Trash Bags Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material (High Density Polyethylene, Low Density Polyethylene) By Type, By Size, By Distribution Channel, By End-use (Retail, Industrial), By Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Trash Bags Market Summary

Moreover, the growth of the e-commerce industry and government-sponsored public awareness campaigns are also driving the move towards green disposal alternatives for waste disposal. The growing global waste is a major encouraging factor for the trash bag industry. According to the World Bank's "What a Waste 2.0" report, the waste generation worldwide is expected to reach 3.4 billion tons by 2050, an increase by 70% compared to 2016 levels. Such growth highlights the need for efficient waste management, with the deployment of trash bags being part of the solution. Further, the World Bank points out that plastics make up 12% of municipal solid waste in total, and it underlines the need for effective disposal practices to avoid environmental harm. Owing to this, efforts are being made by governments, and other social organizations and encouraging trash bag industry participants to develop better and sustainable trash bags.

The swift expansion of e-commerce is another crucial factor driving the market for trash bags. According to the World Bank, worldwide business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce sales reached USD 6 trillion in 2024, exceeding the GDPs of countries such as Japan and Germany. Waste generated through e-commerce packaging and retail packaging further escalated the trash generation especially in urban cities. Increment in the trash generation owing to the packaging is further supporting the demand for trash bags among consumers.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The trash bags market has been witnessing growing innovation, especially in incorporation of sustainable materials such as biodegradable, compostable, and post-consumer recycled plastics. Brands are developing odor-neutralizing and extra-strength bags catering to varied consumer needs. Smart packaging designs and drawstring improvements also reflect on-going innovations. However, product functionality limits extensive innovation. Overall, innovation is steady but not disruptive.

Mergers and acquisitions in the trash bags market are moderate and often strategic. Larger companies acquire eco-focused startups or regional manufacturers to expand sustainable product portfolios. Recent strategic developments reflect interest of major players in circular economy integration and supply chain consolidation. However, the market lacks frequent large-scale consolidation. Activity is balanced between growth strategy and market stabilization.

Environmental regulations significantly influence product design and material sourcing. Governments across North America and European countries have implemented recycled-content mandates and single-use plastic restrictions. These laws are pushing brands toward recyclable and compostable alternatives. Compliance has become a key driver of R&D and product positioning. Regulatory impact is high and continues to shape future market offerings.

Trash bag manufacturers are actively expanding their product lines to address residential, commercial, and industrial waste handling. Eco-friendly alternatives, including compostable and recycled-content bags, are gaining traction. Private-label and premium segments are also expanding, particularly in the retail and hospitality industry. Companies are also offering customized packaging for various end-use sectors. Product expansion is healthy and driven by environmental and consumer demands.

Growing awareness among consumers and propagation of healthy habits across different economic levels have increased end-user concentration for trash bags. Having limited alternatives, consumers are compelled to use trash bags for their daily trash handling and management. Besides, trash bags also help municipal workers to handle a large quantity of garbage efficiently. Such factors have resulted in a high degree of end-use concentration on trash bags.

Material Insights

The linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) material segment dominated the overall market with a significant revenue share of 45.3% in 2024, owing to the high demand for these materials, having excellent durability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. These substances are widely utilized in the production of trash bags owing to their greater durability and better ability to resist puncture and tear, hence making them ideal for handling heavy-duty and sharp waste disposal needs.

The biodegradable polyethylene material segment is expected to witness a significant CAGR of 7.6% for the forecast period. Biodegradable polyethylene is growing fast, driven by increasing regulatory requirements and consumer demand for sustainable products. Continuous innovation is improving its performance, making it a competitive substitute for traditional plastics and speeding up its market penetration.

Type Insights

Based on type, the market is segmented into draw tape/drawstring bars, star-sealed bags, and others. The star-sealed bags segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024. Star-sealed or X-seal bags are more popular for their increased strength and leak-resistant properties. The distinct seal structure enables even weight distribution and minimizes leakage threats. Such products are perfectly suited for heavy-duty applications including management for healthcare, hospitality, and industrial waste.

The drawstring bags segment is witnessing limited growth due to higher production costs and limited use in price-sensitive commercial sectors. Government initiatives, such as the U.S. EPA’s push for reducing plastic waste, encourage the adoption of affordable biodegradable alternatives over premium drawstring types. For example, the EPA promotes the use of flat-seal and star-seal bags for better recyclability and lower environmental impact. Additionally, the higher price of drawstring bags limits their acceptance in bulk waste management. These factors are encouraging consumers to shift their preference from drawstring bags to other alternatives.

Size Insights

The trash bags market is segmented by size into small, medium, and large segments. In 2024, small-sized bags accounted for the highest revenue share and are expected to register the fastest growth rate during the forecast period. This demand is largely fueled by their suitability for daily household use, particularly in urban environments. According to the data published by the U.S. government, approximately 80% of the population in the U.S. resides in urban areas, and each household generates approximately 4,649 pounds of waste in a year on average. Households are the largest contributors, encouraging the demand for small trash bags worldwide.

Medium-sized bags continue to see stable usage due to their adaptability in both home and light commercial applications, offering a practical balance of capacity and handling ease. Large-sized trash bags remain essential in commercial and industrial sectors, where managing higher volumes of waste is a routine requirement, ensuring their steady market presence. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American industrial facilities generate 7.6 billion tons of industrial solid waste yearly. This highlights the significance of medium-sized trash bags for handling waste from industrial and commercial applications.

Distribution Channel Insights

On the basis of distribution channel, the market is divided into supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, e-commerce, and others. Convenience stores accounted for the highest revenue share in 2024, due to their extensive reach and the convenience with which customers can buy products on the move. According to a survey conducted by local authorities in Danville, California, convenience is the top consideration for consumers when purchasing their everyday essentials. Such surveys highlight the significance of convenience stores for procuring trash bags.

The e-commerce market is expected to record a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2030, fueled by rising internet access and shifting consumer preferences toward online shopping. Convenience and a broader product selection drive customer to purchase trash bags online. Improvements in secure payment systems and faster delivery also boost adoption. Government support for digital infrastructure expansion further accelerates growth. These factors collectively enhance e-commerce’s role as a key distribution channel.

End-use Insights

According to end use, the market is analyzed into retail, institutional, and industrial segments. In 2024, the retail segment dominated the market with a significant revenue share. This segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2025 and 2030 due to surging consumer demand and higher consumption of trash bags for daily waste disposal. A significant amount of trash is generated due to the packaging of retail products. Besides, the packaging material used for the transportation of retail goods also contributes to the overall trash generation. All such factors are contributing to the use of trash bags for managing waste generated from the retail sector.

The institutional segment includes infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and government buildings, among others. A reliable waste management solution is a necessity for such infrastructures, leading to a steady demand for trash bags. Within the industrial market, trash bags are used for bulk waste disposal in factories, warehouses, and other operations, where the requirement for robust, high-volume bags supports steady demand.

Regional Insights

The North American trash bags market is growing consistently, spurred by increasing concern for environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance. Growing urbanization and population growth have massively increased the volume of waste generation, resulting in consistent demand for efficient disposal solutions. With more than 250 billion tons of waste generated every year, the region is a significant consumer of trash bags. Additionally, developments in material technologies, including oxo-degradable plastics and recycled-content formulations, are boosting product portfolios and enabling compliance with changing environmental regulations.

U.S. Trash Bags Market Trends

The U.S. dominated the North American trash bags market with the highest market share, fueled by its large population of consumers, high waste generation, and established waste management infrastructure. The country's focus on sustainability and increased demand for green trash bag alternatives drive market growth. Increased environmental consciousness and stringent regulatory conditions are also promoting the transition to biodegradable and recyclable options. In addition, U.S.-based firms are investing more in R&D projects to create sustainable materials, driving demand for high-quality, eco-friendly trash bag products.

Europe Trash Bags Market Trends

In 2024, the European trash bags market is witnessing consistent growth, supported by accelerated urbanization and improved living standards. This has spurred higher waste generation and increased the need for waste handling solutions. According to the European Environment Agency, approximately 5 tons of municipal waste are generated each year for every European, highlighting the pivotal contribution of waste management towards sustainability in Europe. This has helped boost the demand for trash bags in the region.

Asia Pacific Trash Bags Market Trends

Asia Pacific dominated the market with a revenue share of 40.7% in 2024, fueled by continuous innovations directed towards encouraging trash bag usage. Approximately 60% of the world's population resides in Asia Pacific, leading to higher waste generation and proportionally higher demand for trash bags. The incorporation of recycling initiatives and regulatory restrictions on certain single-use plastics further helped to improve the demand for green trash bag alternatives.

The trash bags market in China is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. China’s growth is driven by its huge population and continuous urbanization, which support high waste generation rates. Increased government efforts to enhance waste management infrastructure and contain plastic pollution have also propelled demand for trash bags. Policies against plastic use are promoting a shift toward eco-friendly alternatives. Furthermore, growing consumer interest in biodegradable and compostable bags and government-sponsored promotions for environmentally friendly products are giving rise to good growth opportunities in the market.

Middle East & Africa Trash Bags Market Trends

The Middle East & Africa's market for trash bags is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR between 2024 and 2030, due to growing urbanization and development. Increasing concern for the environment and efficient waste management solutions are major market growth drivers. The need for sustainable and biodegradable waste bags is increasing as regional governments and organizations implement policies to enhance waste management and minimize plastic pollution. With growing environmental awareness and favorable regulatory environments encouraging sustainability, the market offers significant growth prospects for producers of green waste bags.

Key Trash Bags Company Insights

The market for trash bags is highly fragmented, characterized by several local players present across countries worldwide. Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in product developments and expansions with circular economy objectives, improvements in materials and technology, and growing demand from consumers for sustainable products.

• Reynolds Consumer Products offers a full line of household essentials, including Hefty brand trash bags. The company has a keen focus on offering products with convenience, strength, and odor control. The company also extensively invests in consumer-driven product innovation to ensure its competitiveness in the trash bags market. The product offering, Hefty Ultra Strong and the Fabuloso-scented Hefty Ultra Strong trash bags, have received recognition for innovation.

• Berry Global Inc. offers a range of trash bags manufactured using recycled and antimicrobial materials under its Color Scents brand. The company focuses on sustainability and emphasizes facilitating circular economy ambitions through materials innovation. The company has a diverse geographical presence with a strong emphasis on sustainable product development.

Recent Developments

• In April 2024, Revolution (Arkansas, U.S.) launched Dailygood Bags, a new line of eco-friendly, heavy-duty trash bags made with 97% post-consumer-recycled (PCR) plastic. This launch supports circular economy goals and offers sustainable alternatives for heavy-duty waste handling.

• In November 2023, Reynolds Consumer Products’ Hefty Ultra Strong Scented Tall Kitchen Trash Bags (in partnership with Fabuloso) were recognized as New Product Pacesetter by IRI, ranking #3 in the non-food category. The product stood out for its fragrance innovation and household performance.

• In April 2023, Berry Global Inc. and Microban International formed a strategic partnership to introduce Color Scents Scented Trash Bags. These bags use Microban’s antimicrobial technology to control odor and bacterial growth and come in multiple size variants for household use.

Trash Bags Market Report Scope

Global Trash Bags Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels as well as provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the trash bags market report on the basis of material, type, size, distribution channel, end-use, and region:

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

  • High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

  • Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

  • Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)

  • Bio-degradable Polyethylene

  • Others

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Draw Tape/ Drawstring Bar

  • Star Sealed Bags

  • Others

• Size Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Small Size (3 to 13 to 50 Gallon)

  • Medium Size (>13 to 50 Gallon)

  • Large Size (>50 Gallon)

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

  • Convenience Stores

  • Specialty Stores

  • E-Commerce

  • Others

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Retail

  • Institutional

  • Industrial

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Australia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE