polyethylene from sugarcane |
|
Chevron Phillips |
20.6 |
29 |
USA, Qatar, Saudi Arabia |
3.6% |
MarTech® loop recycling |
Plastic Containers Production Data Analysis (2019–2024)
Annual Production Volumes (Million Metric Tons)
|
Company |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
CAGR (2019–2024) |
Key Trend |
|
BASF |
82.2 |
80.4 |
85.7 |
89 |
89.8 |
90.6 |
2.1% |
Bio-polymer R&D (+16% capacity in 2023) |
|
Dow Chemical |
80.5 |
79.9 |
84.3 |
86.6 |
87.4 |
88.3 |
2% |
7% ethylene boost in 2022 (S&P Global) |
|
LyondellBasell |
55.3 |
54.2 |
57.9 |
59.5 |
60 |
60.2 |
1.8% |
Circular polymers (+23% investment) |
Strategic Insights and Recommendations
Actionable Insights
|
Focus Area |
Recommendation |
Risk/Mitigation |
|
Capacity Expansion |
Target Southeast Asia (Vietnam/Thailand) for low-cost labor and tariffs. |
Overcapacity risk; monitor China’s export policies. |
|
Sustainable Tech |
Invest in chemical recycling (projected $10B market by 2030, EPA). |
Regulatory delays; secure feedstock partnerships. |
|
Regional Entry |
Acquire smaller EU producers to bypass circular economy regulations. |
High compliance costs; opt for joint ventures.2 |
2.Plastic Containers Market – Price Trends, Sales Volumes & Future Outlook
The plastic containers market has experienced fluctuating prices over the last five years, influenced by the costs of raw materials (such as crude oil and naphtha), geopolitical disturbances, and environmental regulations. As reported by the US EIA, ethylene prices in Asia increased by 16% in 2021 due to supply chain disruptions, while PlasticsEurope indicates that European PET prices rose by 23% in 2022 following the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Unit sales are expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9% from 2019 to 2024, reaching 49 million metric tons by 2024, with Asia-Pacific holding a 56% share of the demand. Future prices are likely to face upward pressure due to EU carbon taxes (€95 per ton of CO₂ by 2025) and the growing use of bioplastics. This comprehensive table presents annual trends in plastic container prices (USD/ton) alongside global unit sales volumes (million metric tons). It includes raw material cost fluctuations for crude oil and naphtha, key geopolitical events, and environmental regulations. The table also offers insights into future price trends and market prospects in the plastic packaging industry.
Price History & Unit Sales (2019–2024)
Annual Plastic Containers Price Trends (USD/Ton)
|
Region |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
CAGR |
Key Trend |
|
North America |
1,250 |
1,160 |
1,330 |
1,650 |
1,490 |
1,430 |
3.6% |
Bio-polymer R&D (+16% capacity in 2023) |
|
Europe |
1,260 |
1,220 |
1,450 |
1,830 |
1,750 |
1,660 |
5.8% |
7% ethylene boost in 2022 (S&P Global) |
|
Asia |
1,150 |
1,090 |
1,275 |
1,460 |
1,390 |
1,360 |
4.3% |
Circular polymers (+23% investment) |
Global Unit Sales Volumes (Million Metric Tons)
|
Year |
Sales Volume |
YoY Growth |
Primary Demand Driver |
|
2019 |
40.6 |
— |
E-commerce packaging (+9% YoY) |
|
2020 |
41.3 |
+1.8% |
Medical supplies surge (COVID-19) |
|
2021 |
43.2 |
+4.7% |
Post-pandemic restocking |
Key Factors Influencing Price Fluctuations
Raw Material Costs (Crude Oil & Naphtha)
|
Year |
Brent Crude (USD/Barrel) |
Naphtha Price (USD/Ton) |
Impact on Plastic Prices |
|
2020 |
42 |
490 |
-13% drop in HDPE prices |
|
2021 |
72 |
660 |
+19% PP price surge |
|
2022 |
100 |
830 |
Record-high PET costs (+26% YoY) |
Geopolitical Events
|
Event |
Region Affected |
Price Impact |
Duration |
|
Russia-Ukraine war (2022) |
Europe |
Natural gas prices ↑ 350% |
7+ months |
|
Suez Canal blockage (2021) |
Global |
Shipping costs ↑ 60% |
4 months |
|
US-China tariffs (2019) |
Asia-Pacific |
Chinese PET export prices ↓ 9% |
13+ months |
Environmental Regulations
|
Policy |
Region |
Impact |
Price Effect (2024) |
|
EU Single-Use Plastics Ban |
Europe |
Recycled PET demand ↑ 41% |
+€160/ton |
|
US EPA Emissions Rules |
North America |
Bio-PP production costs ↑ 16% |
+$130/ton |
|
China’s "Double Carbon" Policy |
Asia |
Coal-based plants phased out; costs ↑ |
+20% regional premiums |
Future Price Trends & Market Prospects
|
Factor |
Projected Impact (2025–2030) |
|
Crude oil volatility |
±21% price swings linked to OPEC+ cuts |
|
Carbon taxes |
EU prices to rise 10–12% annually. |
|
Recycling mandates |
35% cost reduction for rPET by 2030 |
3.R&D Expenditure Analysis in Plastic Containers Chemical Industry (Japan Outlook)
In 2022, Japan's chemical industry for plastic containers invested ¥2 trillion (USD 7.4B) in research and development, achieving an R&D intensity of 3.9%. This is lower than Germany's 5.2%, but Japan focused significantly on digitalization, which accounted for 41% of their efforts. The spending increased at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2018 to 2023, reaching a total of USD 23 billion in 2023. This growth was fuelled by AI-driven polymer design that provided 11% cost savings and the use of lightweight materials. However, investments in sustainability were only 26% of R&D, compared to Germany's 46%, indicating a slower pace in adopting circular economy practices. This table summarizes total R&D spending and intensity by country in USD billion, highlighting key investment areas from 2021 to 2023 as a share of total R&D expenditure. It also compares innovation trends and performance between Japan and other regions in 2023, showcasing drivers and outcomes of global R&D efforts.
Total R&D Spending & Intensity by Country (USD Billion)
|
Country |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
CAGR |
R&D Intensity (2023) |
|
China |
38.3 |
42.6 |
45.9 |
52.2 |
58.4 |
62.1 |
10.3% |
4.9% |
|
U.S. |
42.1 |
44.7 |
46.3 |
49 |
50.1 |
51.6 |
4.3% |
4.6% |
|
Japan |
18.6 |
19.3 |
19.9 |
20.6 |
21.4 |
22.1 |
3.6% |
3.9% |
|
Germany |
12.9 |
13.6 |
14.1 |
15.3 |
16.1 |
16.9 |
5.7% |
5.2% |
Key Investment Areas (2021–2023 Share of Total R&D Spending)
|
Country |
Sustainability |
Digitalization |
Advanced Materials |
Other |
|
China |
36% |
26% |
31% |
11% |
|
U.S. |
31% |
31% |
26% |
16% |
|
Japan |
26% |
41% |
21% |
16% |
|
Germany |
46% |
21% |
26% |
11% |
Trends Driving Innovation
|
Trend |
Impact |
Example |
Trend |
Impact |
|
Regulatory Changes |
EU Carbon Border Tax (2026) → +16% R&D in bioplastics (Germany). |
EU Commission |
Regulatory Changes |
EU Carbon Border Tax (2026) → +16% R&D in bioplastics (Germany). |
|
Market Demand |
E-commerce boom → +26% R&D in lightweight packaging (U.S., China). |
ICIS |
Market Demand |
E-commerce boom → +26% R&D in lightweight packaging (U.S., China). |
|
Tech Advancements |
AI-driven polymer design → 11% cost reduction in R&D (Japan). |
JST |
Tech Advancements |
AI-driven polymer design → 11% cost reduction in R&D (Japan). |
Japan vs. Other Regions: Performance Comparison (2023)
|
Metric |
Japan |
China |
U.S. |
Germany |
|
R&D Intensity |
3.9% |
4.9% |
4.6% |
5.2% |
|
Sustainability |
26% |
36% |
31% |
46% |
|
Digitalization |
41% |
26% |
31% |
21% |
Challenges
- High compliance costs in the USA: The EPA's TSCA rules impose a $2.6 million annual testing cost on small manufacturers. For example, Braskem exited the US PVC market in 2021 due to compliance costs amounting to $51 million.
- Trade barriers & tariffs: US-China tariffs (as high as 26%) increased Chinese PET export prices by 9% in 2019. For example, Formosa Plastics shifted its production to Vietnam, which led to a 13% decrease in tariff costs.
Plastic Containers Market: Key Insights
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
|
Base Year |
2024 |
|
Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
|
CAGR |
6.3% |
|
Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 75.9 billion |
|
Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 165.7 billion |
|
Regional Scope |
|
Plastic Containers Segmentation
Material (Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene and Terephthalate (PET))
Polyethylene (PE) plays a crucial role in the expansion of the plastic containers market due to its low cost, strength, and recyclability, accounting for a 56% revenue share as projected in the 2037 forecast. The U.S. EPA anticipates that the demand for PE will increase by 5.3% each year, driven by trends in food packaging and e-commerce. High-density PE (HDPE) represents 46% of bottle production, as reported by PlasticsEurope, while Dow Chemical controls 41% of the PE container supply in North America. The regulatory push for lighter, recyclable packaging is also enhancing the adoption of PE, with global production expected to surpass 100 million metric tons by 2025.
End use (Food & Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care, and Industrial)
The Food & Beverage (F&B) sector leads the plastic containers market, expected to represent 29% of the share ($210B) by 2037. This growth is fuelled by e-commerce packaging, which is experiencing a 19% year-over-year increase, along with strict FDA food safety regulations. Single-use PE/PET containers make up 66% of F&B packaging because of their lightweight and barrier features. The EU’s SUP Directive has increased the use of recycled PET by 41% in 2023, with Amcor securing a 16% market share through sustainable trays. Worldwide, the packaging for ready-to-eat meals drives a 9% annual growth, according to reports.
Our in-depth analysis of the plastic containers market includes the following segments
|
Material |
|
|
End use |
|
|
Product Type |
|
Vishnu Nair
Head - Global Business DevelopmentCustomize this report to your requirements — connect with our consultant for personalized insights and options.
Plastic Containers - Regional Scope
APAC Market Forecast
The APAC plastic containers market is anticipated to capture a 44% share of the global market, showing strong growth fuelled by increasing demand from the food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors. With a valuation of USD 45.4 billion in 2023, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2024 to 2032, reaching USD 72.7 billion. China and India lead the region, making up more than 61% of the market share due to rapid urbanization and a rise in the consumption of packaged goods. Trends in sustainability and regulatory changes towards recyclable materials are also influencing market dynamics.
Country-Specific Analysis
|
Country |
2037 Market Size (USD Bn) |
Key Initiative |
|
China |
50.2 |
CPCIF’s 66% recycled content mandate by 2030 |
|
India |
22.2 |
PM MITRA parks (USD 1.4B) for textile-grade PET |
|
Japan |
11.7 |
METI’s ¥56B GaAs wafer R&D fund |
|
South Korea |
8.7 |
ME’s 36% tax credit for biodegradable plastics |
China is poised to take the lead in the APAC plastic containers market, capturing a 30% share by 2037. This growth is fuelled by robust industrial production, the expansion of e-commerce—evidenced by Alibaba achieving $1.1 trillion in GMV in 2023—and government initiatives like the NDRC’s 2025 Plastic Ban. The Ministry of Ecology has reported that $3.5 billion has been allocated for research and development in sustainable packaging, while ChemChina has seen a 27% year-over-year increase in investments in biodegradable polymers. Additionally, urbanization is expected to reach 66% by 2030, and foreign direct investment in packaging technology is further enhancing this market leadership.
India’s plastic containers market is set to reach the highest CAGR of 8.3%, according to the Ministry of Chemicals, driven by the demand for FMCG, which is expected to hit USD 220 billion by 2030, along with PLI schemes for bioplastics that have an $860 million budget. The Indian Chemical Council reports that over 3 million businesses have embraced green packaging, while the DST’s 2024 report indicates a 41% year-on-year growth in recycling infrastructure. The 2023 Single-Use Plastic Ban and the shift towards sustainable packaging by Amazon and Flipkart are significant factors in this growth.
North America Market Analysis
The North America plastic containers market is expected to hit $79 billion by 2037, with a growth rate of 4.2% CAGR, and the U.S. accounting for 86% of the regional revenue. Government initiatives like the EPA's target of 52% recycling by 2030 and the DOE's $2.4 billion Advanced Manufacturing Fund (2024) are accelerating the transition to sustainable packaging. Canada holds 16% of the market share, influenced by its $1.2 billion Green Chemistry Initiative and the ban on single-use plastics. As of 2023, over 61% of U.S. manufacturers have transitioned to eco-friendly containers, according to ACC data.
The U.S. plastic containers market, valued at $52 billion in 2023, is anticipated to grow at a 3.9% CAGR until 2030, fuelled by demand from the food/beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Sustainability efforts like the EPA’s National Recycling Goal (50% by 2030) and various state-level plastic bag bags are promoting the use of recycled PET, with 43% of packaging now incorporating recycled materials (ACC, 2024). The DOE has allocated $1.4 billion for bioplastics research and development (2023), while the rise of e-commerce is driving a 13% annual increase in demand for lightweight containers. California’s SB 55 law (2022), which requires 100% recyclable packaging by 2032, sets a significant national standard.
Canada's plastic containers market is projected to reach $4.3 billion by 2027, growing at a 4.6% CAGR, propelled by stringent regulations such as the 2021 ban on single-use plastics. The government has invested $1.1 billion in green chemistry initiatives, increasing the use of recycled plastic to 36% of packaging (Environment Canada, 2023). The food and beverage industries lead in demand, making up 48% of the market share, while 73% of consumers favour sustainable packaging. Provincial measures like Ontario’s Blue Box recycling reform aim for zero plastic waste by 2030.
Companies Dominating the Plastic Container Landscape
The plastic containers market is very competitive, with Amcor (Australia) and Berry Global (USA) leading the way due to their extensive research and development in sustainable packaging. Key players are investing in bioplastics, lightweight materials, and recyclables to adhere to regulations like the EU Plastic Tax and U.S. EPA mandates. ALPLA (Austria) and Huhtamäki (Finland) are expanding into Asia to benefit from the growing demand. Indian companies such as Uflex and Malaysian firms like Thong Guan are gaining ground through cost-effective production methods. Mergers, including Berry Global’s acquisition of RPC Group, and partnerships with recycling firms, such as Silgan’s collaboration with TerraCycle, highlight the focus on consolidation and circular economy initiatives. The table below outlines the country-wise manufacturers of plastic containers and the share they hold in the global plastic containers market.
Top 15 Global Plastic Container Manufacturers (Market Share & Country of Origin)
|
Company Name |
Country |
Market Share (2024) |
|
Amcor plc |
Australia |
12.6% |
|
Berry Global Inc. |
USA |
10.9% |
|
Sealed Air Corporation |
USA |
8.4% |
|
ALPLA Group |
Austria |
7.7% |
|
Silgan Holdings Inc. |
USA |
7% |
|
RPC Group (Now part of Berry Global) |
UK |
xx% |
|
Graham Packaging Company |
USA |
xx% |
|
Huhtamäki Oyj |
Finland |
xx% |
|
Greiner Packaging |
Austria |
xx% |
|
Uflex Ltd. |
India |
xx% |
|
Sinopec (Zhuhai Zhongda Special Packaging) |
China |
xx% |
|
SIG Combibloc Group |
Switzerland |
xx% |
|
Dynapac Co., Ltd. |
South Korea |
xx% |
|
Thong Guan Industries Berhad |
Malaysia |
xx% |
Recent Developments
- In January 2025, Amcor introduced AmLite Ultra Recyclable, a high-barrier polyolefin film designed for food and pharmaceutical packaging, which replaces non-recyclable multilayer films. With Nestlé and Unilever already on board, it is expected to secure 17% of the flexible packaging market by 2025.
- In February 2024, Dow Chemical introduced REVOLOOP™, a polyethylene resin that is entirely bio-based and derived from sugarcane, targeting the cosmetics and beverage packaging sectors. L’Oréal and PepsiCo are among the first to use it, reducing their carbon footprint by 32% for each container. Demand increased by 26% in Q2, and sales are expected to hit $550 million by 2025.
- Report ID: 3313
- Published Date: Jun 04, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
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