Mexico Rigid Plastic Packaging - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Mexico Rigid Plastic Packaging Market size in terms of shipment volume is expected to grow from 2.07 million tonnes in 2025 to 2.52 million tonnes by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.03% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Rigid plastic packaging provides unique benefits, such as stiffness, high impact strength, and high barrier properties, which have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years. In Mexico, the food industry is one of the significant contributors to the rigid plastic packaging market. According to the International Trade Administration, packaging was the key driver of Mexico's plastics industry, contributing to 47% of the market demand. Plastic packaging items in the food and beverage industry are usually locally created.

Key Highlights

• The country's rigid plastic packaging market is highly fragmented. Global players in the market include Amcor, Grupo Phoenix, Berry Group, and ALPLA. There are also several regional Mexican contract packaging firms operating in the market. Although barriers to entry for new players are moderate, regional packaging companies see value in foraying owing to the significant demand from various end-user industries.
• Plastic products and resins topped the list of US exports to Mexico. Mexico is the leading export market for plastics, processing machinery, and related equipment for the Americas. This is largely driven by intense nearshoring packaging activities across Mexico.
• In response to mounting environmental concerns, the plastics industry is actively exploring recycling technologies to align with global sustainability goals. ECOCE, a non-profit ecological education and packaging recycling organization, reported that Mexico's recycled content in packaging rose from 18% in 2022 to 20% in 2023.
• Carbonated beverages dominate the Mexican soft drinks industry. Though packaged water and fruit-based drinks started gaining popularity among Mexican consumers in recent years, carbonated beverages are way ahead of the rest of these categories in the country's soft drinks industry. The isotonic drinks segment in Mexico is the largest in Latin America.
• However, environmental concerns surrounding plastic packaging could hinder market growth. In Mexico, plastic waste is a predominant component of uncollected refuse, frequently making its way to the coast. A report from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources indicated that pollution levels along Mexico's coastlines had reached alarming heights. According to Plastic-Free Oceans at Oceana, a prominent marine conservation entity, the ocean is inundated with plastic waste equivalent to two truckloads every minute.

Mexico Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Trends

Demand For PET Bottles is Expected to Witness High Growth

• Plastic bottles crafted from PET are increasingly supplanting their heavier and more fragile glass counterparts. This shift can be attributed to PET's ability to provide reusable packaging for mineral water and various beverages, facilitating more cost-effective transportation.
• PET, known for its clarity and natural barrier against CO2, boasts diverse applications and can be effortlessly molded into bottles or other shapes. Furthermore, by incorporating colorants, UV blockers, oxygen barriers/scavengers, and other additives, the properties of PET can be tailored to align with a brand's unique requirements.
• In recent years, heightened consumer awareness about the environmental benefits of eco-friendly packaging has propelled the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions. PET, recognized for its recyclability and potential for circularity, has become a key resin in the quest for eco-friendly packaging materials.
• Post-pandemic, there was a significant shift toward healthy and hygienic product packaging. Owing to its eco-friendly nature, PET became a better choice as a packaging material for packaging healthy organic products.
• As reported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, retail sales of organic beverages in Mexico are projected to soar to USD 35 billion, a substantial leap from USD 24.8 million in 2022. This upward trajectory is anticipated to continue during the forecast period, fueling the demand for sustainable PET bottles in the organic beverage industry.

Rising Demand For Food Packaging Drives the Market

• Mexico boasts a rich tapestry of dining options, from time-honored eateries to contemporary restaurants. The food and beverage industry has grown significantly, encompassing restaurants, fast-food outlets, cafes, supermarkets, and street food vendors. This can be attributed to shifting consumer lifestyles, increasing emphasis on convenience, and varied packaging choices.
• Ranked among the world's top ten producers of packaged food, Mexico plays a pivotal role as a significant exporter. Notably, Mexico emerged as the leading food supplier to the United States, providing a substantial portion of its imported agri-food products. With a rising trend of Mexican consumers purchasing packaged food, many producers are ramping up their capacities to meet the burgeoning demand.
• Consumer demand for convenience food products is propelling US packaged food imports, even as high inflation in Mexico sways purchasing choices. Leading product prospects encompass private-label offerings across all categories, particularly dairy, including cheese, convenience foods, health-centric foods, and plant-based options.
• According to the Organic Trade Association, organic packaged food sales in Mexico totaled USD 63 million in 2021 and are projected to reach USD 84 million by 2025. This is expected to bolster the demand for rigid plastic food packaging options during the forecast period.

Mexico Rigid Plastic Packaging Industry Overview

The Mexican rigid plastic packaging market is fragmented. It comprises several global and regional players competing for attention in a contested space. Major market players include Amcor Rigid Packaging Mexico, Grupo Phoenix, and Aptar Group Inc.

• January 2024: ALPLA Group, a global leader in packaging and recycling, acquired Fortiflex, a Puerto Rico-based packaging specialist. This move underscored ALPLA's commitment to ramping up the production of large-volume plastic packaging across Latin America. Fortiflex Inc. has been a trusted partner of ALPLA for several years, collaborating on a diverse range of products, including buckets, lids, crates, and tubs. Their joint operations span Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic.

Additional Benefits:

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

This product will be delivered within 2 business days.