PET Containers Market Size | US$ 140.03 Bn by 2034

PET Containers Market Size and Global Growth Insights

The PET containers market size reached US$ 83.24 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit around US$ 140.03 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 5.35% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2034.

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The key players operating in the market are focused on adopting inorganic growth strategies like acquisition and merger to develop advance technology for manufacturing PET containers which is estimated to drive the global PET containers market over the forecast period.

Major Key Insights of the PET Containers Market

• Asia Pacific dominated the PET containers market in 2023.
• North America is expected to grow at a significant rate in the market during the forecast period.
• By type, the bottles segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2023.
• By technology type, stretch blow molding segment is expected to grow at significant rate during the forecast period.
• By end use, the food & beverages segment dominated the PET containers market in 2023.

PET Containers Market Sustainable Packaging 

Terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol are combined via poly-condensation to create the white yet blue resin known as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a linear thermoplastic long-chain polymer composed of repeating units. Plastic PET is a crucial raw ingredient for synthetic textiles. PET is a type of polyester used for blow-molded bottles and jars, fiber, and injection-molded components. Specific grades with the necessary characteristics for the various applications are provided. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is utilized in the production of synthetic fibers, food and beverage containers, and other thermoforming applications. It may exist as an amorphous (transparent) or semi-crystalline (opaque and white) material, depending on its processing and thermal history.

Major Applications of PET Containers

• PET may be molded into bottles and containers of various shapes and sizes. PET bottles are mostly used to package water and drinks, but they are also becoming more and more common in other industries, such as juices, salad dressings, mouthwash, household cleansers, medications, and dish detergents.
• PET containers are chosen in the packaging of carbonated soft drinks (CDs) because they are lightweight and manageable, and they are gradually taking the place of glass bottles because of their propensity to break and the hassle of returning them after use.
• PET bottle consumption is predicted to expand steadily over the near and medium term due to rising demand for bottled beverages and the substitution of PET bottles for glass and metal containers.
• PET is a particularly energy-efficient packaging material when compared to glass, aluminum, and other materials used for similar containers, even if its raw components come from natural gas and crude oil. Its strength to weight ratio lowers transportation fuel use by enabling the delivery of more product in less packaging.

Driver

Expansion E-commerce and Online Food-delivery Platforms

Increase of online shopping has raised demand for lightweight, durable, and tamper-proof packaging, especially for food and beverage products. PET containers are often chosen for their ability to withstand the rigors of shipping and handling. Due to the busy lifestyle and increasing working population the online ordering of food has risen which grown the demand for the PET containers packaging, which is estimated to drive the growth of the PET containers market over the forecast period. Furthermore, increasing launch of the food delivery app has risen the demand for the PET containers which has been estimated to drive the growth of the PET containers market in the near future.

• For instance, in November 2024, according to data published by the National E-commerce Associations, it was reported that India discovers that Zomato, food delivery app and Swiggy, food delivery app only interacted with a select few partners; Swiggy's IPO valued it at $11.3 billion, while Zomato's was valued at $27 billion. Both businesses had thousands of restaurant partners in India.

Zomato's food delivery gross order value (GOV) is predicted by ICICI Securities to increase 22.9% year over year during the June quarter. It predicts that the average order value (AV) for food will stay level sequentially and increase by 2% year over year.

Zomato Ltd.'s stock increased 3% on 4th of November 2024, after it was reported that the online meal delivery service and unlisted Swiggy increased the platform charge from Rs 5 per order to Rs 6 in major regions including Bengaluru and Delhi. Zomato increased their platform charge from Rs 4 per order in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Lucknow, and the National Capital Region to Rs 5 per order in April, 2024. Such immense increase in e-commerce as well as

Top Factors Driving PET Containers Market’s Growth

• The key players operating in the market are focused on geographic expansion and launching their pharmaceutical and cosmetics brand in other countries which is expected to drive the growth of the PET containers market in the near future.
• Increasing focus on cost reduction and production efficiency can drive the specialty market growth further.
• Emerging markets and trends for PET containers is expected to drive the growth of the global PET containers market over the forecast period.
• Increasing regulatory support is estimated to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period.
• Increasing in adoption of the advanced technology for the production of PET containers is estimated to drive the growth of the global PET containers market in the near future.
• PET containers are durable, shatterproof, and offer excellent protection for contents, making them a safe and convenient option for packaging food, beverages, and other consumer goods. Their resealable and tamper-evident properties also increase their appeal for food and beverage manufacturers.
• Governments are increasingly introducing regulations that promote recycling and reduce the environmental impact of packaging. PET, being highly recyclable, is seen as a material that can meet these regulatory pressures, further boosting its use in the packaging industry.

Market Trends

Sustainability and Recycling Initiatives

There is a rising demand for packaging made from recycled PET (rPET) as consumers and businesses alike become more eco-conscious. Industries and small scale Companies are willingly incorporating rPET into their products to meet sustainability goals and adhere to regulatory pressures. This trend is driven by both consumer demand for environmentally friendly packaging and government regulations promoting recycling and reducing plastic waste.

Circular Economy ModelsMany companies are adopting circular economy models, in aim to minimize waste and reusing materials. The utilization of rPET assists to close the loop by enabling the recycling of PET containers into new bottles and packaging products.

Lightweighting and Reducing Material Usage

Manufacturers are continually optimizing PET container designs to utilized less material while maintaining strength and functionality. Lightweighting helps reduce production costs, transportation costs, and environmental impact, making it an ongoing trend in the packaging industry.

Minimalist PackagingAlongside lightweighting, there is also a trend towards minimalist packaging design that uses fewer resources while still delivering high-quality, functional products.

Customization and Aesthetic Appeal

Companies are increasingly investing in unique and customizable PET container designs to differentiate their products in the marketplace. Advances in injection molding and blow molding technology allow for more intricate shapes, sizes, and labeling options, giving brands greater flexibility in terms of packaging aesthetics.

Enhanced Graphics and LabelsPET containers are also becoming more attractive in terms of their visual appeal, with advanced printing techniques and high-quality graphics that enhance branding and consumer appeal.

Market Opportunity

Increasing Adoption of Inorganic Growth Strategies and Market Expansion

Various governments are implementing stricter regulations on single-use plastics, encouraging the adoption of reusable packaging. For example, bans or taxes on single-use plastics have prompted companies to seek alternatives like reusable PET containers. Companies are increasingly marketing their eco-friendly initiatives, and offering reusable containers can be a selling point for environmentally-conscious consumers. The key players operating in the market are focused on adopting in organic growth strategies like partnership and collaboration to develop reusable PET bottle for cosmetic products, which is estimated to create lucrative opportunity to drive the growth of the PET containers market in the near future.

How Can AI Improve the PET Containers Industry?

AI integration can enhance the PET containers market in various ways, improving efficiency, sustainability, and consumer satisfaction.

By optimizing production and manufacturing processes the AI integration helps the PET containers industry. AI can predict equipment failures and maintenance needs in PET container manufacturing, reducing downtime and ensuring more efficient production. AI-powered vision systems can inspect PET containers for defects more accurately and quickly than human inspectors, ensuring consistent product quality and reducing waste. AI can optimize the production process, adjusting variables like pressure, temperature, and material flow to improve the quality and reduce energy consumption.

Market Challenge

Regulatory Pressure & Availability of Other Plastic Types

The key players operating in the market are facing issue in selecting accurate technology for manufacturing PET containers as well as regulatory pressure, which is estimated to limit the growth of the PET containers market in the near future. Governments around the world are introducing stricter regulations regarding plastic use and waste management. These include bans on single-use plastics, extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations, and mandates for higher recycled content in PET packaging, which increase operational costs for manufacturers.

Asia’ Development in Industrial Sector to Support Dominance

Asia Pacific region dominated the global PET containers market in 2023. Due to rising environmental awareness in countries like China, India, and Japan, the demand for the recyclable PET containers are in demand. Due to the growing middle class income in the Asia Pacific region, the people are able to afford the recyclable PET containers. Due to rapid urbanization and busy work life in the Asia Pacific region the demand for the packaged and processed food products has risen the demand for the PET containers. Increasing launch of the new food delivery app in Asia Pacific region has risen the demand for the PET containers, which has been estimated to drive the growth of the PET containers market in the Asia Pacific region over the forecast period.

• For instance, in September 2024, WAAYU, first zero-commission food delivery app in India, is available as a seller marketplace on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This momentous occasion marks the beginning of a new era in the food delivery sector, one that offers businesses and customers unique advantages by reducing the commission component and establishing a smooth communication line.

Over 3,000 eateries have joined WAAYU since its May 2023 launch in key Indian cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, Jaipur, and Mumbai. Following its launch on ONDC, WAAYU has also been collaborating strategically with TATA Neu and OLA, two of the network's most well-known buyer apps, to create a channel that will increase order volumes. All restaurant partners will benefit greatly from this partnership since it will increase customer satisfaction and provide a consistent flow of orders with no commission on delivery.

North America’s Well Developed Beverages Company to Support Growth

North America region is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the PET containers market during the forecast period. The North American market for PET containers is driven by the demand for packaged beverages and strong recycling programs. The U.S. and Canada have well-established recycling infrastructure, and regulatory pressures are encouraging brands to increase the use of recycled materials. North America has one of the highest per capita consumption rates of packaged beverages, such as bottled water, soft drinks, juices, and ready-to-drink tea. The demand for convenient, single-serve beverages in PET containers is driven by busy lifestyles, urbanization, and changing consumer preferences.

Additionally, the food and beverage sector remains the largest end-user of PET packaging, which is lightweight, durable, and provides excellent product protection. North American consumers highly value the portability and ease of use provided by PET containers, particularly for beverages and on-the-go foods. This convenience is a major driver for PET container adoption.

• For instance, in November 2024, Avient Corporation, a company focused on providing sustainable packaging material based in Ohio, U.S., revealed the introduction of the new technology namely ColorMatrix Lactra LX Light Blocking Additive for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging. The packaging of goods with extended shelf lives and frequent ambient storage, such ultra-high temperature (UHT) liquid dairy containers, can benefit from this innovative solution from Avient.

Bottles Segment to Lead in the Market in 2023

Bottles segment held a dominant presence in the PET containers market in 2023. PET bottles are lightweight, making them easy to transport, handle, and store. This is especially important in the food and beverage industry, where transportation fees and product handling efficiency are important. Their light weight minimizing shipping costs and carbon footprint compared to heavier packaging alternatives like glass.

 PET bottles are highly durable and resistant to impact. Unlike glass, PET bottles do not break easily, which minimizes product loss during handling and shipping. This makes them especially suitable for beverages, personal care products, and household chemicals. PET bottles are central to the concept of a circular economy, where materials are reused and recycled rather than disposed of as waste. The ability to recycle PET bottles multiple times without compromising quality is a significant factor in their ongoing demand.

The jars segment is segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the PET containers market during the forecast period of 2024 to 2034.  The demand for reusable PET jars is driven by a combination of sustainability trends, consumer preferences for environment-friendly packaging, affordable, and the versatility of PET as a material. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, they increasingly favour products with recyclable, reusable, or sustainable packaging.

PET jars, with their durability, ease of use, and reusability, offer an ideal solution to meet these demands. Additionally, businesses benefit from adopting reusable PET jars as part of their sustainability efforts, improving brand loyalty and meeting regulatory requirements. With the growing focus on reducing plastic waste, reusable PET jars are expected to continue gaining traction across various sectors, from food and beverage to personal care and beyond.

Stretch Blow Molding Segment to Show Notable Share in Upcoming Years

The stretch blow molding segment accounted for a considerable share of the PET containers market in 2023. Stretch blow molding is a highly popular technique for manufacturing PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) containers due to a combination of factors that optimize production efficiency, cost-effectiveness, material properties, and product quality. Stretch blow molding can produce PET containers in an extensive variety of shapes and sizes, from simple round bottles to more complex and custom-designed containers with unique shapes and features (such as ergonomic handles or narrow necks). This flexibility allows manufacturers to meet specific consumer preferences, brand requirements, and functional needs. Stretch blow molded PET containers are particularly well-suited for holding carbonated beverages or pressurized liquids. The technique ensures that the containers are capable of withstanding the internal pressure from carbonation without deforming or rupturing. This is essential for beverage packaging, where pressure resistance is critical.

Stretch blow molding is the preferred technique for manufacturing PET containers due to its numerous advantages, including excellent material properties (strength, durability, and barrier performance), cost-effectiveness, design flexibility, and high production speed.

Food & Beverage Industry Led the Market in 2023

The food & beverages segment registered its dominance over the global PET containers market in 2023. The PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is lightweight material, that makes shipping of the food products more efficient and budget friendly. PET is clear, allowing consumers to see the beverages and food product inside, which is important for marketing and consumer trust. Despite being light, PET is resistant and strong to impacts, ensuring that food and beverages are protected during handling and transport. PET has good resistance to moisture, gases (like oxygen), and odors, which helps to extend the shelf life of food and beverages by protecting them from external elements.

New Advancements in PET Containers Industry

• In May 2024, ALPLA India Pvt. Ltd., packaging company, revealed the introduction of the recyclable wine bottle made of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). The bottle is about an eighth of the weight of a glass bottle, can save up to 30% on price, and can lower carbon emissions by up to 50%. PET (recycled PET) can be used to make it completely. Wegenstein, the development partner and pilot customer in Austria, is already using the packaging solution, which is now offered in 0.75-liter and 1-liter bottle sizes.
• In October 2024, Pactiv Evergreen Inc., packaging solutions providing company, revealed the introduction of the SmartPour package.

Global PET Containers Market Key Players

• Amcor Ltd.
• Aaron Packaging Inc.
• Sonoco Products Company
• Berry Global Inc.
• Alpha Packaging Inc.
• Gerresheimer AG
• GTX HANEX Plastic Sp. z o.o.
• Koksan AS
• Graham Packaging Company
• Indorama Ventures Public Co., Ltd.
• Mpact Limited
• Taiwan Hon Chuan Enterprises Co., Ltd.
• PDG Plastiques
• Esterform Packaging Limited
• ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG
• Resilux NV
• RETAL Industries Ltd.
• C&G Packaging

Latest Announcement by the Leader

• In October 2024, CEO of KYSU, Kyrill Leutsch, stated, "At KYSU company, sustainability is not just a buzzword but a responsibility. The company identified a clear contradiction in the organic food sectorenvironmentally harmful materials are frequently used to package items that are promoted as eco-friendly. The company were forced to act decisively because of this discrepancy. The company made invest of S$ 90 billion to offer an environmentally friendly substitute that enables customers to take an active role in cutting down on waste by extending the company dedication to sustainable packaging throughout our whole product line. KYSU has introduced cutting-edge packaging for all of its products that is made completely of recycled materials, marking a major advancement in sustainability. KYSU stands out as one of the few businesses that packages all 80 of its products in such eco-friendly containers thanks to its airtight, recyclable, and reused paper packaging. The company provides easy storage solutions while addressing the pressing problem of plastic pollution in the US by giving customers the choice to reuse the packaging.
• In October 2023, Enrique Ackerman, vice president, technical and innovation, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, stated that addressing the waste challenges faced by planet and society is crucial for packaging company. As part of the company’s mission to provide eco-friendly packaging, the staff of company work with communities to promote PET recycling and collecting and with recycling partners like Go Rewise. The Coca-Cola company’s partnership with Go Rewise is evidence of commitment to a more sustainable future for the planet and, as a result, to enlightening customers about eco-friendly packaging. Additionally, the Coca-Cola company are supporting the Government of India's "Swachh Bharat Mission" project and LiFE, an environmental advocacy group. Go Rewise has implemented cutting-edge Super Clean recycling technology to create PET materials of the highest caliber that are food-safe, FDA, and EFSA certified. Additionally, all PET products are EPR certified, guaranteeing supply chain traceability and transparency. The company offers sustainable packaging options for a range of FMCG brands in an effort to address India's growing plastic waste issue. Given the government's Extended Producer Responsibility and Plastic Waste Management obligations to reduce plastic pollution, the company, which recycles 9.3 billion bottles yearly, is anticipated to grow by double digits.

Global PET Containers Market Segments

By Type

• Bottles
• Jars
• Pails
• Crates
• Clamshells
• Trays, Bowls & Cups
• Other Containers

By Technology Type

• Stretch Blow Molding
• Injection Molding
• Extrusion Blow Molding
• Thermoforming
• Other technology

By End Use

• Food & Beverages
• Bottled Water
• Carbonated Drinks
• Ready-To-Drink
• Sports Drinks
• Alcoholic Drinks
• Home care and Personal care
• Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
• Electrical & Electronics
• Chemicals & Petrochemicals
• Other End Use Industry

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Denmark
  • Norway
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Thailand
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Kuwait