United States Dairy Packaging Market Size Analysis - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook Report (2025-2034)

The United States dairy packaging market value reached approximately USD 8.92 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.50% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of around USD 12.58 Billion by 2034.

United States Dairy Packaging Market Growth

The United States dairy packaging industry growth can be attributed to the crucial role of packaging as a physical barrier to prevent any physical damage or microbial contamination in dairy products. Nowadays, consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable dairy packaging products, prompting dairy companies to adopt environmentally friendly packaging solutions.

The United States dairy packaging market dynamics and trends emphasise that suitable packaging for dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt is essential for maintaining their nutritional value, enhancing market appeal, and reducing waste. Packaging solutions that possess features that prevent light passage, oxygen transmission, and microbial contamination are increasingly preferred in the dairy sector.

United States Dairy Packaging Market Analysis

In the food industry, packaging serves as a barrier to contamination by microorganisms and other undesirable elements like moisture and light. Additionally, packaging materials also play a secondary role, as they act as an element for storage and distribution. They ensure that the product is safely delivered to the end user through different stages of production, storage, transport, distribution, and marketing.

Prevention from physical damage offered by packaging solutions, an increase in sustainable packaging, and innovations and technological advancements in dairy packaging are positively impacting the growth of the United States dairy packaging industry.

United States Dairy Packaging Industry Outlook

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that in 2021, milk production in the 24 selected states of the United States showed a consistent upward trend. Total production reached 18.44 billion pounds, marking a 2.6% increase from the 17.97 billion pounds produced in 2020. California's production rose by 2.0%, from 3.53 billion pounds in 2020 to 3.60 billion pounds in 2021. Michigan saw a notable 4.3% increase, with production rising from 974 million pounds in 2020 to 1.01 billion pounds in 2021. Minnesota saw a 6.4% increase in milk production, rising from 839 million pounds in 2020 to 893 million pounds in 2021. This growth further boosts the United States dairy packaging market revenue, as effective packaging solutions are crucial for maintaining milk's freshness and nutritional value, extending shelf life, and ensuring safe distribution.

Indiana reported an impressive 11.2% increase, with production rising from 347 million pounds in 2020 to 386 million pounds in 2021. Colorado's milk production grew by 6.6%, from 422 million pounds in 2020 to 450 million pounds in 2021. Texas saw a 5.3% increase, with production rising from 1.25 billion pounds in 2020 to 1.32 billion pounds in 2021. Pennsylvania's production remained stable, with a slight increase of 0.9%, from 866 million pounds in 2020 to 874 million pounds in 2021. Iowa's production increased by 3.1%, from 453 million pounds in 2020 to 467 million pounds in 2021.

New York experienced a 1.2% increase, with production rising from 1.29 billion pounds in 2020 to 1.30 billion pounds in 2021. Ohio saw a modest increase of 3.6%, with production growing from 469 million pounds in 2020 to 486 million pounds in 2021. The steady increase in milk production across these states is contributing to the growth of the United States dairy packaging industry revenue.

Innovative packaging technologies improve milk preservation, extend its shelf life, and ensure safety, which boosts product quality and drives the United States dairy packaging demand growth.

• Consistent consumer demand for dairy products drives the need for efficient and effective packaging solutions.
• Growing focus on eco-friendly packaging solutions aligns with environmental trends and consumer preferences.

Advanced packaging technologies and materials can be costly, impacting profit margins for dairy producers.

• Compliance with stringent food safety and packaging regulations can be challenging and resource intensive.
• Managing packaging waste and recycling can be problematic, impacting environmental sustainability.

Emerging technologies and materials present opportunities for developing more efficient and sustainable packaging solutions.

• Rising dairy consumption and new product innovations create the potential for growth in packaging solutions.
• Increasing demand for convenient and eco-friendly packaging aligns with evolving consumer preferences.

Economic downturns can affect consumer spending on premium packaging and impact the United States dairy packaging industry growth.

• Disruptions in the supply chain for packaging materials can affect production and increase costs.
• Changes in food safety and environmental regulations may require costly adjustments and compliance efforts.

Key Players in the United States Dairy Packaging Market and Their Key Initiatives

Huhtamaki Oyj

• Launched paperboard dairy cups to meet the growing demand of the United States dairy packaging market.
• Expanded Texas facility to increase folding carton production.

Berry Global Group Inc.

• Implemented advanced sustainable packaging solutions with 86% of products.
• Partnered with Aquafigure.

Amcor Plc

• Expanded North American printing and converting capabilities.
• Introduced DairySeal™ with ClearCor™ PET barrier.

Ball Corp.

Partnered with CavinKare to introduce retort aluminium cans for milkshakes. Introduced a circular economy initiative to improve recyclability.

United States Dairy Packaging Industry Segmentation

“United States Dairy Packaging Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Product:

• Flexible
• Rigid

Market Breakup by Raw Material:

• Plastic
• Paper and Board
• Glass
• Metal

Market Breakup by Packaging Type:

• Bottles
• Pouches
• Cartoons and Boxes
• Bags and Wraps
• Others

Market Breakup by Application:

• Milk
• Cheese
• Yoghurt
• Others

Market Breakup by Region:

• New England
• Mideast
• Great Lakes
• Plains
• Southeast
• Southwest
• Rocky Mountain
• Far West

United States Dairy Packaging Market Share

The growth of the United States dairy packaging market is driven by solutions that prevent microbial contamination and physical damage, reduce nutrient loss, and facilitate handling throughout storage, transportation, consumption, and production. For UHT milk, multi-layer laminates, like a triple layer of high-density polyethene, ensure shelf-life, while aseptic techniques during filling and sealing allow milk to last up to 6 months at ambient temperatures.

In addition, the United States dairy packaging market demand is enhanced by the need for cheese packaging that maintains its shape, texture, and moisture levels. Common solutions include aluminium foil, vacuum-sealed bags, wax coatings, parchment paper, and plastic containers. Innovations such as smart packaging, edible coatings, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and active packaging further contribute to the United States dairy packaging market growth.

Leading Companies in the United States Dairy Packaging Market

Major players in the United States dairy packaging market are developing sustainable and innovative packaging to gain a competitive edge over their competitors.

• Huhtamaki Oyj
• Berry Global Group Inc.
• Amcor Plc
• Ball Corp.
• Smurfit Kappa Group Plc
• Loews Corp. (Altium Packaging)
• Tetra Pak International S.A.
• Sealed Air Corp.
• Winpak Ltd.
• Polytainers Inc.