Disposables Packaging Market Size to Hit USD 63.23 Bn | 2033

Disposables Packaging Market Companies and Segments Insights

The global disposables packaging market is estimated to reach USD 63.23 billion by 2033, up from USD 36.70 billion in 2023, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.72% from 2024 to 2033.

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The disposables packaging market is expected to witness considerable growth during the forecast period. Disposable packaging is intended to be utilized just once and then discarded. It is used in the food business to store, transport and consume food. Disposable packaging is often made-up of materials such as plastic, paper, aluminum and foam, among others. It is widely used in fast food restaurants, take-out restaurants as well as catering businesses.

Disposable packaging comprises plates, cups, bowls, utensils, tray sheets, and single-serving butter packages. It is convenient, safe and sanitary, and it saves time by removing the need for dishwashing. It also contributes to the quality and freshness of the food. This packaging is additionally utilized for a variety of the healthcare products and is designed to guarantee sterility and the safety of patients. Several of the most popular product categories that use single-use packaging are pre-fillable syringes and needles, orthopedic, endoscopy, cardiology, dental, surgical instruments and wound care supplies, among others.

The rising trend of on-the-go consumption and convenience-based products along with the expansion of e-commerce and online food delivery services is expected to augment the growth of the disposables packaging market during the forecast period. Furthermore, the healthcare industry’s increased emphasis on hygiene and safety as well as consumer preferences are shifting towards sustainable packaging options is also anticipated to augment the growth of the market.

Additionally, the advancements in material technologies such as the development of innovative bioplastics and compostable materials coupled with the demographic changes such as the growth of the middle class in emerging economies are also projected to contribute to the growth of the market in the years to come. The global packaging industry 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.

Key Trends and Findings

• Paper-based packaging is still widely used since it is biodegradable as well as recyclable. Products that are frequently used are disposable paper plates, paper bags, cardboard boxes and cups. Due to their simplicity of disposal and benefits to the environment, these items are often preferred.
• Due to its strength and adaptability, plastic packaging remains extensively utilized regardless of increasing environmental issues. Plastic packaging consists of plastic bags, food containers, plastic bottles and wraps. Plastic is widely used in different sectors, specifically the food and beverage industry, due to its affordability and ease of use.
• With the increase in the single-person households along with the shifting customer behavior, there is a greater demand for the smaller and single-serve disposable packaging. This trend is visible in both food and beverage industries as well as in the personal care and pharmaceuticals where portion control and convenience are important.
• The concept of the circular economy focuses on material regeneration, recycling, and reuse. Reusable packaging technologies are being promoted, better recycling procedures are being implemented and packaging is being designed to make recycling and disassembly simpler.
• North America held considerable market share in 2023. This is due to the high demand for single-use packaging in the foodservice and healthcare sectors, increasing e-commerce activity and the growth of the food delivery services
• Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a fastest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the increasing urbanization, a growing middle class and rising demand for convenience packaging in food, beverages and personal care.

Market Drivers

Rise in Food Delivery Services Industry

The rise in food delivery services is expected to fuel the growth of the disposables packaging market within the estimated timeframe. Food delivery has increased by threefold since 2017 and is now a billion-dollar global industry. After a period of strong historical expansion, the market in the US nearly doubled in size during the COVID-19 epidemic. The emergence of appealing, easy-to-use applications and technologically advanced driver networks as well as the evolving customer demands, has made ready-to-eat meal delivery an important sector. As per the analysis by the National Restaurant Association, it is projected that the foodservice sector will generate $1 trillion in revenue by 2024. Also, almost eight out of ten operators anticipate that their sales in 2024 will either increase (33%) or remain constant (45%) from 2023 levels and 22 percent are expected to open-up new sites in 2024.

Furthermore, major companies in the online food delivery sector are working towards providing new services to remain competitive as well as meet evolving expectations of the consumer. For instance, in September 2023, Grubhub declared the launch of the On-Demand Delivery, a new product feature. With the help of this service, self-delivery diners on the Grubhub Marketplace can ask a Grubhub delivery person to handle last-mile logistics on an order-by-order basis as needed.

The ease of having meals delivered straight to the consumers' homes or workplaces has become a popular trend owing to the busy lifestyles, urbanization and a growing dependency on mobile apps and digital platforms for food ordering. Disposable packaging is necessary for guaranteeing that meals are served fresh, undamaged and hygienic, specifically in an industry where food safety and presentation is the key to the customer experience. Also, the rise of cloud kitchens and the delivery-only restaurants is further likely to create the demand for disposable packaging.

Market Restraints

Environmental Concerns and Stringent Regulations

The growing environmental awareness and the introduction of stringent regulations are likely to hinder the growth of the market within the estimated timeframe. Disposable packaging is mainly designed with single use plastics. Non-biodegradable plastic packaging has drawn heavy criticism for contributing to the landfills and marine pollution. An estimated 36% of the total plastic produced is utilized for single use that substantially adds to the problem of plastic waste worldwide. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), just 9% of the plastic litter has been recycled worldwide, in spite of various attempts to recycle it. Approximately 79% of plastic has been disposed of in landfills or the environment, while the rest, or 12%, being burned. Also, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources estimates that each year, 20 million metric tons of plastic waste finds their way into the ecosystem. It is projected that by 2040, that sum is likely to increase enormously.

This growing environmental awareness has resulted in the introduction of the stringent regulations by governments that are aimed at reducing the utilization of the disposable plastics. For instance, in July 2024, a new objective was declared by the Biden-Harris administration to phase out the federal acquisition of single-use plastics from events, food service processes, and packaging by 2027 and by 2035 from other federal activities completely.

Also, in September 2023, the UK government announced bans and restrictions on various single use plastics products. The new restrictions state that no establishment in England, be it a takeout operator, retailer, food vendor or associated with the hospitality sector, will be permitted to sell the single-use plastic balloon sticks, cutlery, polystyrene cups and food containers. As a result, environmental concerns remain a significant restraint on the growth and viability of the disposables packaging market within the estimated timeframe.

Market Opportunities

Growing demand from Emerging Economies:

The growing demand from emerging economies is projected to fuel the growth of the disposables packaging market in the years to come. This is due to the rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes and the expansion of the middle class. As per the data by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), urbanization has been more noticeable in developing economies over the past 10 years, specifically in Asia and Oceania, where the urban rate increased from 44.0 percent in 2012 to 50.6% percent in 2022. During the same time frame, Africa had a growth of 4.6 percentage points. Also, between 2018 and 2050, China, India and Nigeria would collectively be responsible for 35% of the global urban population growth. It is predicted that 416 million more people will live in urban areas in India, 255 million in China and 189 million in Nigeria.

As urban populations rise, there is a higher demand for easy, ready-to-use packaging options in a variety of industries such as food, hygiene products, and healthcare. In these regions, disposable packaging is becoming important for modern lifestyles, as busy consumers seek quick and easy alternatives for daily demands. Additionally, the rise of the e-commerce sector in emerging nations is further likely to create opportunities for the market growth. For instance, as per the data by the Mexican Online Sales Association, the value of the domestic e-commerce market in 2022 was projected to be USD 26.2 billion, up by 23% compared to 2021. In 2022, there were approximately 63 millions of Mexicans using e-commerce, a 5.5 million rise since 2021. This rapid expansion of the food delivery and retail sectors in cities throughout China, India and Mexico has created substantial demand for the disposable packaging that guarantees hygiene and product safety.

Key Segment Analysis

Material Segment Analysis Preview

The plastic segment held considerable market share of 55.61% in 2023. Plastics are the preferred material, specifically in the medical and packaging sectors owing to its affordability, sterility, safety, simplicity of manufacturing and flexibility. Single-use plastics include things like bags, meal packaging, straws, coffee stirrers, cups and cutlery. Polymers that are mostly utilized in the making of single-use plastics are HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene), PP (Polypropylene), PS (Polystyrene) and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), among others. Plastic is an excellent choice of material utilized for packaging in the industries such as food delivery and e-commerce, where products must be protected during the transit while being lightweight. Additionally, plastic has excellent barrier properties, enabling food and beverages to remain fresh for longer periods and this is important in the food service industry.

End-User Industry Segment Analysis Preview

The food segment held the largest market share in 2023. This is attributable to the on-going rise of the convenience-oriented consumer lifestyles along with the increase in the in the fast-food, takeout and food delivery sectors. Additionally, growth of food delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash and local services in emerging markets as well as the growing trend of ready-to-eat meals, meal kits, and on-the-go snacks is also projected to contribute the growth of the segment in the global market. Also, the awareness of food safety and hygiene following the COVID-19 pandemic globally are further likely to fuel the segment's growth in the years to come.

Regional Insights

North America is likely to grow at a considerable CAGR of 4.39% during the forecast period. This is due to the increasing prevalence of fast-food chains, food delivery services, and takeout culture as well as the growth of platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats across the region. For instance, in May 2024, Uber Technologies, Inc. and Instacart established a strategic alliance to offer Instacart clients food delivery from Uber Eats. Customers of Instacart across the country will be able to place orders from thousands of restaurants via the Instacart app, which is powered by Uber Eats. Furthermore, the surge in private-label products and the increasing focus of retailers such as Walmart, Target and Amazon on creating distinct packaging is also expected to contribute to the regional growth of the market.

Asia Pacific held largest market shares and is likely to grow at fastest CAGR of 7.49% during the forecast period. This is owing to the growth of the e-commerce platforms like Flipkart, Myntra and Shopee along with the rise of food delivery apps like Zomato, Swiggy and GrabFood across the region. Furthermore, the rising disposable income and changing consumer lifestyles are also expected to support the regional growth of the market. Additionally, the growing quick-service restaurant industry with global chains like McDonald’s, KFC, and local favorites as well as the growth in packaged food sector is also anticipated to promote the growth of the market in the region in the near future.

Recent Developments by Key Market Players

• In May 2024: Starbucks has launched a more sustainable single-use cold cup that uses up to 20% less plastic. The company claims that the cups will save 13.5 million pounds of plastic from ending up in landfills every year at no extra cost. By using the same style of cover and making storage easier, the recently introduced cold cups are expected to streamline workflow for store staff and save emissions and water during manufacture. The new cold cup is an addition to the company's many ecological packaging developments over the years such as the strawless lids, recycled material sleeves and a hot cup with thirty percent recycled material.
• In November 2023: In Scotland, UK, Highland Community Waste Partnership (HCWP) and the National Cup Recycling Scheme have joined forces to introduce a new program for recycling single-use paper cups. The statement was released by HCWP coordinator and environment charity Keep Scotland Beautiful in Scotland. As part of the plan, Valpak will be supplying new "Cup Box" infrastructure to the Scottish Highlands region.

Disposables Packaging Market Players

Some of the key players in disposables packaging market Berry Global Inc., Pactiv LLC, Winpak Ltd., Amcor Group GmbH, Graphic Packaging International, LLC, Dart Container Corporation, Huhtamaki Oyj, Novolex, Hotpack Packaging Industries LLC, and Transcontinental Inc., Ltd. among others.

Disposables Packaging Market Segments

By Material

• Plastic
• Paper and Paperboard
• Glass
• Others

By Product Type

• Cups
• Cutlery
• Bags & Pouches
• Medical Disposables
• Others

By End-User

• Food
• Beverage
• Personal Care
• Pharmaceutical
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • South-East Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC Countries
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa