Rigid Thermoform Plastic Packaging Market Report 2026

The rigid thermoform plastic packaging market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $32.65 billion in 2025 to $34.34 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of packaged food consumption, expansion of pharmaceutical blister packaging, rising demand for product protection, increased adoption of thermoforming technology, availability of cost-effective plastic materials.

The rigid thermoform plastic packaging market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $41.88 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing regulatory focus on sustainable packaging, rising demand for recyclable rigid plastics, expansion of ready-to-eat food markets, growing use in electronics packaging, increasing investments in advanced thermoforming lines. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing use of recyclable thermoform materials, growing demand for high-visibility packaging, expansion of lightweight rigid packaging solutions, rising adoption in food and pharmaceutical applications, enhanced focus on cost-efficient thermoforming.

The increasing demand for packaged foods is expected to fuel the growth of the rigid thermoform plastic packaging market going forward. Packaged foods refer to food products that are pre-processed, portioned, and sealed in containers or wrappers to preserve freshness and extend shelf life. The rise in packaged foods is driven by convenience, as they save time and effort in meal preparation, catering to busy lifestyles and on-the-go consumption. Rigid thermoform plastic packaging is useful for packaged foods as it provides durable protection, preserves freshness for longer shelf life, and enhances product visibility through its clear structure. For instance, in 2024, according to the US Foreign Agricultural Service, a US-based government agency, US exports of processed food products were valued at US $39.4 billion. Therefore, the increasing demand for packaged foods is driving the expansion of the rigid thermoform plastic packaging market.

Key players in the rigid thermoform plastic packaging market are focusing on advancing technologies, such as recyclable monoFlex thermoform packaging, to reduce environmental impact and enhance sustainability. Recyclable monoFlex thermoform packaging refers to a sustainable packaging solution made from a single polymer material, designed for easy recycling and reduced environmental impact. For instance, in November 2023, Coveris Flexibles UK, a UK-based flexible packaging company, launched MonoFlex Thermoform, a new range of recyclable thermoforming film packaging designed to replace traditional non-recyclable materials in the food industry. Made from monomaterials such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) and free from nylon (PA), the films offer high barrier protection with EVOH, strong puncture resistance, and extended shelf life for products such as meat, fish, poultry, dairy, and bakery items.

In January 2023, Lacerta Group, a US-based thermoformed packaging company, acquired Portage Plastics Corporation for an undisclosed amount. With this acquisition, Lacerta Group aims to expand its production footprint into the Midwest, utilizing Portage Plastics' manufacturing site and workforce to better serve its growing customer base in the region and the Central United States. Portage Plastics Corporation is a US-based plastics manufacturing company specializing in the field of custom vacuum-formed plastics, which includes rigid thermoform plastic packaging.

Major companies operating in the rigid thermoform plastic packaging market are Sonoco Products Company, Dart Container Corporation, Inteplast Group Corporation, Greiner Packaging International GmbH, D&W Fine Pack LLC, Anchor Packaging LLC, Inline Plastics Corporation, Placon Corporation, Plastic Ingenuity Inc., Linpac Packaging Limited, Lacerta Group Inc., Display Pack Inc., EasyPak LLC, Dordan Manufacturing Company, Huhtamäki Oyj, WestRock Company, Coveris Holdings S.A., Novolex Packaging Solutions, Bemis Company Inc., Amcor Plc.

North America was the largest region in the rigid thermoform plastic packaging market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the rigid thermoform plastic packaging market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the rigid thermoform plastic packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The rigid thermoform plastic packaging market consists of sales of indulgent tubs, retail product packs, food portion packs, point-of-purchase displays, and food packaging containers. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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