Plastic Bag Market Size, Share, Regional Demand & Volume

Plastic Bag Market Size to Attain USD 35.41 Bn by 2033

The plastic bag market size to surge from USD 26.89 bn in 2025 to USD 31.93 bn by 2030, Asia Pacific dominated the plastic bag market in 2023 while Europe is expected to grow significantly in the market. In insight, we provide detailed insights into recent shipments of plastic bags and related materials arriving at key U.S. ports.

Plastic Bag Market Size, Companies and Segment Insights

The plastic bag market size reached US$ 25.10 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit around US$ 35.41 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2034.

Plastic Bag Market Revenue 2023-2033

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The market is proliferating due to the increasing business of retail market of healthcare, personal care & cosmetics, e-commerce, hotels & cafes, catering, bakeries, offices, healthcare services, and many others which require plastic bags for packaging for shipping and delivery purposes. The growing trend of online ordering facilities is boosting the plastic bag market.

Major Key Insights of the Plastic Bag Market

  • Asia Pacific dominated the plastic bag market in 2023.
  • Europe is expected to grow significantly in the market during the forecast period.
  • By type, Zipper bags dominated the market with the largest share in 2023.
  • By material type, the polyethylene (PE) segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period.
  • By distribution type, the direct sales (manufacturer) segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period.
  • By end type, the healthcare segment dominated the plastic bag market in 2023.

Plastic Bag Market Offering Versatile Packaging

The plastic bag market plays a significant role in the packaging industry and it is driven due to its versatility, sustainable, budget-friendly, and durable properties. It has played a significant role in the packaging market as it drives the market due to versatile packaging solutions. It is majorly favoured due to its lightweight which benefits businesses while shipping products, and cost-effectiveness which allows businesses to get a huge profit which makes it a perfect alternative to traditional packaging. The rising usage of plastic bags in fields such as skincare & cosmetics gives a wide potential for the growth of this industry. Although plastic is a good option for packaging due to its protective quality users have an issue that is constantly raised about environmental problems faced with the growing usage of such products.

These kinds of packaging are highly preferred in the catering and food packaging industry as it does not react with food items and is found to be non-toxic for such purposes they can also be customized easily according to requirements and to promote brands as well. Plastic bags provide improvised quality protection by working as an excellent barrier to oxygen and water vapour. The major innovation by market players is the development of biodegradable and recyclable plastic varieties which reduce the landfill wastage issues and also decrease the carbon footprint connected with packaging solutions.

Top 5 Factors to Drive the Plastic Bag Market

  • Cost-effectiveness The manufacturing process of plastic bags is low-cost while compared to any other packaging materials that drive the plastic bag market.
  • Convenience and Versatile Product Plastic bags are extremely lightweight, water-resistant, and durable which makes them suitable for food storage and shipping materials.
  • Growing E-commerce Services The rising trend of online ordering has improved the business in the e-commerce industry. This packaging of products becomes essential ultimately driving the polyethylene corrugated packaging market.
  • Rising Urbanization With the rising population in urban areas the demand for growing plastic bag packaging methods.
  • Changes in Regulatory Bodies In many areas, there are some strict rules for using plastic bags to expand the usage of these bags and make them environment-friendly.

Global Shipment Overview: Timely Delivery of Plastic Bags and Materials to Key U.S. Ports

Product Loading Port Unloading Port Quantity Vessel Weight Notify Party Address
Plastic Bag Shanghai, China Long Beach, CA, USA 1,125 CTN Seaspn Kobe, Voyage 13E 15,500 KG 5130 E Santa Ana St., Ontario, CA 91761, USA
Plastic Bags Hong Kong Long Beach, CA, USA 2,901 CTN Cosco England, Voyage 065E 19,448 KG 330 Town Center Drive, Suite 700, Dearborn, MI, USA
Plastic Bags Vung Tau, Vietnam Long Beach, CA, USA 3,008 PKG MSC Ivana, Voyage 434N 21,407 KG 825 East 26th Street, La Grange Park, IL, USA
Plastic Material (HTS 392010) Livorno, Italy Houston, TX, USA 44 PKG Fos Express, Voyage 18W36 24,151 KG 191 Main Street, Suite 244, Port Washington, NY, USA
Plastic Material (HTS 392010) Livorno, Italy Houston, TX, USA 44 PKG Fos Express, Voyage 18W36 24,151 KG

1919 South FM Road 565, Baytown, TX 77523, USA

Key Details Summary

Key Features Details
Timely Arrival All shipments are scheduled for September 29, 2024.
Vessel Info Reliable vessels such as Seaspn Kobe, Cosco England, MSC Ivana, and Fos Express.
Global Reach Shipping from China, Vietnam, and Italy to Long Beach, CA and Houston, TX.
Transparency Detailed shipment, weight, and delivery information for full visibility.

How Can AI Improve the Plastic Bag Market?

AI streamlines the production and design of plastic bags. Artificial Intelligence can forecast the type and size of material that suits the packaging purpose of many products, meaning that surplus production of bags can be dodged. In the plastics business, Artificial Intelligence is mainly used to observe plastic waste inside oceans, advance recycling and make plastic bag packaging and shipping products more competent. Its incorporation into the plastics market transports uncountable environmental and economic profits to industries and consumers.

Artificial Intelligence can assist governments in setting recycling goals with technologies that can find precise recyclable products in landfills and enhance the rate of recycling plastic. Such companies have comprehended this connotation and are applying these technologies to develop municipal recycling programs. The acceptance of AI technology in plastics manufacturing is now off to a robust start, but that will remain an important tool to defend the atmosphere by growing packing competencies and dropping waste. AI improves plastic excess matters by not just improving recycling and dropping packaging excess, but also letting us save and appropriately dispose of any excess that has bolted the waste managing system.

Driver

Extension of the E-commerce Business

Plastic bags also known as Polybags are simple, transparent plastic packaging. These bags are made of synthetic or plastic material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) – hence the name of the plastic bag is also polybag. Plastic bags are used to carry purchases and to keep trash in the dustbin, these are also used to protect goods during transport. Nowadays plastic bags are less used in superstores, but there is rarely anything that arrives from online stores without a plastic bag.

Estimated E-Commerce Category Purchase in 2023

Specially clothing items are shipped in such transparent plastic bags. In such a way these plastic bags play a vital role in the fashion e-commerce industry. The goods are separately packed in plastic bags and are kept safely without any fear of getting damaged. This is mainly significant for extensive supply chains such as from Asia to Europe. This plastic packaging is not only suitable to keep products safe but also keep them away from dust, dirt and moisture, which is enormously imperative for the textile industry.

  • In January 2024, according to USA Today, plastic usage in New Jersey increased three times after plastic was banned there. However, many people searching for alternatives to plastic bags as well.

Restraint

Environmental Concerns

Continuous awareness towards environmental issues by the government and many other organisations restrict the growth of the plastic bag market. As these are non-biodegradable become more difficult to use due to the huge amount of waste that spread with the use of plastic bag. Many countries and states have banned or fixed high-rate charges on the usage of plastic due to which the plastic bag market has been affected majorly. Several major market players are working on the production of a biodegradable or reusable plastic bag concept which is eco-friendly. The entire world is rapidly taking action against any abnormalities in nature that influence people to avoid the use of plastic.

Opportunity

Versatility, Cost-effectiveness, and Convenience Packaging Solution

With the growing demand for plastic bags, the market players are introducing innovative solutions for the production of reusable plastic bags. These are widely used due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and convenience packaging quality. These bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes which make them useful for several business purposes. These can be customized to promote brands at low cost and are suitable to meet several different needs in different sectors.

As it needs low cost in manufacturing it is highly preferable by retails and consumers by considering this as an economical choice. The growing trend for online purchasing is escalating the opportunities for producing superior-quality plastic bags to fulfil the demands of the market. Producing sustainable, recyclable, and reusable plastic bags also enlarges the scope of the market players such as Marlex Poly Plast, Labdhi Poly Prints, UFlex Limited, The Buckeye Bag Company, and many others.

  • In September 2024, Trex Co. announced the launch of NexTrex Plastic Recycling Drop-Off Directory. This is to trace the drop-off location of the plastic bag or film that can be picked to recycle.
  • In August 2024, Bio Reform which is a start-up company, introduced eco-friendly, compostable, and bio-degradable bags.

Segmental Insights

Zipper Bags Led the Plastic Bag Market in 2023

These zipper plastic bags are all over the places in the indusrtry,  storing electronic parts, food, and hospital materials. These are the tiny zipper plastic bags that are flat, recyclable plastic bags that hold a locking system at the top to lock and protect anything from damage. The elasticity of re-closable plastic bags has led to their strong presence in the food and beverages market. Flexible plastic bag packaging is becoming more widespread because of its adaptability and customization. One of the major features which is popular among many consumers is re-closable plastic packaging, accomplished with the introduction of a zipper. This shows that an open, flat packet can be easily sealed again. It is also preferred to keep the items in the plastic bags fresh for a long time.

  • In September 2023, Shein, announced its product launch in a reusable plastic bag. These bags are transparent with a zipper and can be reused multiple times which makes them attractive.

The Polyethylene Holds a Notable Share in the Market

The growing e-commerce business and online delivery structures elevated the request for good superiority packing solutions that can guard products from any type of harm and are also profitable. This polyethylene plastic bag packaging has a neutral pH that improves the resistance against harsh chemicals. These plastic bags are available in numerous shapes and sizes, making them desirable. In the food and agriculture field, there is an enormous demand for moist protection and hygienic bags that can be used for storage purposes. Such polyethylene bags can be quickly cleaned and offer hygienic space for packing food items and various products. The rising e-commerce and automotive industry also improve the request for polyethylene bags for superior quality protection which is required in the industry.

  • In January 2022, Franklin Mountain Capital (FMC), announced the launch of Franklin Mountain Packaging (FMP). It is to produce corrugated sheets that are composed of micro-flutes and traditional flutes along with enhanced quality digital printing.

The Direct Sales Distribution Channel Holds a Notable Share in the Market

A distribution channel is a process that companies use to promote their products among consumers. The awareness is to link the gap between manufacturer and consumer most efficiently and effectively. The distribution channel's purpose is whether the breach is less or a few thousand miles away. There are four types of distribution channels Direct selling, Dual distribution, Reverse logistics, and Selling through intermediaries. The first among the 4 types of distribution channels is the direct selling method. In a direct selling mode, a company allocates goods straight to customers without any involvement of intermediaries.

  • In March 2024, according to the Indian Direct Selling Association the direct selling industry in India grew 12% in the year 2022-23. The estimated turnover according to the annual survey is Rs. 21,282 crores.

Healthcare Sector Leads to the Market in 2023

The healthcare sector is significantly driving the plastic bag market due to its requirement for hygienic and safe packaging which is convenient for transportation purpose as well. These are extensively used to deliver medicines and other consumable items to prevent from contamination. In hospitals and clinics, plastic bags are used for packing any essentials to protect from infection and reduce the risk of contamination. With the growing telemedicine services the demand for plastic bags in this industry is also rising exponentially. Due to the continuous advancement in the healthcare sector, the demand for several other products also rising.

  • In December 2023, Cabinet Healthcare, announced the launch of a nationwide pill bottle recycling program for the first time to promote the pharmaceutical plastic waste crisis.

Growing Personal Care Industry Asia Pacific’s Projection as a Leader

Asia Pacific witnessed the highest revenue shares for the year 2023. With the rising companies for personal care and cosmetics in countries like India, Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand, and many others the consumption of plastic bags also increased. From keeping make-up products safe at home to delivering online cosmetics orders plastic bags play a significant role in this sector. There is a variety of make-up plastic zip bags available in the market and are high in demand. Its property to keep things safe away from moisture, water, dust, or any kind of contamination makes it preferable.

  • In February 2023, Snag Calpak’s launched their clear cosmetic bags which received a 4.9-star rating from women across the globe.

Growing E-commerce Business Promoting the Growth of North America

North America is estimated to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period. The rising demand for online order systems in the e-commerce business includes several factors such as rising economic situations, inhabitants, expansion, start-up culture, and many others. The demand for such plastic bag packaging growing in the region as these are cost-effective options as well as provide an advanced level guard to any type of gentle substances which makes them perfect for shipping. The major companies available in the market of this region are highly focused on manufacturing advanced and best-quality packaging options with versatility, sustainability and flexibility that can be used by a variety of customers.

Factors Influencing People to Shop Online

New Advancements in the Plastic Bag Market

  • In December 2023, EcoKaari, aimed to turn plastics into fashionable bags by collecting and washing them. This is a sustainable solution to plastic waste.
  • In March 2024, The British Crisp Co., announced its first-ever recyclable paper chip bag. These are made up of Hydropol polymer technology as a plastic alternative.
  • In July 2024, The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection announced a program for recycling g plastic waste.

Top Companies in the Plastic Bag Market

  • Champion Plastics
  • Associated Bag
  • Bagbarn.com
  • Mutual Plastics Llc
  • Polypro packaging
  • The Buckeye Bag Company
  • Akshar Packaging
  • Marlex poly Plast
  • Pearl Industries
  • Aim Plastic Pack
  • Bag ladies
  • Essel Propack Limited
  • Time Technoplast Limited

Plastic Bag Market Segments

By Bag Type

  • Zipper Bags
  • T-shirt Bags
  • Gusseted Bags
  • Slider Bags
  • Garbage Bags
  • Others

By Material

  • Polyethylene (PE)
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
  • Polylactic Acid (PLA)
  • Others (PVC, PS)

By Distribution Channel

  • Direct Sales (Manufacturers)
  • Distributors
  • Bricks & Mortar Stores
  • E-retail

By End-use

  • Retail
    • Healthcare
    • Personal Care & Cosmetics
    • Homecare & Toiletries
    • Electrical and Electronics
    • Food Service
    • Industrial
    • E-Commerce
    • Chemical & Fertilizers
  • Commercial
    • Hotels & Cafes
    • Full Service Restaurants
    • Quick Service Restaurants
    • Venues & Catering
    • Mobile Food Vendors
    • Bakery & Patisserie
  • Institutional
    • Schools & Colleges
    • Offices
    • Hospitals
    • Airports & Railways
  • Household

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
  • Insight Code: 5274
  • No. of Pages: 150
  • Format: PDF/PPT/Excel
  • Published: October 2024
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2022
  • Base Year: 2023
  • Estimated Years: 2024-2033

About The Author

Asmita Singh is a distinguished author and consultant in the packaging industry, recognized for her unwavering passion for knowledge discovery and her commitment to providing actionable insights. She holds an MBA from the University of Mumbai and a degree in Packaging Engineering from the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), equipping her with a solid foundation in both business and technical aspects of packaging. With extensive experience in packaging consulting, Asmita has successfully implemented advanced research methodologies across various packaging categories, including flexible packaging, rigid packaging, sustainable packaging, and smart packaging. She generates high-quality data and delivers meaningful results that drive innovation and efficiency. Her expertise spans the globe, offering valuable consulting services to businesses seeking to enhance their packaging strategies. Asmitas work is characterized by a dedication to excellence and a keen understanding of the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of packaging.

FAQ's

The plastic bag market size reached US$ 25.10 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit around US$ 35.41 billion by 2034.

3.5% is the growth rate of the plastic bag industry.

Champion Plastics, Associated Bag, Bagbarn.com, Mutual Plastics Llc, Polypro Packaging, The Buckeye Bag Company, Akshar Packaging, Marlex Poly Plast, Pearl Industries, Aim Plastic Pack, Bag Ladies, Essel Propack Limited, Time Technoplast Limited are the prominent players operating in the plastic bag market.

Asia Pacific region leads the global plastic bag market.