Plastic Containers Market Share

APAC Market Forecast

The APAC plastic containers market is anticipated to capture a 44% share of the global market, showing strong growth fuelled by increasing demand from the food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors. With a valuation of USD 45.4 billion in 2023, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2024 to 2032, reaching USD 72.7 billion. China and India lead the region, making up more than 61% of the market share due to rapid urbanization and a rise in the consumption of packaged goods. Trends in sustainability and regulatory changes towards recyclable materials are also influencing market dynamics.

Country-Specific Analysis

China is poised to take the lead in the APAC plastic containers market, capturing a 30% share by 2037. This growth is fuelled by robust industrial production, the expansion of e-commerce—evidenced by Alibaba achieving $1.1 trillion in GMV in 2023—and government initiatives like the NDRC’s 2025 Plastic Ban. The Ministry of Ecology has reported that $3.5 billion has been allocated for research and development in sustainable packaging, while ChemChina has seen a 27% year-over-year increase in investments in biodegradable polymers. Additionally, urbanization is expected to reach 66% by 2030, and foreign direct investment in packaging technology is further enhancing this market leadership.

India’s plastic containers market is set to reach the highest CAGR of 8.3%, according to the Ministry of Chemicals, driven by the demand for FMCG, which is expected to hit USD 220 billion by 2030, along with PLI schemes for bioplastics that have an $860 million budget. The Indian Chemical Council reports that over 3 million businesses have embraced green packaging, while the DST’s 2024 report indicates a 41% year-on-year growth in recycling infrastructure. The 2023 Single-Use Plastic Ban and the shift towards sustainable packaging by Amazon and Flipkart are significant factors in this growth.

North America Market Analysis

The North America plastic containers market is expected to hit $79 billion by 2037, with a growth rate of 4.2% CAGR, and the U.S. accounting for 86% of the regional revenue. Government initiatives like the EPA's target of 52% recycling by 2030 and the DOE's $2.4 billion Advanced Manufacturing Fund (2024) are accelerating the transition to sustainable packaging. Canada holds 16% of the market share, influenced by its $1.2 billion Green Chemistry Initiative and the ban on single-use plastics. As of 2023, over 61% of U.S. manufacturers have transitioned to eco-friendly containers, according to ACC data.

The U.S. plastic containers market, valued at $52 billion in 2023, is anticipated to grow at a 3.9% CAGR until 2030, fuelled by demand from the food/beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Sustainability efforts like the EPA’s National Recycling Goal (50% by 2030) and various state-level plastic bag bags are promoting the use of recycled PET, with 43% of packaging now incorporating recycled materials (ACC, 2024). The DOE has allocated $1.4 billion for bioplastics research and development (2023), while the rise of e-commerce is driving a 13% annual increase in demand for lightweight containers. California’s SB 55 law (2022), which requires 100% recyclable packaging by 2032, sets a significant national standard.

Canada's plastic containers market is projected to reach $4.3 billion by 2027, growing at a 4.6% CAGR, propelled by stringent regulations such as the 2021 ban on single-use plastics. The government has invested $1.1 billion in green chemistry initiatives, increasing the use of recycled plastic to 36% of packaging (Environment Canada, 2023). The food and beverage industries lead in demand, making up 48% of the market share, while 73% of consumers favour sustainable packaging. Provincial measures like Ontario’s Blue Box recycling reform aim for zero plastic waste by 2030.