Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material (PET, PE, PP, PVC, PS, Bioplastics), By Production Process (Extrusion, Injection Molding, Thermoforming), By Product, By Application, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Trends

The global rigid plastic packaging market size was valued at USD 243.42 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2025 to 2030. Rising demand for packaged food on account of growing preference towards ready to eat food products and increased adoption of plastic as a material in rigid packaging products are expected to support growth of rigid plastic packaging market.

The U.S. market for rigid plastic packaging is anticipated to experience consistent growth, fueled by a rising need from the food and beverage industry for packaging that is durable, tamper-proof, and lightweight. The expansion of e-commerce and retail is expected to further enhance the demand for protective and ready-to-shelf rigid containers, particularly for personal care, pharmaceutical, and electronic goods.

Furthermore, the growth of e-commerce and retail distribution channels is anticipated to drive the need for protective and stackable rigid packaging formats, especially in industries like personal care, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. These sectors depend significantly on packaging that can endure the stresses of transportation while preserving brand aesthetics.

In addition, regulatory requirements set by organizations such as the FDA and EPA are encouraging businesses to implement compliant, high-performance rigid plastics for the safe storage and distribution of consumables and delicate products. These regulations are likely to promote the development and adoption of food-grade and medical-grade rigid packaging solutions.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

Prominent players operating in Rigid Plastic Packaging market include Berry Global Inc., Amcor plc, Sonoco Products Company, ALPLA, WINPAK LTD, Nuplas Industries, DS Smith, Genpak, SILGAN PLASTICS, Anchor Packaging LLC, and PLASTIPAK HOLDINGS, INC.

Global rigid plastic packaging market is highly fragmented with presence of significant number of packaging manufacturers. Companies operational in this market space are focusing developing new products catering to changing regulatory landscape, indicating a high impact level of regulations. For instance, in December 2023, Novolex, a U.S. based packaging manufacturer launched food packaging containers having 10% post-consumer recycled plastic content. According to Association of Plastic Recyclers as of 2023, 4 states of U.S. have passed laws mandating inclusion of recycled content in plastic packaging. Also, active proposals related to recycled plastic-based packaging are progressing in European Union and Canada which pushes companies to develop rigid packaging complying to these laws.

Significant presence of companies also influences level of mergers and acquisitions. Well-established mature players which are seen to acquire emerging or small local level companies to grow their market presence. For instance, in October 2023, Greif Inc entered announced its intent and its ongoing discussions to acquire small plastic containers and jerrycan manufacturer PACKCHEM Group SAS for a transaction valued at USD 538.0 million.

Material Insights

Based on material, market is segmented into polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), bioplastics, and others. PET dominated material segment and accounted for largest revenue share of 30.61% in 2024. Properties such as lightweight, recyclability, durability, along with its excellent transparency makes it a popular choice for end-users which require product visible packaging, thereby contributing to its high market share.

Bioplastics are expected to progress with a CAGR of 5.4% from 2025 to 2030. High growth rate can be attributed to growing concerns related to plastic packaging waste pollution and its environmental impacts. Governments worldwide are imposing stringent regulations such as ban on single use plastics, which can push rigid packaging manufacturers to shift from fossil fuel-based plastics to plant derived bioplastics.

Production Process Insights

Injection molding dominated production process segment and accounted for a revenue share of more than 35.0% in 2024. Injection molding facilitates manufacturing of small containers to complex shaped containers or other rigid packaging products. This makes it suitable for a wider range of applications compared to blow molding production process. Furthermore, injection molding production process caters to various plastic materials such as PE, PP to high performance plastics such as PC and ABS. These factors contribute to its high market share.

Thermoforming production process is expected to register a significant growth rate from 2025 to 2030. Low tooling costs, versatility, and suitability to produce customizable, durable, lightweight packaging products are expected to contribute to its high growth rate.

Product Insights

Based on product, rigid plastic packaging market is segmented into trays & clamshells; bottles & jars; tubs, cups, and pots; pallets; drums & barrels; crates; and pallets among others. Bottles & jars dominated product segment and accounted for a revenue share of 51.45% in 2024. Bottles & jars market demand is driven by their versatility. In terms of versatility, bottles & jars are available in variety of sizes and shapes, catering to a vast range of end-use industries such as beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and industrial. In addition, its high market share is also correlational to the consumption of beverages. High population results in increased beverage consumption, directly influencing demand for bottles & jars.

Plastic pallets and other products are expected to progress with a significant CAGR of 2.6% over forecast period. High growth rate can be attributed to increasing shift of end-use industries from traditional wooden pallets to plastic pallets on account of rising logistics costs and high price of wooden pallets.

Application Insights

Based on application, plastic rigid packaging market is segmented intofood, beverages, pharmaceutical & healthcare, personal care & cosmetics, automotive, building & construction, and other applications. Food dominated application segment and accounted for largest revenue share of 26.91% in 2024. This positive outlook is due to growing demand for packaged food products and requirement for sturdy packaging products to protect food during transit. Furthermore, rise in online food delivery industry is also expected to contribute to high dominance of food in rigid plastic packaging market.

Pharmaceutical & healthcare application is expected to progress with a CAGR of 3.7% over forecast period. High growth rate can be attributed to growing use of plastic based rigid packaging products such as bottles, jars, trays in packaging of sensitive pharmaceutical dosages and medical devices. Excellent barrier properties along with lightweight of plastics contribute to their high adoption in pharmaceutical & healthcare rigid packaging.

Regional Insights

North American rigid plastic packaging market is expected to progress at a moderate rate. While growth is expected, sustainability concerns and changing consumer preferences are driving innovation and adaptation within the industry. For instance, growing environmental awareness and stringent regulations are pushing manufacturers towards sustainable alternatives like recycled plastics and bioplastics.

U.S. Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Trends

U.S. Rigid plastic packaging marketdominates North American regional space, accounting for a share of over 80.0% in 2024. High share is driven by growing demand of functional beverages in country and increased demand for packaged food products.

Asia Pacific Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Trends

Asia Pacific dominated rigid plastic packaging market, accounting for largest revenue share of 43.93% in 2024. Region is likely to dominate industry over forecast period. Asia Pacific boasts major plastic resin manufacturers such as LG Chem, TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC, Reliance Industries Limited, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc, Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, BASF SE, and China Petrochemical Corporation among others creating strong raw material supply network, thereby contributing to the market. Furthermore, the region boasts a rapidly growing population, particularly in countries like China and India, creating a huge consumer base for various products, from food and beverages to personal care items, creating a strong demand for rigid plastic packaging.

The China rigid plastic packaging sector is anticipated to experience consistent growth, fueled by heightened demand from the food and beverage sector, growing urbanization, and changing consumer habits. As e-commerce and food delivery services expand, the requirement for sturdy, lightweight, and protective packaging options is expected to rise, making rigid plastics a favored choice.

Rigid plastic packaging market in Southeast Asia is expected to progress with a significant CAGR over forecast period. This is attributed to various factors such as rising urban population and increasing cosmetic trend. Thailand is a major original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for international cosmetic brands. There are over 762 cosmetics manufacturing plants is Thailand as per Thai Cosmetic Cluster, indicating a strong personal care & cosmetics sector growth. This can simultaneously influence rigid plastic packaging market growth related to it.

Europe Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Trends

According to European Commission, pharmaceutical sector is a leading contributor to region’s economy. Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe adopted in November 2020 aims to boost research and technologies to boost local pharmaceutical sector which presents positive outlook for rigid plastic packaging market.

Rigid plastic packaging market in Canada is driven by growing exports of fruits. Canada has free trade agreements with several major markets, which facilitates export growth. The USMCA agreement eliminates tariffs for agricultural exports which can promote agricultural produce export and contribute to rigid plastic packaging market.

Rigid plastic packaging market in Germany is anticipated to grow on account of rising organic packaged food market. Germany dominated rigid plastic packaging market in Europe, accounting for a share of over 25.0% in 2024. Growing awareness related to organic farming and its associated health benefits are expected to create a strong market forecast for organic products such as organic spread, ready meals, baby food, dairy products, organic baked goods, and confectionary.

Central & South America Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Trends

Rigid plastic packaging market in Latin America is estimated to grow over forecast period owing to steady economic growth, leading to rising disposable incomes and increased consumer spending. This fuels demand for packaged goods. According to National Library of Medicine, consumption of carbonated soft drinks has increased significantly, thus contributing to demand of rigid plastic packaging products.

Rigid plastic packaging market in Brazildominates Central & South American regional space, accounting for a share of over 25.0% in 2024. Brazil has emerged as an attractive market for personal care and cosmetics production. According toAssociação Brasileira da Indústria de Higiene (Abhipec) international trade of Brazil’s personal care & cosmetic products registered a growth of 30.9% in first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Skin creams and tanning products recorded highest sales percentage, thus presenting positive market forecast for rigid plastic packaging products used for packaging personal care & cosmetic products.

Middle East & Africa Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Trends

Rigid plastic packaging market in Middle East & Africa is growing due to rising bottled mineral water consumption in region. Lack of confidence in quality of water supplied through pipeline and tankers as well as growing tourism sector in Middle East & Africa is expected to contribute to bottled water market and relative rigid plastic packaging market growth.

Rigid plastic packaging market in Saudi Arabia is expected to grow at a lucrative rate due to high production of dairy products within the country. Saudi Arabia dominates rigid plastic packaging market in Middle East & Africa and accounted for a share of over 23.0% in 2024. Saudi Arabia falls among leading dairy products exporting countries in Middle East and across the globe.

Rigid plastic packaging market in South Africa is expected to progress with a CAGR of over 3% over forecast period. Growing carbonated soft drink consumption is encouraging entry of soft drink manufacturer such as Varun Beverages into South Africa, presenting positive rigid plastic packaging forecast.

Key Rigid Plastic Packaging Company Insights

Rigid Plastic Packaging market is highly fragmented with a significant presence of global as well as local companies offering various types of rigid plastic packaging products. Major players operating in rigid plastic packaging market undertake various strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, geographical expansion, new product launches, and joint ventures to strengthen their market presence.

• In March 2025, LyondellBasell has introduced Pro-fax EP649U, a novel polypropylene impact copolymer tailored for the rigid packaging sector. This cutting-edge product is specifically engineered for thin-walled injection molding, making it perfect for food packaging uses. Pro-fax EP649U boasts excellent flow characteristics and rapid crystallization, allowing for the efficient manufacture of thin-walled containers while improving both productivity and the quality of the final product. The additive formulation in Pro-fax EP649U promotes smooth mold release, minimizes static, and enhances downstream handling on high-speed filling lines.

• In February 2025, Berry Global Group Inc. finalized its purchase of CMG Plastics, a company specializing in rigid packaging manufacturing. Berry continues to expand through acquisitions, as it approaches a key milestone in its acquisition by Amcor plc. Today, shareholders from both firms are set to vote on the all-stock agreement valued at USD 8.4 billion. The boards of directors for both companies have unanimously endorsed the deal. The acquisition of Berry by Amcor, which is anticipated to finalize by mid-2025, is projected to generate USD 650 million in annual cost savings and additional synergies within three years.

Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Report Scope

Global Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of latest industry trends in each sub-segment from 2018 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented global rigid plastic packaging market report on the basis of material, production process, product, application, and region:

• Material Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

  • Polyethylene (PE)

  • Polypropylene (PP)

  • Polystyrene (PS)

  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

  • Bioplastics

  • Others

• Production Process Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Extrusion

  • Injection Molding

  • Blow Molding

  • Thermoforming

• Product Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Bottles & Jars

  • Trays & Clamshells

  • Tubs, Cups, and Pots

  • Pallets

  • Drums & Barrels

  • Crates

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Food

  • Beverages

  • Pharmaceutical & Healthcare

  • Personal Care & Cosmetics

  • Automotive

  • Building & Construction

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Southeast Asia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • South Africa