Beverage Containers Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Material (Plastic, Glass, Metal, and Paper & Paperboard), By Product Type (Bottles, Cans, Cartons, Bag-in-boxes, Jars, and Others), By Application (Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Beverage containers refer to a broad array of products designed to package and distribute various liquid consumables, ranging from water and soft drinks to alcoholic beverages and dairy products. This market is an integral component of the global packaging industry, serving to preserve the quality, freshness, and safety of beverages while facilitating efficient distribution and consumption.

• For instance, according to a study published by Metal Packaging Europe and European Aluminium, the overall recycling rate in 2021 for aluminum beverage cans in the European Union, U.K., Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland went up by 3.2% to a new record level of 76%.

Sustainability has emerged as a pivotal consideration within the beverage containers market, driven by heightened environmental consciousness and regulatory mandates aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting circular economy principles.

The main restricting factors of the beverage containers market are sustainability concerns and the associated cost. Governments worldwide are implementing measures to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability. Beverage companies are under pressure to adopt more sustainable packaging materials such as biodegradable plastics, paper-based containers, or refillable glass bottles, which may require significant investments in research and development and infrastructure. While there is a growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, the higher costs associated with eco-friendly materials can be a significant restraint for beverage companies.

The initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic witnessed major disruptions in the global supply chains, which affected the production and distribution of beverage containers. However, certain segments witnessed a surge in demand. With consumers staying at home, there was a notable increase in the at-home consumption of beverages, leading to a rise in the purchase of larger containers such as family-sized bottles and bulk packaging. Additionally, there was a growing preference for eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions, driven by heightened awareness of environmental issues.

SEGMENTATION

KEY INSIGHTS

The report covers the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the Beverage Containers Market


• Key Industry Trends


• Regulatory Landscape for the Beverage Containers Market


• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

ANALYSIS BY MATERIAL

Based on material, the market is segmented into plastic, glass, metal, and paper & paperboard.

Plastic offers unparalleled versatility and adaptability, making it suitable for a wide range of beverage types, including water, soft drinks, juices, sports drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Its ability to be molded into various shapes and sizes allows for customized packaging solutions that cater to different consumer preferences and product requirements. Furthermore, plastic containers are durable and shatterproof, offering superior protection to beverages during storage, handling, and transportation.

ANALYSIS BY PRODUCT TYPE

Based on product type, the market is segmented into bottles, cans, cartons, bag-in-boxes, jars, and others.

Bottles offer convenience and portability, making them an ideal choice for on-the-go consumption. They are easy to carry, store, and transport, fitting seamlessly into consumers’ lifestyles. Bottles offer ample space for branding, labeling, and innovative designs, allowing beverage companies to distinguish their products on the shelf and effectively communicate brand values.

ANALYSIS BY APPLICATION

Based on application, the market is segmented into alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

With growing health consciousness among consumers, there has been a notable shift toward healthier beverage options, including non-alcoholic alternatives such as sparkling water, fruit juices, and functional drinks. As consumers seek beverages that offer nutritional benefits without compromising on taste, manufacturers are compelled to innovate and introduce a diverse range of non-alcoholic beverages, consequently driving the demand for their containers.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

By region, the beverage containers market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

The Asia Pacific is the leading region of the global beverage container market. The region represents a rapidly growing market for beverage containers, driven by increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and changing consumer preferences.

Europe is the second-dominating region of the global beverage containers market. The region's thriving wine and spirits industry, particularly in countries such as France, Italy, and Spain, drives the demand for premium glass bottles. Stringent environmental regulations and consumer preference for eco-friendly packaging further boost market growth.

A mature and well-established industry characterizes the beverage containers market in North America. The U.S. and Canada are the largest markets in the region, driven by the region's thriving craft beer industry, premium wines and spirits, and increased demand for functional beverage containers, such as those with added vitamins or minerals.

Economic factors play a significant role in driving the beverage containers market in Latin America, with affordability being a key consideration for consumers, leading to the dominance of flexible packaging options such  pouches and cartons.

The Middle East & Africa market will witness moderate growth over the upcoming years due to economic development and increasing urbanization. These factors are driving the demand for convenient, on-the-go packaging solutions while sustainability concerns are gradually gaining prominence.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

The report includes the profiles of key players such as Amcor, Berry Global Inc., O-I Glass, Inc., Stölzle Glass Group, Ardagh Group, Ball Corporation, Tetra Pak International, S.A., Elopak AS, SIG Combibloc Group AG, and CCL Industries Inc.

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• In October 2023, SIG announced the launch of the uniquely different on-the-go carton bottle SIG DomeMini. The small-size carton pack offers all the convenience of a plastic bottle and the sustainability benefits of a carton pack.


• In September 2023, CCL Container announced new aluminum bottle shaping capabilities that reflect long-standing wine bottle profiles. Designed with CCL Container’s BodyShapes shaping technology, these 750 ml aluminum bottles are resealable with a threaded cap that can keep the wine fresh for longer than a traditional glass bottle.


• In September 2022, Ball Corporation entered into an alliance with Boomerang Water LLC, a leader in sustainable water bottling technology, to provide aluminum bottles for the Boomerang Bottling System. This cutting-edge technology offers the convenience of bottled water in a sustainable package while limiting the environmental impact.