The U.S. PET rigid thermoform plastic packaging market size is anticipated to reach USD 1,117.2 million by 2033 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2025 to 2033, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is primarily driven by strong demand from the food, beverage, and fresh produce sectors, where brands require lightweight, transparent, and highly protective packaging formats. PET offers excellent clarity, impact resistance, and barrier performance, making it a preferred material for clamshells, trays, cups, lids, and multi-compartment containers used in ready-to-eat meals and grab-and-go foods. The growth of convenience-based eating, driven by busy lifestyles, single-person households, and expanded retail distribution of fresh-cut produce, continues to fuel the adoption of PET thermoformed formats among major supermarkets and food processors across the U.S.
Another major growth driver is the rapid expansion of the U.S. e-commerce and food delivery ecosystem, which demands packaging that provides structural rigidity, product visibility, and tamper resistance while keeping weight and shipping costs low. PET thermoforms are widely used for direct-to-consumer delivery of bakery items, confectionery, meal kits, and specialty foods because they maintain shape, prevent crushing, and enhance shelf appeal during last-mile delivery. In addition, brands and delivery platforms are investing in packaging that improves customer experience through premium visibility and product differentiation, further strengthening PET thermoform adoption in the online retail environment.
Sustainability trends also play a crucial role, with U.S. regulations and corporate commitments accelerating the shift toward recyclable and recycled PET (rPET) thermoforms. PET is one of the most recycled plastics in North America, and major CPG companies are setting targets to incorporate higher levels of rPET content in rigid packaging to meet ESG commitments. Investments in advanced recycling infrastructure, deposit-return programs, and thermoform-to-thermoform recycling technologies are enhancing material availability and reducing environmental impact. This regulatory and industry push toward circular packaging solutions makes PET thermoform packaging increasingly favorable compared with materials that face greater scrutiny or lower recyclability.
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Based on product, the containers/boxes segment recorded the largest market revenue share of over 30.0% in 2025 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period.
Based on end use, the food & beverages segment recorded the largest market share of over 50.0% in 2025 and is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period.
The pharmaceuticals segment represents a growing end use category in the U.S. PET rigid thermoform plastic packaging market, supported by the material’s superior clarity, chemical resistance, and ability to maintain product integrity in regulated medical environments.
Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. PET rigid thermoform plastic packaging market based on product, and end use:
U.S. PET Rigid Thermoform Plastic Packaging Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)
Containers/Boxes
Trays & Lids
Clamshells
Blister Pack
Cups
Others
U.S. PET Rigid Thermoform Plastic Packaging End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)
Food & Beverages
Electronics
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Pharmaceuticals
Homecare
Others
List of Key Players in the U.S. PET Rigid Thermoform Plastic Packaging Market
TOPPAN Holdings Inc.
Pactiv Evergreen Inc.
Sabert Corporation
Genpak LLC
Anchor Packaging LLC
Placon
WINPAK LTD.
Display Pack
EasyPak
Huhtamaki
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