On the Go Packaging Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Material (Plastic, Paper & Paperboard, Metal, and Others), By Type (Single Use and Reusable), By Product Type (Bottles, Cans, Trays & Clamshells, Bags & Pouches, Cups, Boxes & Cartons, and Others), By Application (Food Delivery Services and Quick Serving Restaurants), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global on the go packaging market size was valued at USD 2.05 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 2.15 billion in 2024 to USD 3.34 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.71% during the forecast period.

The market refers to the packaging solutions specifically designed to meet the needs of consumers who require convenience and portability in their daily lives. This market encompasses various food packaging types, including pouches, bottles, cups, trays, and other flexible and rigid packaging formats that are easy to carry, open, and dispose of while on the move. On the go packaging is widely used across several industries, with the food & beverages sector being the dominant end-user increasing the market share.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on various industries worldwide, including this market. With widespread lockdowns, social distancing measures, and the shift to remote work, the demand for on the go packaging experienced a notable decline. Consumers were spending more time at home, reducing the need for portable food and beverage options. The closure of offices, schools, and public venues drastically decreased the consumption of on-the-go products, particularly in urban areas with high prevalence of such packaging.

On the Go Packaging Market Trends

Enhanced Authentication and Product Traceability Offered by Smart Packaging

There has been a rising emphasis on improving product authentication and traceability within the on the go packaging industry. Technologies such as NFC, RFID, and QR codes play a crucial role in product traceability. RFID, in particular, offers precise information on the location and movement of goods, allowing for real-time tracking of products throughout the supply chain. QR codes and NFC make detailed product information easily accessible to customers, allowing for verification of the authenticity of an item. The smart packaging technologies’ integration makes product replication more difficult for counterfeiters, as each item can be uniquely verified and identified.

These factors are slated to contribute to the smart on the go packaging market growth over the ensuing years.

On the Go Packaging Market Growth Factors

Changing Consumer Lifestyles and Growth in Urbanization to Fuel Market Growth

One of the primary drivers of the on-the-go packaging market is the shift in consumer lifestyles. As urbanization increases and more people lead fast-paced lives, the demand for convenient and portable food and beverage options is growing. Consumers are seeking products that can be consumed easily while commuting, at work, or during leisure activities. As more people move to urban areas, the demand for ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and beverages increases. Urban residents often have limited time for meal preparation and are more likely to purchase pre-packaged food and beverages that can be consumed on the move. The concentration of retail outlets, convenience stores, and quick-service restaurants in urban areas also supports the on the go packaging market growth. This demographic shift toward urban living is expected to continue driving the market for convenient packaging solutions.

Sustainability and Environmental Concerns is Fueling the Growth of this Market

The growing awareness of environmental issues and the demand for sustainable packaging solutions are key factors driving the on the go packaging market. Consumers and regulators alike are pushing for packaging that reduces waste, is recyclable, or is made from biodegradable materials. This trend has led to an increase in the adoption of eco-friendly packaging materials, such as plant-based plastics, paper, and compostable materials.

Packaging companies are increasingly focusing on reducing their environmental footprint by offering sustainable on the go packaging options. This shift meets consumer preferences and helps companies comply with stricter environmental regulations, making sustainability a crucial driver of market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Environmental Concerns and Supply Chain Disruptions May Hinder the Growth of the On the Go Packaging Industry

Despite the push toward sustainability, the on-the-go packaging market still faces criticism over its environmental impact, particularly concerning waste generation. Single-use packaging, which is prevalent in the on-the-go segment, often ends up in landfills or as litter, contributing to pollution and environmental degradation. The global supply chain has been increasingly volatile, with disruptions caused by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and natural disasters. These disruptions can significantly impact the availability and cost of raw materials needed for on-the-go packaging.

On the Go Packaging Market Segmentation Analysis

By Material Analysis

Plastic is the Most Used Material Owing to its Versatility and Durability

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

The plastic segment is favored in the on-the-go packaging market primarily due to its versatility and durability. It can be molded into various shapes and sizes, which is crucial for creating packaging that meets the diverse needs of consumers on the move. Whether it is for food, beverages, or other products, plastic packaging can be designed to be lightweight, flexible, and robust, making it ideal for protecting contents from damage during transportation and handling.

The paper & paperboard is the second-largest segment of this market. Paper & paperboard hold a significant on the go packaging market share due to their eco-friendly appeal and growing consumer preference for sustainable alternatives. Paper-based packaging is increasingly popular for products such as sandwiches, wraps, and bakery items, where it offers sufficient protection while being biodegradable and recyclable.

By Type Analysis

Single Use Segment Dominates Due to Ease of Use, Wide Availability, and Adoption of Products

Based on product type, the market is segmented into single use and reusable.

Single use packaging is inherently convenient, which aligns perfectly with the needs of on-the-go consumers and hence is the dominating segment. These products are designed for easy, immediate use, making them ideal for situations where consumers need quick, portable solutions without the hassle of carrying or cleaning containers afterward. The global availability and established supply chains for single-use packaging materials contribute to their dominance. Single-use packaging is a well-established segment with a robust manufacturing and distribution network, ensuring that these products are readily available in almost every market.

The reusable segment is the second dominating segment of this market. The demand for reusable packaging solutions rises with the growing awareness of environmental issues. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of single-use products, particularly the waste generated by disposable packaging. Reusable packaging is witnessed as a more sustainable alternative, helping to reduce waste and the overall environmental footprint of consumer products.

By Product Type Analysis

Branding and Marketing Opportunities Offered by Bottles Make them a Leading Product

Based on product type, the market is segmented into bottles, cans, trays & clamshells, bags & pouches, cups, boxes & cartons, and others.

Bottles offer extensive surface area for branding, which is a significant advantage for companies looking to differentiate their products in a crowded marketplace making it the dominating segment. The cylindrical shape of bottles provides a 360-degree branding opportunity, allowing for vibrant labels, logos, and product information that can attract consumer attention.

Despite the dominance of bottles, bags and pouches are gaining traction as the second most popular product type. These flexible packaging solutions offer distinct advantages, such as lightweight properties, ease of transportation, and reduced material usage, making them an attractive alternative to rigid bottles.

By Application Analysis

Increased Focus on Takeout and Drive-Thru Applications has Increased Growth of Quick-serving Restaurants

Based on application, the market is segmented into food delivery services and quick serving restaurants.

The quick serving restaurants segment dominates the market. The QSR industry has witnessed a significant shift toward takeout and drive-thru services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. These services rely heavily on on the go packaging to maintain food quality and ensure that meals are easy to transport. As consumers increasingly prefer takeout options over dining in, the demand for effective and durable packaging solutions has surged.

The food delivery services segment is the second dominating segment of this market.  Food delivery services have observed exponential growth in recent years, driven by the rise of digital platforms. These services depend on on-the-go packaging to ensure that food products remain fresh, intact, and appealing by the time they reach the customer.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

By region, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

Asia Pacific holds the largest market share of the global packaging industry. The Asia Pacific region is home to a vast and rapidly growing population. The rise of food delivery platforms and quick-service restaurants is contributing to market growth.

North America is the second-dominant region in the market. North America, particularly the U.S. and Canada, is a major player in the on the go packaging market. The U.S. and Canada have a significant number of QSRs and a strong culture of takeout and delivery, driving the demand for on-the-go packaging solutions.

Europe is expected to attain substantial growth over the forthcoming years. Western Europe, including countries such as Germany, France, and the U.K., shows increasing demand for on the go packaging solutions due to urbanization and a fast-paced lifestyle.

Latin America, including Brazil and Mexico, is witnessing the growing demand for on-the-go packaging due to increasing urbanization and changes in consumer behavior.

The Middle East & Africa region is witnessing a gradual increase in on-the-go packaging demand, driven by urbanization and growing food service industries.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Market Participants Witness Significant Growth Opportunities

The global market for on the go packaging is highly competitive and fragmented. In terms of market share, the few major market players offer innovative packaging in the packaging industry to dominate the market. These major players are constantly focused on innovation and the expansion of their customer base across various regions.

Key market players include Amcor Plc, Mondi Group, Berry Global Inc., Huhtamaki Inc., Graphic Packaging International, LLC, Constantia Flexibles, and others. Various other leading industry players are focused on providing advanced packaging solutions.

List of Top On the Go Packaging Companies:

• Amcor Plc (Switzerland)


• Mondi Group (U.K.)


• Berry Global Inc. (U.S.)


• Huhtamaki Inc. (Finland)


• Graphic Packaging International, LLC (U.S.)


• Constantia Flexibles (Austria)


• Sonoco Products Company (U.S.)


• Tetra Pak (Switzerland)


• Stora Enso (Finland)


• Impact Consumer Products Group (U.S.)


• Sealed Air Corporation (U.S.)


• Winpak LTD. (Canada)


• WestRock Company (U.S.)


• Glenroy, Inc. (U.S.)


• SIG Group (Switzerland)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• July 2024 – Berry Global Group, Inc., and Abel & Cole entered a partnership for supplying bottles for its Club Zero Refillable Milk delivery service. Before being recycled, the new PP (polypropylene) bottles can be refilled up to 16 times.


• April 2024 – Leading Vietnamese dairy company Nutifood opted for on-the-go SIG DomeMini carton bottle, one of SIG’s latest packaging innovations. The small-size carton pack would offer Vietnam consumers the sustainability benefits of a carton pack and the convenience of a plastic bottle.


• February 2024 – Amcor entered a partnership with Cheer Pack North America, a leading manufacturer of spouted pouch packaging, and Stonyfield Organic, the country’s leading organic yogurt maker, for the rollout of the first all-polyethylene (PE) spouted pouch.


• February 2024 – Smurfit Kappa announced an investment of USD 59 million in a bag-in-box plant located in Alicante, Spain. This investment is set to strengthen the sustainability of both the plant’s operations and its product portfolio.


• November 2023 – Westrock, a leading sustainable paper and packaging solutions provider, and Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages, a local Coca-Cola bottler serving New Jersey, Philadelphia, and New York City, collaborated for the implementation of a paperboard carrier replacing plastic rings for its multipack bottled beverages.

REPORT COVERAGE

The research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, competitive landscape, product types, Porter’s five force analysis, and leading end-use industries of the product. Besides, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the above factors, the report encompasses several factors that contributed to the market growth in recent years.

REPORT SCOPE & SEGMENTATION