Single Use Packaging Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Material (Plastic, Paper & Paperboard, Metal, Glass, and Others), By Product Type (Bags & Pouches, Bottles & Jars, Films & Wraps, Tableware, Boxes & Cartons, Tapes & Labels, and Others), By End-use Industry (Food & Beverage, Healthcare, Consumer Goods, E-commerce, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global single use packaging market size was valued at USD 554.14 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 583.21 billion in 2024 to USD 895.12 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.50% during the forecast period.

Single use packaging includes items, such as containers and wrappers that are designed to be used once and thrown away. These packaging items are usually made from materials, such as plastic, paper, or metal and commonly used in foods, drinks, medical supplies, and other consumer products. Convenience is one of the major driving forces of this form of packaging as it offers ease of handling, portability, and reduced need for cleaning or maintenance. Moreover, the fast-paced lifestyle of consumers will also fuel the market growth as it offers easy disposability.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on this market as there was a sharp rise in the need for disposable packaging as people were worried about staying safe and clean. To reduce the risk of transmission of the virus, both consumers and businesses turned to single-use items for food delivery, takeout, and medical supplies. Many thought that single use packaging was safer and more hygienic than reusable options during this time.

Single Use Packaging Market Trends

Changing Lifestyle and Rising Demand for Convenience to Emerge as Major Market Trend

Modern lifestyles have seen noteworthy changes due to increased urbanization, busy schedules, and a high focus on convenience. Single use packaging meets these evolving needs by offering ready-to-use, handy solutions that fit seamlessly with contemporary life.

The rise of on-the-go consumption mirrors this shift, as people increasingly look for food and beverage options that are quick to get, consume, and dispose of without requiring extensive preparation or cleanup. Single-use packaging supports this by offering products in pre-packaged forms that suit the needs of busy individuals who value speed and efficiency.

The convenience of single use packaging is a key factor driving its global popularity. It simplifies the user experience by eliminating the need for handling, cleaning, or storing reusable containers, catering to the demand for hassle-free solutions.

Additionally, the growth of e-commerce has boosted the need for single-use packaging. Online shopping demands packaging that maintains product safety and integrity during transit. This type of packaging provides essential protective barriers that prevent damage and contamination, ensuring products arrive in excellent condition. As online shopping continues to rise, the dependence on single-use packaging for shipping and delivery is also increasing.

Single Use Packaging Market Growth Factors

Rising Use of Paper & Paperboard Products to Enhance Market Growth

Single use packaging has traditionally relied on plastics due to their durability, versatility, and affordability. However, rising environmental awareness has led to a significant shift toward more sustainable options. In this movement, paper and paperboard have become increasingly popular due to their eco-friendly characteristics. Unlike plastics, paper-based materials can break down naturally and are recyclable, meeting the increasing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products.

As consumers become more environmentally aware, they are increasingly seeking out eco-friendly options. This shift in consumer behavior has prompted companies to choose packaging solutions that demonstrate their dedication to sustainability. Paper and paperboard packaging have gained traction as they offer a more natural and recyclable alternative to plastics. In the food & beverage sector, for example, paper-based options, such as corrugated boxes, paper cups, and cartons are preferred due to their ease of recycling and reduced environmental impact compared to their plastic equivalents.

The favorable consumer perception of these materials will also fuel the use of paper and paperboard in single use packaging. Paper-based packaging is frequently linked with high quality and environmental responsibility, which can boost a brand’s image and appeal. Companies that adopt eco-friendly packaging can use this positive association in their marketing efforts, potentially enhancing customer loyalty and expanding their market presence.

Increasing Demand for Single Use Packaging in Food & Beverage Industry to Boost Market Growth

The food & beverage industry plays a pivotal role in driving the single use packaging market growth, primarily due to the demand for convenience. Consumers living a fast-paced life are increasingly favoring products that are easy to handle and require minimal effort. Single-use packaging aligns perfectly with this need by providing practical solutions for immediate consumption. Ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and beverages often utilize single-use containers, allowing consumers to enjoy their food without needing extra preparation or cleanup. This convenience also extends to food delivery and takeout services, where single-use packaging is crucial for preserving the freshness and portability of meals.

Another key factor driving the demand for single-use packaging is the rise of e-commerce and online food delivery services. As these platforms become more popular, the need for effective packaging solutions has intensified. When food is ordered online and delivered, it must be packaged in a way that it can endure transportation and be safeguarded against contamination. Single-use containers and wrappers are designed specifically to address these requirements, ensuring that the food remains fresh and intact upon arrival. This trend gained significant moment especially during times of lockdowns and restrictions, where many consumers relied on online food delivery as their primary means of getting meals.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Environmental Impacts of Single Use Packaging to Impede Market Growth

One of the most critical issues related to single-use packaging is its environmental impact. A major concern is the significant waste generated by these products. Designed for one-time use and disposal, single-use items contribute greatly to the increasing volume of waste in landfills. Materials used in single-use packaging, especially plastics, can take hundreds of years to break down. This lengthy decomposition process means that the packaging waste persists in the environment for long periods, leading to accumulation and contributing to pollution.

The environmental impact of single-use packaging is especially severe in marine environments. Plastics and other materials from these packages often end up in the oceans, where they pose significant threats to marine life. Animals, such as fish, seabirds, and marine mammals can ingest plastic debris or become entangled in it, leading to injuries or even death. Furthermore, as larger plastic items break down, they form microplastics—tiny particles that contaminate water sources and are absorbed into the food chain. This pollution disrupts marine ecosystems and has serious implications for human health as toxins from microplastics can accumulate in seafood that people consume. The consequences of this contamination extend beyond marine life, affecting entire food chains and raising concerns about long-term health risks for people.

Single Use Packaging Market Segmentation Analysis

By Material Analysis

High Durability and Cost-Effectiveness of Plastic Materials Enhances Its Demand

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

The plastic segment holds the largest share of the market. The increasing demand for plastic is a significant driver of the single-use packaging market growth. Plastics are known for their adaptability, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making them ideal for various single-use applications. In industries, such as food and beverages, healthcare, and consumer products, plastic packaging offers crucial benefits, including longer shelf life, convenience, and effective protection against contamination. These advantages have led to a greater reliance on plastic for producing single use packaging products.

The paper & paperboard segment is the second-dominating segment in the market. This material is biodegradable and recyclable, which addresses increasing environmental concerns and supports waste reduction initiatives. Unlike plastics, paperboard breaks down more readily and can be transformed into new paper products, making it a more sustainable choice, and thereby, contributing to the segment’s growth.

By Product Type Analysis

Easy Transportation of Solid and Liquid Products Boosts Use of Bottles and Jars

Based on product type, the market is segmented into bags & pouches, bottles & jars, films & wraps, tableware, boxes & cartons, tapes & labels, and others.

Bottles & jars are the leading segment in the market. These are used in single-use packaging due to their functional, versatile, and protective nature. These containers are efficient in safely storing and transporting both liquids and solids. Their sturdy nature helps maintain the freshness, safety, and quality of their contents by protecting them from contaminants, moisture, and air. This protective capability is essential for products, such as beverages, sauces, and cosmetics, which need to be safeguarded from spoilage. These features of bottles and jars are fueling the segment’s growth.

Bags & pouches are the second-dominant segment in the market. These products are chosen for single-use packaging as they provide practicality, adaptability, and affordability. Their design makes efficient use of space and facilitates easy handling, making them suitable for a diverse range of products, including food, drinks, and personal care items. These factors are augmenting the segment’s growth.

End-use Industry Analysis

Increasing Demand for Quick Service Restaurants Boosts Product Use in Food & Beverage Industry

Based on end-use industry, the market is segmented into food & beverage, healthcare, consumer goods, e-commerce, and others.

Food & beverage is the dominating segment in the market. The increasing number of hotels, restaurants, and online food outlets in emerging nations is fueling the demand for single use packaging. Furthermore, the convenience provided by such products and their easy recyclability due to the incorporation of sustainable materials is further surging the segment’s growth.

Consumer goods are the second-dominating segment in the market. The growing demand for personal hygiene has increased the sales of personal care products. Furthermore, the rising living standard of the people globally has fueled the demand for household items, thus surging the segment’s growth.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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

Asia Pacific is dominating the global single use packaging market share. Rapid urbanization and the expanding middle-class population in the region have driven the demand for singe use packaging. Additionally, rise in the demand for e-commerce is also bolstering the regional market’s growth.

Europe is growing significantly due to a strong emphasis on convenience and innovative packaging designs. Moreover, the rising demand for easily disposable and recyclable packaging is further enhancing the regional market’s growth.

North America is experiencing moderate growth due to the rising fast-paced life and high consumer preference for convenient food. Busy schedules will drive the need for ready-to-eat and grab-and-go products, popularizing the concept of single-use packaging and fueling the market’s growth in the region.

Latin America is anticipated to witness lucrative growth during the forecast period. The growing number of online food outlets in the region, along with increasing consumer spending, is boosting the regional market’s growth.

The Middle East & Africa is expected to grow at a steady rate during the forecast period. The increasing urbanization and demand for consumer goods are driving the growth of this region in the global market.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Market Participants to Witness Significant Growth Opportunities Through Launch of Innovative Packaging Solutions

The global single use packaging market is highly fragmented and competitive. In terms of share, the few major players are dominating the market by offering innovative packaging solutions in the packaging industry. These players are constantly focusing on expanding their customer base across regions with the help of innovative packaging solutions.

Major players in the market include Amcor plc, Berry Global, Sonoco Products Company, Huhtamaki, Gerresheimer, and others. Numerous other players operating in the industry are focused on delivering advanced packaging solutions.

List of Top Single Use Packaging Companies:

• Amcor plc (Switzerland)


• Berry Global (U.S.)


• Sonoco Products Company (U.S.)


• Huhtamaki (Finland)


• Gerresheimer (Germany)


• Constantia Flexibles (Austria)


• ProAmpac (U.S.)


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


• Transcontinental Inc. (Canada)


• Pactiv Evergreen Inc. (U.S.)


• Tetra Pak (Switzerland)


• Sealed Air (U.S.)


• Mondi (U.K.)


• Winpak LTD. (Canada)


• PACCOR (Germany)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• July 2024 - Innovia Films, a BOPP films producer, announced its new white ‘ultra-low density’ film, specifically manufactured for ice cream flow wrap pack.


• April 2024 - Orlandi, an innovative leader in packaging and sampling solutions, announced the launch of its new product, EcoPro™ Paper-Wrap. It is a high-barrier, heat-sealable, coated, paper-wrap material that is recyclable, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic film or foil pouches and some sachets. It is quite affordably priced as compared to folding cartons.


• September 2022 - Huhtamaki and Stora Enso introduced an industrial-scale recycling program, The Cup Collective, for paper cups in Europe. The program, which is the first of its kind in Europe, aims to recycle and capture the value of used paper cups on an industrial scale.


• October 2021 - SIG, DNP, and Cosmo Foods launched a unique on-the-go packaging innovation combismile carton pack for Japanese food and beverage brands. The packaging provides busy consumers with convenient consumption directly from the pack, with a leakage-proof and tamper-proof single-action closure. It is also proven to be one of the most sustainable packaging solutions, created using only paperboard made of pulp from FSC™-certified, responsibly managed forests and other controlled sources.


• November 2019 - Huhtamaki launched a recyclable, polyolefin-based barrier packaging solution for shampoo sachets for single use.

REPORT COVERAGE

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

REPORT SCOPE & SEGMENTATION