Global Plastic Containers Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Material (PET, HDPE, PP, LAPE, and Others), By Application (Beverages, Industrial, Food, Cosmetic, Household Care, nd Pharmaceutical), By Region (Asia Pacific, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2025 - 2035

Global Plastic Containers Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The Global Plastic Containers Market Size Was Estimated at USD 109.8 Billion in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 5.45% from 2025 to 2035
• The Worldwide Plastic Containers Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 196.9 Billion by
• Asia Pacific is expected to Grow the fastest during the forecast period.

According to a Research Report Published by Spherical Insights and Consulting, The Global Plastic Containers Market Size was worth around USD 109.8 Billion in 2024 and is projected to Grow from USD 115.8 Billion in 2025 to around USD 196.9 Billion by 2035 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.45% during the forecast period (2025–2035). One of the key opportunities is that demand is growing as industries and customers alike favor more affordable, long-lasting, and lightweight packaging, especially in the food and beverage, personal care, and pharmaceutical sectors. The need for safe, secure, and tamper-evident shipping containers is growing as e-commerce takes off.  

Global Plastic Containers Market Forecast and Revenue Size

• 2024 Market Size: USD 109.8 Billion
• 2025 Market Size: USD 115.8 Billion
• 2035 Projected Market Size: USD 196.9 Billion
• CAGR (2025-2035)  5.45%
• Asia Pacific  Largest market in 2024
• Asia Pacific  Fastest growing market

Market Overview

Plastic containers are containers used to hold, store, transport, or package commodities that are composed entirely or in part of synthetic polymer materials such as PET, HDPE, PP, etc. The unique sustainable solutions, creative look, and functionality of plastic packaging are growing increasingly popular. The market for plastic containers is growing rapidly and has the elements of innovative, inexpensive, and sustainable packaging solutions. Plastic packaging's barrier properties help drive market growth since they keep products safe from air and moisture, which is critical for items like personal care and cosmetics. The cosmetics and personal care sector use polypropylene to manufacture bottles and jars to package creams, powders, and other cosmetics. These durable, lightweight containers protect the contents from dust, light, moisture, air, and dirt while maintaining the functional properties of their packaging. The rise in the increase of the cosmetics and personal care segment can be attributed, in part, to the increased demand for skin care products, and this increase will help drive the market share of plastic containers in this segment. Due to their versatility, plastic containers are a desirable packaging option for food and beverages, office supplies, and even chemicals. The acquisition of Liquid Bottles by Novvia Group broadens Novvia's product line in the Southeast U.S. in terms of rigid containers and plastic packaging.

Governments around the world are enacting stricter legislation to limit the harmful environmental effects of plastic containers. All packaging must be recyclable, according to the Packaging and Packaging Waste rule, which replaced the previous EU rule. It also sets minimum recycled content targets for plastics. Manufacturers, importers, and brand owners are required by India's Extended Producer Responsibility laws to supervise the recycling, reusing, and disposing of rigid and flexible plastic packaging at the end of its useful life.   

Key Market Insights

• Asia Pacific is expected to account for the largest share in the Plastic Containers market during the forecast period.
• In terms of material, the PET segment is projected to lead the Plastic Containers market throughout the forecast period
• In terms of application, the beverages segment captured the largest portion of the market

Plastic Containers Market Trends

• Sustainability & Bio based Materials
• Recycled Content & Mono Material Designs
• Lightweighting & Minimalist Packaging
• Reusable & Returnable Packaging Models
• Smart & Functional Packaging

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the plastic containers market based on various segments and regions, forecasts revenue growth, and analyses trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the plastic containers market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies, such as expansion, type launch, development, partnership, merger, and acquisition, have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the plastic containers market.

Driving factors:

Sustainable and innovative packaging solutions drive the plastic containers market.

One major contributing factor to the plastic containers market is that customers are increasingly seeking portability and convenience in their everyday lives. The lightweight and manageable packaging options provided by plastic containers meet those needs. Plastic containers allow for adaptable storage of food items, beverages for on-the-go consumption, personal care items, and more in terms of size, shape, and function. On top of this, modern consumers fast-paced lifestyle drives the need for pre-packaged and ready-to-eat food, drinks, and other consumer products. This contributes to plastic being the ideal packaging option for certain products because it is a great barrier to maintain and protect the contents while providing convenience and freshness. In addition, with e-commerce and online shopping, the demand for plastic containers has significantly increased. The rise of delivery services and e-commerce websites has led to a need for durable and secure packaging to protect products while in transit.

Restraining Factor:

Growing regulatory pressure and environmental concerns restrict the market.

The market for plastic containers is restricted by several important factors, such as plastic waste pollution, which includes marine pollution, both leading to increased scrutiny and government actions to limit plastic use and encourage greener alternatives to plastic packaging. Plastic pollution can be traced back to improper disposal and a lack of recycling infrastructure, which creates a considerable plastic burden on landfills, oceans, and the natural environment.

Market Segmentation 

The global plastic containers market is divided into material and application.

Global Plastic Containers Market, By Material:

Why does the PET segment hold the largest revenue share in the global plastic containers market, accounting for approximately 55.6% of the total market during the forecast period?

The PET segment led the plastic containers market, generating the largest revenue share. The PET is favored for its juice, bottled water, and carbonated beverage packaging because it is lightweight, durable, and recyclable. Since 70% of mineral water, soft drinks, and juice are sold in PET bottles, it is expected to gain market share as consumer demand for bottled juice and water increases.      

The HDPE segment in the plastic containers market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The HDPE segment is a robust expansion, estimated at approximately 5.7% or greater. HDPE is a rigid, strong material known for its excellent resistance to stress, cracking, and melting. Due to these properties that create a strong and durable solution for container production, HDPE is an ideal packaging material in the food and beverage, personal beauty care and cosmetic, and chemical industries. HDPE also provides an excellent moisture barrier.

Global Plastic Containers Market, By Application:

Why do beverages represent the largest application segment, capturing approximately 9.40% market share during the forecast period in the global plastic containers market?  

The beverages segment held the largest market share in the plastic containers market. The main factor propelling the beverages application segment is that beverage containers, mostly bottles and jars, are part of the supply chain that protects beverages from leaks, moisture, and exposure to chemicals, while also providing safety and shelf life of the product. As the beverage industry grows, there will continue to be a need for packaging materials due to the increased demand for convenience and ready-to-drink beverages, especially for plastic bottles of juice, carbonated soft drinks, and milk and dairy drinks.    

The cosmetic segment in the plastic containers market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Plastic containers are used extensively in the cosmetics sector to provide flexible packaging solutions that accommodate the quick launch of new products. Plastic containers are a great option because they are lightweight, portable, and long-lasting. Notably, China is a major consumer of plastic containers worldwide, primarily due to the country's rising need for cosmetics.  

Regional Segment Analysis of the Global Plastic Containers Market

• North America (U.S., Europe, Mexico) 
• Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America) 
• The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

Asia Pacific Plastic Containers Market Trends

What factors contribute to the Asia Pacific region holding the largest share, approximately 42%, of the global plastic containers market during the forecast period?

Asia Pacific is dominant in the global plastic containers market, with an estimated 42% share during the forecast period. The plastic containers market in the Asia Pacific has expanded greatly in recent years, mainly because of the increasing demand for plastic bottles for bottled water and carbonated beverages.  The predominant beverage packaging material is PET.  This demand is primarily stemming from China and India, demonstrating the region's role as a significant player in the global plastic container market. 

Why does China lead the Asia Pacific plastic containers market?

The plastic containers market in China is growing due to the increase in demand for plastic protective packaging in the cosmetics industry. Also, as many car manufacturers are building operations in China, there is a growth in demand for automotive lubricants and greases, which again increases the usage of plastic containers, thus supporting regional demand and growth.

North America Plastic Containers Market Trends

How is the North America region expected to capture approximately 30.39% of the plastic containers market by 2025, with the fastest growth rate? 

North America is expected to capture approximately 30.39% of the plastic containers market by 2025, with the fastest growth rate due to several key factors. The food industry uses rigid plastic bottles and jars to mitigate contamination and leaks. The Pharmaceutical industry uses plastic containers for the delivery and storage of medications and medical supplies because of their strength and portability. This growing demand is fueling the growth of the plastic container market.

Why is the United States expected to register the highest CAGR in the plastic containers market during the forecast period?

The country’s growing food and pharmaceutical industries continue to offer extremely profitable industry growth. The vast food industry frequently uses plastic bottles and jars to safely store food and liquids, while pharmaceutical companies use them for their strength and portability. The demand for home cleaning products is increasing as a result of consumers’ heightened attention to cleanliness and health, which drives market growth. The European market for plastic containers was recognized as one of the most lucrative markets in the world in 2023.

Europe Plastic Containers Market Trends

What factors are contributing to the growth of the plastic containers market in Europe?

The market for plastic containers in Europe, which is essential for the major sources of growth, is in the fast-moving consumer goods and the automotive sectors. There is great demand for automotive fluids because there are luxury automotive brands in the region, and there is high demand for liquid FMCGs like detergents and cleaners. Therefore, the market is experiencing growth partially due to the increasing demand for plastic packaging of coolants, lubricants, oil, and other liquids.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the global plastic containers market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their type of offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborate analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes type development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

Worldwide Top Key Players in The Plastic Containers Market Include

• ALPLA
• Pretium Packaging
• Amcor
• Plastipak Holdings, Inc.
• Graham Packaging Company
• Berry Global Inc.
• Greiner Packaging
• Shanghai Zijiang Enterprise Group Co., Ltd
• Visy Industries
• Zhuhai Zhongfu Industrial Co., Ltd
• Polycon Industries, Inc.
• KW Plastics
• Silgan Holdings, Inc.
• CKS Packaging, Inc.
• Altium Packaging
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting And Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Recent development

• In April 2025, Engel unveiled an injection molding machine manufacturing plant in Mexico. With a capacity to produce between 180 and 200 injection molding machines per year.  

• In February 2025, Mitsubishi Chemical Group announced a collaboration with ALBION Co., Ltd. (ALBION), a manufacturer and retailer of luxury cosmetics. Under the collaboration framework, waste plastics generated at ALBION will be transformed into new cosmetic containers through chemical recycling by the MCG Group

• In May 2024, Plastipak Holdings, Inc., collaborated with Kraft Heinz to convert containers of KRAFT Real Mayo and MIRACLE WHIP to rPET material, successfully implementing a sustainable packaging initiative.

• In April 2024, Klockner Pentaplast launched the first 100% rPET food packaging tray, derived from recycled tray material, marking a significant industry milestone, showcasing the company’s Tray2Tray initiative and closed-loop PET flake recycling system.

• In February 2024, Amcor collaborated with Stonyfield Organic, the country's leading organic yogurt maker, and Cheer Pack North America, a leading manufacturer of spouted pouch packaging, to launch the first all-polyethylene (PE) spouted pouch. This collaboration brings together three market leaders to create a first-to-market solution that offers a more sustainable packaging option without compromising on performance.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at the global, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the plastic containers market based on the following segments:

Global Plastic Containers Market, By Material

• PET
• HDPE
• PP
• LAPE
• Others

Global Plastic Containers Market, By Application

• Beverages
• Industrial
• Food
• Cosmetic
• Household Care
• And Pharmaceutical

Global Plastic Containers Market, By Regional Analysis

• North America
  • US
  • Europe
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa