Single-use Packaging - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Single-use Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 45.50 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 60.68 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.93% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Key Highlights

• Single-use plastic packaging is in high demand because of urbanization, busy lifestyles, and the need for food and beverage drives the industry. The increase in the consumption of food and drink and the popularity of online food delivery are also driving the demand for single-use packaging. Due to its strength, versatility, affordability, and transparency, single-use plastic packaging has gained popularity across different industries.
• The changing consumer buying behavior and the increasing prevalence of flexible, cost-effective, and user-friendly packaging drive the market for single-use packaging. Using single-use food packaging is essential in preventing foodborne illness by eliminating the risk of contamination and transmission of diseases by using products intended to be used only once. Examples of single-use products can be found in various eateries, such as fast-food joints, takeaway restaurants, and catering facilities. In the modern era, most end-user industry organizations adopt designs essential for everyday life, such as single-use paper and plastic beverage cups, beverage lids, and straws and bottles.
• The emergence of e-commerce in developing countries such as China and India is expected to increase the demand for disposable packaging. Additionally, the need for packaging in the market is expected to be influenced by the growth of modern lifestyle changes and the expansion of the food and beverages industry, the home care industry, the healthcare industry, and the personal care industry impacted by the development of new e-commerce markets which drive the demand of Single-use packaging market.
• Further, the food industry has significantly transformed recently, with a new demand for cloud kitchens emerging. Cloud kitchens have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, as the concept of cloud kitchens has become increasingly accepted by consumers, particularly in the post-pandemic, when restaurants adopt online food delivery, and the transition occurs to takeout and delivery services due to user demand.
• The widespread use of plastic materials worldwide has posed a considerable threat to the environment, and governments and global regulatory bodies are taking steps to address this issue. To address this issue, developing countries such as India have banned the production, import, storage, distribution, sale, and use of identified single-use plastic products, which are of low utility and have a high littering potential. The list of prohibited items includes earbuds containing plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, thermocol for decoration, plastic plates, cups, glasses, cutlery, forks, and stirrers. Spoons, knives, straws, trays, wrapping or packing films surrounding sweet boxes, invitation cards, cigarette packets, and plastic or PVC banners, all smaller than 100 microns;
• Meanwhile, the war between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in economic sanctions against several countries, high commodity prices, supply chain disruptions, and impacts on many markets worldwide. Some Middle Eastern nations are very reliant on imports of food and energy, making them particularly susceptible to economic shocks brought on by the Ukraine crisis. The war between Russia and Ukraine has made raw material prices and energy costs rise in several countries with production facilities, high commodity prices, supply chain disruptions, and impacts on many markets. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the war restricted food exports from Ukraine and Russia and increased the prices of these commodities. The rising cost of packaging materials and items has resulted in a decline in profit across the supply chain.

Single Use Packaging Market Trends

Growing Demand for Food and beverage segment

• The rise of online food delivery platforms and mobile applications has stimulated the growth of disposable packaging products, particularly containers. In the food and beverage sector, e-commerce transactions for standalone restaurants accepting orders online or through food aggregator applications have witnessed remarkable growth in the last few years.
• Moreover, the Fast-paced life in developed countries has made single-use foodservice packaging in quick-service restaurants necessary. More individuals rely on fast food as they have less time to prepare meals at home. Single-use packaging enables restaurants to package food sensibly, securely, and economically while providing customers with a quick and easy way to transfer meals.
• Every QSR utilizes a variety of single-use food packaging daily, including disposable paper cups, paper straws, burger boxes, and fry containers. It also uses them to protect menu items and keep them clean, at the right temperature, and imprinted with the brand's colors and logo. The quick restaurant market is multiplying daily because of the inhabitants' considerable spending power. In countries like India, Canada, Germany, and France, eating in restaurants is now widely recognized as the place to celebrate special occasions and have fun with the family. In this context, Starbucks, a famous coffee chain, has increased its stores worldwide due to demand for outside snacking and coffee. The company has 35,711 stores worldwide, which has risen from 33,833 stores the previous year.
• Bags are also widely used in the food and beverage industry. Eating on the go is rapidly becoming a norm, and packaging plays a crucial role in ensuring that the food served is consumed conveniently. Home delivery and takeaway food are the trends that witnessed rapid growth. Thus, plastic bags are a vital element used by restaurants, cafes, and food service chains to deliver food and convenience to customers.
• In addition, the growth of single-use paperboard packaging in the food sector is attributed to the superior operational characteristics of paperboard packaging, which is safe for food contact and can be used over a wide range of temperatures, maintaining organoleptic properties for a more extended period. Corrugated boxes and cartons are extensively utilized for delivering food products, such as pizzas, cereals, and snack crackers, in mint condition. They offer a clean new box each time, which can be used to pack foodstuffs and exceedingly fresh produce that needs cushioning, strength, ventilation, moisture resistance, and protection.
• Moreover, as people become more tech-savvy and value convenience and service speed, multiple online food ordering portals have emerged, significantly increasing restaurants and food service outlets' reach. An inclination toward home-grown brands and a growing cafe culture also play a role in shaping the restaurant market in the country. Such instances are expected to augment single-use packaging such as plastic containers, cups, corrugated boxes, etc.

Asia-Pacific Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share

• The region is one of the major investors and adopters of the single-use packaging market, owing to many end-user industry organizations. The growing trend of packed meals, the increasing number of restaurants and supermarkets, and increasing bottled water and beverage consumption are significant driving factors of the regional market growth.
• The need for single-use packaging is developing in India due to the country's expanding economy, growing middle class, changing lifestyles, and increasing population. The India Brand Equity Foundation predicts that by 2026, the country's e-commerce market will reach USD 200 billion. The boom in internet and smartphone use is also driving the majority of the packaging demand in the region.
• With increased demand and new companies in the food and beverage space, India has seen a rise in the paper and paperboard packaging of food and beverages. The entry and meteoric rise of food delivery service companies such as Zomato and Swiggy have increased the consumption of food and beverage packaging.
• Furthermore, in China, the growing trend of packed meals, the increasing number of restaurants and supermarkets, and increasing bottled water and beverage consumption are significant driving factors of the country's market growth.
• The increasing technological advancements and end-user industry packaging applications are the significant factors driving the growth in the Chinese market. The population is growing, and packaging per person is increasing. It is due to consumer behavior trends, such as the growth in the use of convenience products and the increasing use of single-use packaging products as substitutes for other packaging materials.
• Single-use glass packaging has been growing due to the increasing usage of generic injectable drugs in the healthcare industry. Pharmaceutical glass packaging is available in various drug types, such as injectable and non-injectable. The significant property of pharmaceutical glass packaging has high chemical durable properties, which maximizes the reliability of the products.
• The demand for single-use glass packaging in India is expected to multiply as India is a prominent and expanding player in the global medicines market. According to data published on the India Brand Equity Foundation website, India is the world's largest provider of generic pharmaceuticals, accounting for 20% of the worldwide supply and meeting over 60% of global vaccine demand. The Indian pharmaceutical industry is .valued at USD 42 billion globally.
• Furthermore, Japan is one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical industries, constantly focusing on continuous innovation in different types of packaging. The Government of Japan also contributes to this growth through deregulations for international companies to invest, thereby driving the country's packaging market.

Single Use Packaging Industry Overview

The majorly fragmented single-use packaging market, comprising several global and regional players like Ardagh Group SA, Amcor Group GmbH, Winpak Limited, and more, is vying for attention in a contested market space. This market is characterized by low product differentiation, growing levels of product penetration, and high levels of competition.

In February 2023, For the pharmaceutical and herbal market for syrup and liquid medications, Berry Global Healthcare is developing a complete bundle solution to assist customers in capitalizing on the rising demand for child-resistant (CRC) and tamper-evident (TE) packaging. The new Berry Healthcare tamper-evident and child-resistant features have seven variations of 28mm neck PET bottles ranging from 20ml to 1,000ml and various designs.

In November 2022, HotpackGlobal, a significant disposable packaging company, opened a manufacturing facility in Qatar. The cutting-edge manufacturing facility is a specialized factory that will create a wide range of Hotpack's paper products, including folding and corrugated cartons, paper bags, and cups. It is situated in Doha's new industrial region.

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support

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