Cups and Lids Market Size, Share, Trends | 11.91% CAGR

Cups and Lids Market Size, Companies (USD 61.37 Bn) by 2033

The report covers Cups and Lids Market Size, Companies, Segments by Materials (Paper Foam, Plastic, Other Materials), Products (Packaging Cups, Other Cups, Lids, Drinking Cups), End-uses (Food Services, Food & Beverage, Retail & Wholesale, Others), and Regions (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa). The report offers the value (in USD Billion) for the above segments.

Market Overview

The global cups and lids market size reached USD 19.92 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit USD 61.37 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 11.91% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.

Cups and Lids Market Revenue 2023 - 2032

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Due to the increased set-up and installation of intelligent vending machines for beverages, the demand for cups and lids has risen, which is estimated to drive the growth of the global cups and lids market over the forecast period.

Key Takeaways

  • By region, North America dominated the global cups and lids market in 2023.
  • By region, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a significant rate in the market during the forecast period.
  • By material, the plastic segment held the largest share of the market in 2023.
  • By material, the paper segment is estimated to show significant growth in the market over the forecast period.
  • By products, the packaging cups & other cups (portion cups and food cups) segment is expected to grow at significant rate during the forecast period.
  • By end user, the food & beverage segment dominated the market in 2023.
  • By end use, the food service industry segment is expected to witness significant growth in the market over the forecast period.

An open-top receptacle for holding liquids for pouring or drinking is called a cup. While primarily intended for drinking, it can also be used to hold solids (such as sugar, flour, grains, and salt) in preparation for pouring. A beaker lacks a handle or stem, but cups can be constructed of glass, plastic, china, ceramics, wood, metal, stone, bone, pottery, polystyrene, aluminum, or other materials. Cups are typically attached with handles or other adornments. Many cultures and socioeconomic classes use cups to relieve their thirst, and different types of cups might be used for different beverages or in different contexts.

Differently styled cups can be used for a variety of beverages or other meals (such as teacups and measuring cups), in a variety of settings (such as at water stations or during ceremonies and rituals), or simply as decorative pieces. A coffee cup is a mug used to serve coffee and other beverages containing coffee. There exist three primary categories: traditional cups accompanied by saucers, mugs served without saucers and single-use cups. Most mugs and cups have a handle. Take-out disposable paper cups are frequently used with an insulating coffee cup sleeve, while they can occasionally feature fold-out handles.

A lid, often known as a cover, is a component of a container that acts as a closure or seal, usually closing the object completely. Lids can be put on bigger lids for drums and open-head pails, as well as smaller ones for tubs. Certain lids feature a tamper-evident band or security strip to keep the lid firmly in place until the opening is required or approved. They typically imply that the container has been opened and is irreversible. They can be constructed from a variety of materials, such as metal or plastic. The global packaging market size is estimated to grow from USD 1.20 trillion in 2022 to reach an estimated USD 1.58 trillion by 2032, growing at a 3.16% CAGR between 2023 and 2032.

Growth Factors

The emerging cups and lids market is expected to drive the growth of the global cups and lids market over the forecast period. 
Increasing focus on cost reduction and production efficiency can drive the specialty market growth further.
Increasing adoption of advanced technology for the production of cups & lids is estimated to drive the growth of the global cups and lids market in the near future.

Increasing regulatory support is estimated to drive the growth of the global cups and lids market over the forecast period. 
Increasing demand for degradable paper cups and lids is estimated to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period. 
The key players operating in the cups and lids market are focused on adopting inorganic growth strategies like mergers, which are expected to drive the growth of the market in the near future.

Market Dynamics

Driver

Increased launch and demand for seasonal and specialized drinks

The rise in the demand for seasonal and specialized drinks has increased the need for cups & lids, which is expected to drive the growth of the global cups and lids market over the forecast period. In the packaging industry, the need for cups and lids has sharply expanded in recent years due to the growing demand for specialized drinks, such as coffee and milkshakes. The features of cup and lid goods, such as their cost-effectiveness, snap fit, ease of removal, leak-resistant applications, and lightweight, smooth rolling rims that are safe and comfortable to use on a pleasant surface, are significant drivers of market expansion.

  • On January 03, 2024, Starbucks Corporation, a multinational chain of coffeehouses and roastery reserves, announced the launch of the iced hazelnut oat milk shaken espresso and the return of the pistachio cream cold brew and pistachio latte on public demand. Along with the beverages, Starbucks coffeehouses even launched a new food menu: vanilla bean custard danish and potato, cheddar & chive bakes on the winter menu.

Restraint

Certain limitations and concerns about environmental safety

The limitations for the use of plastic and increasing concerns about environmental safety can restrict the growth of the cups and lids market to a certain limit. The production of a single styrofoam cup emits roughly 33g of CO2. That represents the same as traveling around a tenth of a mile. As paper cups are waterproofed on the inside with a thin plastic covering, disposable paper cups are a common example of single-use plastic products. Paper cups usually wind up in landfills or are disposed of incorrectly, adding to the amount of (micro)plastic trash and perhaps contaminating the world's oceans.

  • In June 2023, according to the data published by the National Centers for the Biotechnology Information, it was estimated that due to the disposable cups, the plastic and paper accumulations have increased, which has been found to be hazardous for nature.

Every year, the U.S. manufactures over 3 million tons of polystyrene. Additionally, 80% of it—including roughly 25 billion cups annually—ends up in the trash. This means that around one-third of the landfill space is occupied by the stuff. Polystyrene takes around 500 years to decompose into waste.
The U.S. produces about 21 million tons of CO2 annually from the production of polystyrene, which is roughly the same as the emissions from 4.5 million cars.

Globally, paper cups are consumed at an astounding rate; in the U.K. alone, 7 million cups are consumed every day, resulting in an annual production of 30,000 tonnes of waste paper cups.

Opportunity

Increasing launch of new products

The key players operating in the market are focused on launching biodegradable cups with concerns about saving nature from hazardous elements, which is estimated to create a lucrative opportunity for the growth of the global cups and lids market over the forecast period. Rising concerns about sustainability and environmental ability, the market players adopted advanced technology to introduce biodegradable plastic-free cups in the market. 
In November 2023, SOFi Products, a cups manufacturing company, announced the introduction of the 100% plastic-free biodegradable cup for hot beverages, which doesn’t require a separate lid. Three flaps on the SOFi Hot Cup fold together to create a spill-proof spout. Businesses will save money, storage space, and freight expenses with this design, which does away with the requirement for a separate plastic cover.

Segment Insights

Material insights

The plastic segment held the largest share of the cups and lids market in 2023 on account of the increasing launch of reusable plastic cups to meet the rising demand for alternative solutions to single-use packaging. Polypropylene plastic (PP) is commonly used to make reusable plastic cups. Naphtha oil, which is produced from a small amount of raw oil, is the main ingredient in plastic. These fractions are created when oil is refined and separated into fractions containing hydrogen, naphtha, and other carbons. It is better for the environment to use reusable cups. Disposable cups frequently wind up in landfills due to inadequate recycling. It is healthier for your health to use reusable cups. Frequently, the reusable cup lids are composed of plastic. Reusable coffee cups have advantages beyond cost and convenience for the individual user. Accepting these eco-friendly substitutes can help you take an active role in cutting down on waste, preserving resources, and lessening the environmental damage that single-use cups generate.

  • In October 2023, Berry Global Group, Inc., marketer and manufacturer of plastic packaging products, revealed the introduction of a new range of upmarket reusable plastic cups for the food service industry. The new drinking cups seem like they can be reused and are quite robust. All include an inside stacking rim and ribs with smooth curves for better cleaning, and they are all dishwasher-safe.

The paper segment is estimated to show significant growth in the cups and lids market over the forecast period due to the increasing launch of new paper cups, which are decomposable in nature and less hazardous to the environment. Furthermore, new emerging market players for manufacturing paper cups are also responsible for the growth of the segment over the forecast period.

  • In February 2024, the Good Cup, the newly introduced brand of paper cup, revealed the introduction of the fully paper cup that doesn't include a lid.

Product insights

The packaging cups & other cups (portion cups and food cups) segment is expected to grow at a significant rate in the cups and lids market during the forecast period. Ready–to–drink coffee and tea, energy drinks, and other drinks that can be consumed anytime and anywhere consumers need a boost are among the convenient and useful drinks that they often grab. Thus, busy customers may be drawn to non-alcoholic drinks that provide useful and practical advantages while maintaining a reasonable level of health and naturalness. Brands can target fatigued consumers by incorporating electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, and other natural substances with energy-boosting properties into new product formulations. Increasing initiatives by the key market players to launch new packaging cups for food and beverages to meet the rising demand are estimated to drive the growth of the segment over the forecast period.

  • In April 2024, New York Fries (NYF), a restaurant company, announced the introduction of a new and unique drink cup that is 100% compostable and biodegradable.
  • In June 2024, according to the article published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it was revealed that Lionel Messi, a national footballer, and White Claw, a drinks manufacturing company, signed a partnership to introduce a new sports drink called Mas+ which is non-alcoholic and low in sugar.
  • In May 2024, ZOA Energy, a beverages manufacturing company, announced the launch of the new green apple flavor infused with vitamins C and B for its zero-sugar beverages range.

End-use Insights

The food & beverage segment dominated the cups and lids market in 2023. There is an imminent likelihood of global expansion for the quick-service restaurant industry over the forecast period. The two main factors driving segment expansion are rising staff counts and shifting consumer preferences. Over one-third of customers visit malls specifically for meals, not for shopping. For both hot and cold beverages, the majority of quick-service restaurants use disposable paper cups. As a result, the demand for cups is rising quickly all across the world. The enormous demand for ready-to-eat food and quick meals has led to major fast-food businesses, like McDonald's, KFC, Domino, Starbucks, and Pizza Hut, opening new locations across the globe. Moreover, the key players operating in the market are focused on the launch of plastic-free food service packaging.

  • In March 2024, IMEX Vision, a manufacturing company, announced the introduction of the launch of Adama, a suite of fully sustainable paper cups for both cold and hot beverages within the quick serve and takeaway segments.

The food service industry segment is expected to witness significant growth in the cups and lids market over the forecast period due to the increasing launch of new food service centers, which are indirectly increasing the demand for cups & lids.; everyday essentials and meal ideas; food-to-go and sandwiches; flowers, Fairtrade products, chilled beers, and award-winning wines; ready meals, pizzas, and free-from, vegan, and plant-based products. Online home delivery is even available at the Grand Union, which is eventually raising the demand for food cups & lids. 
In June 2024, Co-op Food Company announced the introduction of the Grand Union food service center. The Grand Union food service center includes Costa Coffee Express, an instore bakery, and hot food, alongside a focus on healthy, fresh, and chilled produce

Regional Insights

Cups and Lids Market NA, EU, APAC, LA, MEA Share

North America dominated the global cups and lids market by 36% in 2023. The key players operating in North America are focused on launching new design cups, which are expected to drive the growth of the global cups and lids market over the forecast period. In addition, the evolution of American coffee culture has been impacted by the widespread distribution of popular, youth-oriented chains like Starbucks. They are the drink's biggest consumers. In April 2024, Starbucks Corporation, a multinational chain of coffeehouses and roastery reserves based in North America, unveiled the introduction of the newly innovated, more sustainable Starbucks cold cups, which are manufactured with up to 20% less plastic.

  • In August 2023, Starbucks Corporation signed a partnership with Turn System, a reusable cup company, to design and launch the largest reusable cup pilot project to enhance its sustainability by reducing single-use cup waste.

The United States' booming coffee culture is driving greater demand for coffee cups and lids.  Other factors fueling market expansion in this region include the fast-changing eating habits and lifestyles of people, as well as the growing need for convenient single-serve packaging. Furthermore, the key players and the food retailers operating in Canada are experimenting with the use of new materials for manufacturing cups & lids, which is expected to drive the growth of the cups and lids market over the forecast period.

  • In February 2024, Tim Hortons Inc., a Canadian multinational coffeehouse and restaurant, carried out an experimental session with the new fiber lids for the coffee cups. Tim Hortons tested innovative fiber-based lids for hot beverages for a period of 12 weeks. These lids had been developed over several years. An improved version of polyethyleneimine (PEI) sippers will be available, drawing from an initial testing phase conducted in Canada.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a significant rate in the cups and lids market during the forecast period. A growing number of customers are spending more time outside of their homes, traveling to social venues, taking advantage of the weather, and going to sporting events as a result of the rise in urbanization. The online food service companies based in the region are leveraging their policy to deliver valuable services to customers, which is expected to drive the growth of the cups and lids market over the forecast period.

  • In October 2023, Zomato Inc., a food tech company based in India, announced the introduction of Xtreme, a hyperlocal delivery service. Xtreme, a hyperlocal delivery service, caters to both small and major retailers, offering intracity delivery of small products through its network of services.

Recent Developments

  • In January 2024, Ahlstrom, a leading provider of sustainable specialty materials, announced the launch of the PureLid, a fiber-based lid offering for single-serve coffee capsules to support the coffee industry in its sustainability journey.
  • In July 2024, Emerald Ecovations, a tree-free paper technology company, revealed the introduction of tree-free coffee cups. The tree-free paper technology coffee cups, with their novel design aimed at halting deforestation, meet the increasing need in the food service industry for ecologically friendly solutions while providing a sustainable substitute for conventional coffee cups.
  • In March 2024, Marks & Spencer (M&S), a retail company based in the U.K., announced the launch of the recyclable and plastic-free to-go coffee cups and lids for hot drinks, a first for a major coffee chain. The company intends to expand the packaging to all 300 of its cafe locations. Currently, the company is releasing its 100% paper fiber cups and lids to 20 retail sites throughout the U.K.

Market Companies

  • Airlite Plastics Company
  • BioPak UK
  • Brendos Ltd
  • Berry Global
  • Clondalkin Group Holdings
  • Dart Container
  • ECO Products Europe
  • Greiner Holding AG
  • Greiner AG
  • Georgia-Pacific LLC
  • Huhtamaki Oyj
  • Printpack Inc.
  • Solo Cup Operating Corporation
  • WinCup Inc.
  • Graphic Packaging International LLC
  • Mondi Group
  • Reynolds Consumer Products
  • Michael Procos SA
  • Paper Cup Company

Segment Covered in the Report

Material Insight

  • Paper Foam
  • Plastic
  • Other Materials
  • Product Insight
  • Packaging Cups & Other Cups (Portion Cups & Food Cups)
  • Lids
  • Drinking Cups

End-use Insight

  • Food Services Industry
  • Food & Beverage
  • Retail & Wholesale Firms 
  • Others

Regional Insight

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa
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  • Insight Code: 5202
  • No. of Pages: 150
  • Format: PDF/PPT/Excel
  • Published: July 2024
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2022
  • Base Year: 2023
  • Estimated Years: 2024-2033

Meet the Team

Deepa Pandey is a market research expert in packaging with 3+ years of experience, specializing in regulatory compliance, design innovations, sustainable packaging, and delivering insights to enhance safety and efficiency.

Learn more about Deepa Pandey

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years in packaging market research, specializes in food, beverage, and eco-friendly packaging. She ensures accurate, actionable insights, driving Towards Packaging 's excellence in industry trends and sustainability.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

Related Insights

FAQ's

The global cups and lids market size to hit USD 61.37 billion by 2033.

11.91% is the growth rate of the cups and lids industry.

Airlite Plastics Company, BioPak UK, Brendos Ltd, Berry Global, Clondalkin Group Holdings, Dart Container, ECO Products Europe, Greiner Holding AG, Greiner AG, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Huhtamaki Oyj, Printpack Inc., Solo Cup Operating Corporation, WinCup Inc., Graphic Packaging International LLC, Mondi Group, Reynolds Consumer Products, Michael Procos SA, Paper Cup Company are the prominent players operating in the cups and lids market.

North America region leads the global cups and lids market.