Global demand for rigid plastic packaging to reach 62.6 million tonnes

The global demand for rigid plastic packaging is expected to reach an annual volume of 62.6 million tonnes until 2025, according to a recent study by Ceresana.

This complex market is influenced by many different factors: new consumption patterns, product innovations, government regulations, but also, for example, substitution effects between individual plastics or packaging types.

Convenience products and delivery services stirring up the market

Demand for rigid plastic containers for foodstuffs is to a large extent affected by the trend towards convenience products.

The share of highly processed foods, ready-to-eat products, ready meals, and food delivery services is currently rising significantly. However, effects have to be considered in a differentiated way and are quite complex.

For example, microwavable packaging is mainly made of polypropylene. In the sector of ready-to-eat products (RTE), besides rigid containers made of polypropylene, packaging made of PET also profits significantly. The triumph of delivery services, however, causes the market for EPS meal trays to grow considerably.

National particularities

Besides overall state regulations and economic development, the market for plastic containers is subject to a range of further influences.

The F&B market in particular, including the packaging structure, income development, and social trends, must be taken into account. Urbanization and demographic change are accompanied with changing consumption patterns. In some segments, plastics are replacing traditional materials.

At the same time, rigid plastic containers also face an increasing competition by bags and other flexible plastic packaging solutions. Further trends such as an increasing quota of women in the working environment, sustainability, bioplastics, lightweighting, and thin wall containers also have an impact on the individual application areas and product types and necessitate an intensive examination of the market mechanisms.