The Packaging Market report segments the industry into Packaging Type (Plastic Packaging, Paper And Paperboard, Metal Packaging, Container Glass). Get five years of historical data alongside five-year market forecasts.

In 2024, the global packaging market was valued at **** trillion U.S. dollars. It is forecast to grow to a market size of **** trillion U.S. dollars by 2034, with an increase of **** percent CAGR between 2024 and 2034.

The US Packaging Industry Report is Segmented by Material Type (Paper and Paperboard, Plastic, Glass, Metal) and End-User Industry (Food, Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Household, and Personal Care).

Snapshot img

Packaging Market Size 2025-2029

The packaging market size is forecast to increase by USD 297.6 billion, at a CAGR of 4.6% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the increasing trend of food delivery and takeaway services. This shift towards convenience and on-demand consumption is leading to a surge in demand for packaging solutions that ensure product safety and maintain the desired aesthetic appeal during transit. companies are responding to this trend by adopting various market strategies, including product innovation and expansion into new markets. However, the high cost of recycling rigid plastic products poses a significant challenge for the market. This obstacle, coupled with growing consumer awareness and regulatory pressure to reduce plastic waste, necessitates the exploration of sustainable alternatives.
To capitalize on the market's opportunities and navigate these challenges effectively, companies must focus on developing eco-friendly packaging solutions while ensuring affordability and maintaining the required functionality. This strategic approach will enable businesses to cater to the evolving consumer preferences and regulatory landscape, ultimately securing a competitive edge in the market.

What will be the Size of the Packaging Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
Request Free Sample

The market continues to evolve, driven by dynamic market dynamics and advancements in technology. Barrier properties, a key consideration for various sectors, are continually improving with the development of innovative materials and packaging solutions. Oxygen and moisture barriers are essential for preserving the freshness and shelf life of food products, while protective packaging ensures product integrity during shipping and transportation. Packaging machinery, including case erectors and packaging automation, streamline production processes and enhance efficiency. RFID technology and data analytics enable real-time inventory management and supply chain optimization, ensuring seamless distribution channels. Marketing and branding strategies are increasingly focused on sustainable packaging, with a growing emphasis on circular economy initiatives.

Flexible packaging, corrugated cardboard, and plastic packaging each offer unique advantages, from brand identity and point-of-sale displays to cost-effectiveness and recyclability. Food safety standards and regulatory compliance are critical, with ongoing efforts to ensure the highest levels of protection for consumers. Smart packaging, including sensors and digital interfaces, provide valuable consumer insights and enhance the overall customer experience. Packaging design and innovation continue to push boundaries, with a focus on sustainability, functionality, and consumer convenience. Compostable and biodegradable packaging materials are gaining popularity, as businesses strive to reduce their environmental footprint. In conclusion, the market is characterized by continuous innovation and evolution, with a focus on sustainability, functionality, and consumer experience.

From barrier properties and packaging machinery to marketing and branding, the industry is constantly adapting to meet the changing needs of businesses and consumers alike.

How is this Packaging Industry segmented?

The packaging industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Board
  Rigid plastic
  Flexible
  Metal
  Glass


End-user

  Food
  Beverage
  Healthcare
  Personal care
  Others


Technology

  Offset
  Flexography
  Screen
  Gravure
  Digital


Material

  Plastic
  Paper & Paperboard
  Metal
  Glass
  Wood
  Others


Packaging Type

  Primary Packaging
  Secondary Packaging
  Tertiary Packaging


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    South Africa
    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

.

By Type Insights

The board segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic the market, customer experience plays a pivotal role in driving innovation. Folding cartons, crafted from various types of paperboards like bleached paperboard, chipboard, and craft board, contribute significantly to enhancing this experience. Bleached paperboard, with its superior barrier properties, is widely used in applications such as medical packaging, cosmetics, frozen food, and candy boxes. The demand for personalized packagi

The packaging market size is projected to grow from $1.21 trillion in 2024 to $1.8 trillion by 2035, representing a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period 2024-2035

The global paper packaging market is projected to reach USD 41.5 billion by 2025 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1%, attaining USD 62.0 billion by 2035.

Key Market Metrics

Metric	Value
Market Size in 2025	USD 41.5 Billion
Projected Market Size in 2035	USD 62.0 Billion
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	4.1%

Country-wise Outlook

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
United States	6.0%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
United Kingdom	5.7%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Japan	5.3%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
South Korea	5.8%

Competitive Outlook

Company Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
International Paper	12-16%
WestRock Company	8-12%
Mondi Group	6-10%
Smurfit Kappa Group	4-8%
DS Smith Plc	3-7%
Other Companies (combined)	45-55%

The Sustainable Packaging Market report segments the industry into Process (Reusable Packaging, Degradable Packaging, Recycled Packaging), Material Type (Glass, Plastic, Metal, Paper), End User (Pharmaceutical and Healthcare, Cosmetics and Personal Care, Food and Beverage, Other End Users), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa).

The global plastic packaging market size was estimated at USD 384.35 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 492.29 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2024 to 2030

The next-generation packaging market size is likely to reach an estimated value of USD 14.5 Billion by 2025 and shall continue increasing at a rate of 6.4% from 2025 to reach USD 26.9 Billion by 2035.

Metric	Value
Market Size in 2025	USD 14.5 Billion
Projected Market Size in 2035	USD 26.9 Billion
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	6.4%

Country-wise Outlook

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
United States	6.1%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
United Kingdom	6.2%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Japan	5.9%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
South Korea	6.4%

Competitive Outlook

Company Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
aass	12-16%
Avery Dennison Corporation	8-12%
Sealed Air Corporation	6-10%
Stora Enso	4-8%
BASF SE	3-7%
Other Companies (combined)	45-55%

The global plastic packaging market is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating it will reach nearly *** billion U.S. dollars by 2034. This expansion represents a compound annual growth rate of *** percent from 2025 to 2034, highlighting the continued importance of plastic packaging in various industries worldwide. Market trends and key players As the plastic packaging sector expands, industry leaders such as Amcor, Sealed Air, and Berry Global are expected to play crucial roles in shaping the market. The polypropylene (PP) packaging films segment, a key component of the overall market, is forecast to grow from ** billion U.S. dollars in 2024 to over ** billion U.S. dollars by 2034. Countries like the United Kingdom, United States, China, and India are anticipated to emerge as leading producers of PP packaging films. Sustainability efforts and alternatives Despite the growth in plastic packaging, there is an increasing focus on sustainability within the industry. Major plastic packaging companies are making strides in producing more environmentally friendly packaging options. For instance, Nestlé reported that ** percent of their plastic packaging weight was reusable, recyclable, or compostable in 2023, while Danone achieved ** percent in the same year. Additionally, the market for biodegradable plastics is expanding rapidly, with forecasts suggesting it will grow from nearly *** billion U.S. dollars in 2023 to over ** billion U.S. dollars by 2032, demonstrating a growing demand for more sustainable packaging solutions.

The global flexible packaging market size reached USD 141.03 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 242.85 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.51% during 2025-2033. The market is witnessing stable growth due to increasing focus on maintaining environmental sustainability, rising need for enhanced convenience, and technological advancements, such as superior barrier properties to extend the shelf life of various products.

Report Attribute	Key Statistics
Base Year	2024
Forecast Years	2025-2033
Historical Years	2019-2024
Market Size in 2024	USD 141.03 Billion
Market Forecast in 2033	USD 242.85 Billion
Market Growth Rate 2025-2033	3.51%

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product type, raw material, printing technology, and application.

The global rigid plastic packaging market was valued at ****** billion U.S. dollars in 2024. Rigid plastic packaging is used for products such as food and beverage containers. The market is set to experience growth in the coming years as demand for these products continues to increase. It is projected that by 2034, the rigid plastic market size will have reached a value of ****** billion U.S. dollars.

According to Cognitive Market Research, The Global Paper packaging market size is USD 385.5 billion in 2023 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% from 2023 to 2030.

The demand for paper packaging is rising due to the numerous strategies adopted by key participants.
Demand for secondary packaging remains higher in the paper packaging market.
The food packaging category held the highest paper packaging market revenue share in 2023.
Asia Pacific paper packaging will continue to lead, whereas the European paper packaging market will experience the most substantial growth until 2030.

Increasing Demand for Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions to Provide Viable Market Output

Consumers are becoming aware of environmental impact of packaging materials, like plastic, and are looking for alternatives that are biodegradable, recyclable, and made from renewable resources. Paper packaging fits these criteria, as it is lightweight, biodegradable, and easily recycled. This has led to a shift towards paper packaging, making it an essential component of sustainable packaging solutions.

For instance, in 2019, BillerudKorsnäs launched a new paper-based packaging material called Pure Performance, which offers high strength and durability for heavy-duty packaging applications.

(Source: packagingsouthasia.com/type-of-packaging/corrugation/billerudkorsnas-performance/)

E-Commerce and Online Retail Stores to Propel Market Growth

With rise of e-commerce and online retailing, there is a greater need for packaging that can protect products during shipping and handling. Corrugated boxes, paper bags, and other paper packaging products are lightweight and can be customized to meet specific product needs, making them a popular choice for e-commerce packaging. Additionally, e-commerce companies are often looking for cost-effective packaging solutions, and paper packaging can provide a cost-effective option.

For instance, in 2019, Mondi launched a new range of paper-based packaging products for the e-commerce industry, including a fully recyclable and biodegradable mailer bag.

(Source: www.mondigroup.com/news-and-insight/2023/uk-food-market-first-as-mondi-launches-new-recyclable-paper-based-packaging-with-veetee/)

Market Dynamics of the Paper Packaging

Competition from Other Materials and Fluctuations in Raw Material Prices to Restrict Market Growth

While the paper packaging market has significant potential for growth, there are some key restraints that could limit its expansion. One of the primary challenges is competition from other materials that offer similar benefits, such as bioplastics and other bio-based materials. These materials are constantly being developed and improved, which could limit future paper packaging growth. In addition, fluctuations in raw material prices can impact the cost-effectiveness of paper packaging solutions and make them less competitive than other packaging materials. Recycling challenges can also limit the effectiveness of paper packaging as a sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging solution, as contaminated paper may not be suitable for recycling. Finally, technological limitations may also pose a challenge, as some product-specific packaging needs may require materials with specific properties that cannot be easily achieved with paper packaging. Despite these restraints, the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions is expected to continue driving growth in the paper packaging industry.

Impact of COVID–19 on the Paper Packaging Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the paper packaging market, both in the short and long term. With consumers becoming more cautious about hygiene and safety, there has been a surge in demand for packaged goods, particularly in food and healthcare sectors. This has led to increased demand for paper packaging products, like corrugated boxes, paper bags, and cartons. At the same time, disruptions to global supply chains caused by the pandemic have led to raw material shortages and price fluctuations, which have affected the paper packaging industry. The closure of manufacturing plants, transportation restrictions and reduced workforce capacity have also impacted the production and distribution of paper packaging products. However, the pandemic has also highlighted the importance of...

The barrier packaging market size is projected to reach a value of USD 18.32 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 2.8% from 2024 to 2034. Sales are predicted to reach USD 24.14 billion by 2034.

Attributes	Description
Estimated Global Barrier Packaging Market Size (2024E)	USD 18.32 billion
Projected Global Barrier Packaging Market Value (2034F)	USD 24.14 billion
Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034)	2.8%

Semi-annual Market Update

Particular	Value CAGR
H1	2.6% (2023 to 2033)
H2	2.9% (2023 to 2033)
H1	2.5% (2024 to 2034)
H2	2.7% (2024 to 2034)

Country-wise Insights

Countries	CAGR 2024 to 2034
India	5.6%
Germany	1.2%
Spain	2.6%
United States	1.8%
Canada	1.3%
China	4.9%

Category-wise Insights

Segment	Plastic (Substrate)
Value Share (2024)	71.3%

Segment	Food (End Use)
Value Share (2024)	43.5%

The global cheese packaging market is nearing a valuation of USD 3,706.5 million in 2024. The industry is projected to reach a value of USD 5,577.9 million by 2034. Sales are projected to rise at a CAGR of 4.2% over the forecast period. The revenue generated by cheese packaging in 2023 was USD 3,519.4 million. The industry is anticipated to exhibit a Y-o-Y growth of 5% in 2024.

Attributes	Key Insights
Historical Global Cheese Packaging Market Size (2023H)	USD 3,519.4 million
Estimated Global Cheese Packaging Market Size (2024E)	USD 3,706.5 million
Projected Global Cheese Packaging Market Value (2034F)	USD 5,577.9 million
Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034)	4.2%

Country-wise Insights

Countries	Value CAGR (2024 to 2034)
United States	3.6%
Brazil	3.9%
United Kingdom	2.8%
Indonesia	5.1%
China	5.7%
New Zealand	2.9%
Australia	4.5%

Category-wise Insights

Packaging Format	Containers
Value Share (2034)	18.5%

Materials	Paper
Value Share (2034)	25.5%

Distribution Channel	Hypermarket/Supermarkets
Value Share (2034)	28.3%

The global sustainable packaging market was valued at *** billion U.S. dollars in 2023. In 2024, the global packaging market value amounted to **** trillion U.S. dollars. The sustainable packaging market value is forecast to reach nearly *** billion U.S. dollars by 2032, as the industry evolves and integrates innovations. Sustainable packaging materials Sustainable packaging, sometimes referred to as green packaging, consists of a range of materials, including bio-based plastics, metal, and glass. These materials can be more easily broken down and recycled, improving environmental conditions and enabling national and international climate goals to be met. Future outlook for sustainability in the packaging industry In a global survey carried out in 2023, consumer perceptions on the environmental sustainability of packaging ranked compostable packaging as the number one quality that a sustainable packaging product should have. There is considerable pressure on packaging industries, such as the plastic packaging industry, to improve environmental credentials. For instance, in 2022, only **** percent of plastic packaging waste in the European Union was recycled, with the remainder going to landfill or being incinerated.

The global PET packaging market size reached USD 81.5 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 117.1 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% during 2025-2033. The increasing popularity of different-sized and customized packs for brand differentiation, coupled with the escalating usage of eco-friendly products, is primarily driving the market.

Report Attribute	Key Statistics
Base Year	2024
Forecast Years	2025-2033
Historical Years	2019-2024
Market Size in 2024	USD 81.5 Billion
Market Forecast in 2033	USD 117.1 Billion
Market Growth Rate (​​​​​​​2025-2033)	4.1%

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global and regional levels for ​​​​​​​2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on the packaging type, form, pack type, filling technology, and end-user.

The Food Packaging Market report segments the industry into By Type Of Material (Plastic, Metal, Glass, Paper And Paperboard), By Packaging Type (Rigid, Semi Rigid, Flexible), By Product Type (Cans, Converted Roll Stock, Gusseted Box, Corrugated Box, and more), By Application, and By Geography (North America, Europe, Asia).

Analysts at GMI Research estimates that the Packaging Market was worth USD 1.01 trillion 2022, and forecast to touch USD 1.36 trillion in 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.8% till 2030

The global paper and paperboard packaging market size was estimated at 355 billion U.S. dollars in 2021. It is forecast that the paper and paperboard packaging market size will increase in the coming years to reach a value of more than 450 billion U.S. dollars by 2026. Rigid paper accounted for over 90 percent of the paper packaging market.