PET Packaging Market

Global PET Packaging Market:

The global PET packaging market size reached US$ 78.2 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 115.8 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% during 2024-2032. 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.

PET Packaging Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The rising consumer inclination towards several ready-to-eat food products and carbonated beverages represents one of the primary factors bolstering the market. Additionally, minimal storage requirements, ease of transportation, and low production and shipping costs associated with PET packaging will continue to stimulate the growth of the market.
• Key Market Trends: The launch of specific colors, shapes, and designs for packaging materials by manufacturers is one of the emerging trends driving the overall market. Besides this, several technological advancements, including the elevating popularity of plasma-based coating, which makes bottles more impervious, are acting as significant growth-inducing factors.
• Geographical Trends: One of the key trends in various regions, like Europe and North America, includes the widespread adoption of recyclable plastic packaging. Moreover, the escalating usage of ready-to-eat (RTE) meals is also propelling the market growth in Asia Pacific. Apart from this, the increasing consumption of beverages is further fueling the market in Latin America and Middle East and Africa.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the pet packaging market companies include Amcor plc, Berry Global, Graham Packaging Company, Dunmore Corporation, Huhtamäki Oyj, Resilux NV, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Silgan Holdings Inc., GTX Hanex Plastic, Comar LLC, Sonoco Products Company, Nampak Ltd., CCL Industries Inc., Smurfit Kappa Group, and Rexam PLC, among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: The fluctuating prices of raw materials are among the primary challenges hindering the market. Moreover, the implementation of stringent regulations by government bodies on the ban on single-use plastics is negatively impacting the growth of the market. However, leading producers are adopting reusable and recyclable packaging solutions, which are projected to augment the market growth in the coming years.

PET Packaging Market Trends:

Rising Focus on Sustainability

Increasing consumer environmental awareness is encouraging the adoption of PET packaging as an eco-friendly solution. Additionally, it has minimal storage and solid waste requirements, thereby acting as another significant growth-inducing factor. For example, a new life cycle assessment (LCA) report by the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) states that PET plastic bottles deliver significant environmental savings as compared to glass and aluminum bottles. Furthermore, NAPCOR partnered with one of the solid waste management and life cycle assessment consulting firms, Franklin Associates, for its recent study and concluded that PET plastic is a novel packaging solution for minimizing increasing global warming levels across the U.S. Besides this, the National Association for PET Container Resources also suggested the adoption of PET beverage packaging. For example, in August 2023, one of the waste management companies in Scotland, Biffa, invested more than GBP80 Million to develop the infrastructures required to deliver a Deposit Return Scheme for cans and bottles. Additionally, companies are introducing innovative recycling technologies to improve the sustainability of PET materials, thereby driving the PET packaging market demand. As such, according to a survey conducted, 72% of individuals in Spain are ready to pay more for products if they are presented in sustainable packaging. Besides this, organizations, such as the PET Packaging Association for Clean Environment, act as catalysts in developing and disseminating best practices related to PET applications and recycling. It engages proactively with stakeholders to assist in policy framing.

Increasing Design Innovations

Several key players are extensively focusing on improving the functional and aesthetic aspects of PET packaging. In line with this, some of the innovations include enhanced barrier properties to extend the shelf life of products, especially in the food and beverage (F&B) sector, and designs that improve user experience, such as the introduction of easy-to-open caps and ergonomic shapes. Manufacturers are further using specific colors and shapes, thereby elevating the PET packaging market revenue. For instance, Sidel introduced StarLITE-R for carbonated soft drinks (CSD). It is a bottle made of 100% recycled PET that increases bottle base performance and secures ultimate packaging quality. In addition to this, PressureSAFE provides personal and home care brands with a safe container that is more competitive than traditional metal aerosols. It offers brand-specific packaging that is distinctive, safe, robust, and environmentally friendly. Moreover, in March 2020, ALPLA developed a 1-litre reusable PET bottle together with KHS, one of the specialists for packaging and bottling systems. Besides this, Berry Global Group's tethered closure design received an award from the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies.

Strategic Collaborations

Various companies across the supply chain, such as manufacturers, material suppliers, end-users, etc., are extensively partnering to introduce advanced and eco-friendly PET solutions. These collaborations generally focus on enhancing recycling processes and incorporating recycled PET (rPET) content into new items to minimize environmental impact. Besides this, partnerships between recycling companies and PET manufacturers can streamline the integration of rPET in packaging, thereby ensuring a more sustainable lifecycle for the products. Moreover, collaborations with technology firms are important for integrating smart packaging solutions that enhance supply chain transparency and consumer engagement. By working together, companies can leverage each other's strengths to adapt to changing market demands, innovate faster, comply with stringent environmental regulations, etc., ultimately leading to a more efficient and sustainable PET packaging industry. For instance, in January 2023, Carbios and Novozymes collaborated with a long-term exclusive strategic partnership to secure worldwide leadership in the bio recycling of PET, which is increasing the PET packaging market's recent price. Similarly, in June 2022, BOBST, along with one of the industrial adhesives specialists, BASF, and barrier film expert Evertis, supported one of the recycling companies in Europe, Sulayr, by forming a partnership that combined their expertise from across the packaging value chain.

PET Packaging Market Segmentation:

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 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on the packaging type, form, pack type, filling technology, and end-user. 

Breakup by Packaging Type:

• Rigid Packaging
• Flexible Packaging
   

Currently, rigid packaging holds the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the packaging type. This includes rigid packaging and flexible packaging. According to the report, rigid packaging accounted for the largest market segmentation.

The rigid packaging type is extensively utilized in consumer-packaged goods (CPG), as it offers support and structure for products and is known for its strength. Some of the common examples of rigid materials include plastic bottles and boxes, aluminum cans, corrugated and paperboard boxes, glass jars, etc. Wide-ranging applications are glass bottles of spirits, cans of soup, cereal boxes, laundry detergent bottles, etc. For instance, DuFor Resins offers a wide range of sustainable, customized, and recycled polyesters for rigid packaging. Similarly, Chemco provides innovative packaging solutions, including PET containers, bottles, and jars, that not only improve product shelf life and enhance brand presentation but also prioritize sustainability. This, in turn, validates the PET packaging market forecast.

Breakup by Form:

• Amorphous PET
• Crystalline PET
   

Amorphous PET holds the largest PET packaging market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the form. This includes amorphous PET and crystalline PET. According to the report, amorphous PET accounted for the largest market segmentation.

Amorphous PET refers to thermal and rigid plastics. It is known to be a clear and glossy material, and that can come with an anti-fog finish. Amorphous PET offers excellent chemical resistance and exhibits deep foaming capabilities, superior impact strength, and gas and water barrier properties. Furthermore, amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET) films are non-toxic and recyclable, which is fueling the market growth in this segmentation. For example, PolymerFilms offers a full line of APET film products from world-leading producers like Primex Plastics Corporation and Nan Ya Plastics. In line with this, INCOM RESOURCES develops APET Pellets that have passed several tests and ISO14000, FDA, ISO9000, GRS, and other certifications.

Breakup by Pack Type:

• Bottles and Jars
• Bags and Pouches
• Trays
• Lids/Caps and Closures
• Others
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the pack type. This includes bottles and jars, bags and pouches, trays, lids/caps and closures, and others.

Numerous PET pack types cater to several applications across industries. Bottles and jars constitute a significant segment, as they are widely used in the packaging of pharmaceuticals, beverages, and personal care products, owing to their strength, clarity, and excellent barrier properties. According to the PET packaging market overview, they are gaining traction, as they offer flexibility, thereby making them ideal for confections, snacks, and other consumables. In line with this, trays are made from PET to support modified atmosphere packaging and maintain food integrity, which extends shelf life. Additionally, caps, lids, and closures are essential components, ensuring product safety while providing options for child resistance and tamper-evidence. Besides this, tubes and blisters cater to niche markets that require specific packaging solutions. Each of these pack types is continually evolving, fueled by the escalating consumer demand for more convenient packaging options and technological advancements. For example, the Krones Group, headquartered in Neutraubling, Germany, develops, plans, and manufactures machines for the fields of filling and packaging technology.

Breakup by Filling Technology:

• Hot Fill
• Cold Fill
• Aseptic Fill
• Others
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the filling technology. This includes hot fill, cold fill, aseptic fill, and others.

Aseptic filling technology is adopted to pack sensitive products, including dairy and pharmaceuticals, where maintaining sterility is paramount. It is gaining traction, as it allows for the packaging of goods without preservatives, thereby extending shelf life while preserving quality. On the other hand, hot fill technology is used for high-acid beverages like tea and juices that usually require high-temperature filling to ensure longevity and safety. PET packaging for hot fill processes is generally designed to withstand thermal stress. Cold fill methods are utilized where the filling temperature is low, which is further driving the PET packaging market outlook. For example, SIPA has expertise in all available bottle manufacturing and filling technologies, from preforms to finished products, for the chemical, cosmetics, detergents, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Breakup by End-User:

• Beverages Industry
  • Bottled Water
  • Carbonated Soft Drinks
  • Milk and Dairy Products
  • Juices
  • Beer
  • Others
• Household Goods Sector
• Food Industry
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Others
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end-user. This includes beverages industry (bottled water, carbonated soft drinks, milk and dairy products, juices, beer, and others), household goods sector, food industry, pharmaceutical industry, and others.

PET packaging finds extensive applications in the beverages industry, on account of its versatility. It is lightweight and provides recyclability, thereby improving both shelf appeal and consumer convenience. Moreover, the household goods sector also usually relies on PET packaging for items like detergents and cleaners. Additionally, this type of packaging exhibits excellent barrier properties, which help to preserve freshness and extend the shelf life of baked goods, edible oils, ready-to-eat meals, etc. Apart from this, according to the PET packaging market statistics, it is gaining traction across the pharmaceutical sector, as it ensures that medications are securely packaged to protect them from contamination.

Breakup by Region:

• Asia Pacific
• North America
• Europe
• Middle East and Africa
• Latin America
   

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Asia Pacific is experiencing significant growth in PET packaging, owing to the widespread consumption of packaged goods, particularly in India and China. Moreover, the rising focus of key players on sustainability is also fostering innovations in recycled PET. Furthermore, continuous advancements in PET recycling technologies are acting as significant growth-inducing factors across North America. Besides this, stringent environmental regulations by regulatory authorities in Europe are escalating the demand for recycled materials and minimizing plastic waste in packaging. For example, to follow the various commitments of the industry players to increase the uptake of recycled plastics, including the new mandatory target of 25% in PET bottles by 2025, RecyClass and the European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP) decided to join efforts to increase the recyclability of PET bottle production. Additionally, the expanding retail infrastructure represents one of the PET packaging market's recent opportunities in the Middle East and Africa. Lastly, the market in Latin America is fueled by the inflating consumer spending power. 

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Amcor plc
• Berry Global
• Graham Packaging Company
• Dunmore Corporation
• Huhtamäki Oyj
• Resilux NV
• E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
• Silgan Holdings Inc.
• GTX Hanex Plastic
• Comar LLC
• Sonoco Products Company
• Nampak Ltd.
• CCL Industries Inc.
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Rexam PLC
   

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

PET Packaging Market Recent Developments:

• April 2024: PAAG, a member of Bell Holding, installed a Starlinger recoSTAR PET 165 HC iV+ PET bottle-to-bottle recycling line that has a production capacity of up to 1,800 kg/h in its Gebze facility near Istanbul.
• January 2024: Coca-Cola India collaborated with one of the leading retail groups in India, Reliance Retail, on a PET recycling program that provides individuals incentives for returning empty PET bottles. The partners aim to collect five million PET bottles annually during the program’s pilot phase.
• January 2024: One of the research teams led by Dr. Beizhan Yan and Dr. Wei Min of Columbia University introduced an imaging technique called Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) microscopy that detected thousands of tiny bits of plastic in common single-use bottles of water.

PET Packaging Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the PET packaging market from 2018-2032.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global PET packaging market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the PET packaging industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.