Rigid Packaging Market Size, Share, and Trends 2026 to 2035

Revenue, 2025

USD 244.50 Bn

Forecast Year, 2035

USD 395.31 Bn

CAGR, 2026 - 2035

4.92%

Report Coverage

Global

What is the Rigid Packaging Market Size?

The global rigid packaging market size is calculated at USD 244.50 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 256.63 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 395.31 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 4.92% from 2026 to 2035.

Rigid Packaging Market Key Takeaways

• In terms of revenue, the rigid packaging market is valued at $244.50 billion in 2025.
• It is projected to reach $395.31billion by 2035.
• The rigid packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.92% from 2026 to 2035.
• Asia Pacific generated more than 51% of the revenue share in 2025.
• North America is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR between 2026 and 2035.
• By Material, the plastics segment is expected to register the highest market share from 2026 to 2035.
• By Material, the paper & paperboard segment is predicted to grow at the highest CAGR from 2026 to 2035.
• By Application, the food & beverages segment contributed more than 59% of the market share in 2025.

Market Overview

Packaging is referred to as rigid if it cannot be bent or forced out of shape. It is known for its strength and lack of flexibility while also providing things with support and structure. Plastic bottles and boxes, aluminum cans, glass jars, and corrugated and paperboard boxes are a few examples of rigid packaging materials. Cereal boxes, glass liquor bottles, soup cans, and detergent bottles are only a few examples of recognized uses. Flexible packaging protects products from severe heat, corrosion, moisture, and other environmental harmful forces. Rigid packaging is a suitable substitute. With regard to the increased attention of stakeholders, there are quite a few innovations occurring in that field as well as several product advancements.

In rigid packaging solutions, new plastic grades and versions are used to enhance the quality of the packaging that safeguards against external risks. The market is being driven by various factors including the growing food & beverages industry, increasing personal care and cosmetic sector, rising R&D investments, growing product launches, and increasing e-commerce industry.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australia spent a predicted $220.9 billion on health-related products and services in 2020–21, or $8,617 per person on average. Total health spending (recurrent and capital) increased by 7.1% in real terms over 2019–20 (inflation-adjusted). Even while this growth was higher than the 3.4% average annual growth rate for the ten years leading up to 2020–21, it primarily reflected a return to pre–pandemic health spending trends, especially for non–government spending. Australia's health expenditures made up 10.7% of the country's GDP in 2020–21, an increase of 0.5 percentage points from 2019–20. The overall health spending in 2020–21 was $156 billion, or 70%, supported by the government, and the remaining 29%, or $64.9 billion, was funded by non–government sources.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Driver

Growing demand from the healthcare industry

The governments of developing nations in many regions are investing in modernizing the healthcare systems, particularly in the era of a pandemic. As rigid plastic packaging is durable, hygienic, transparent, and lightweight, it protects medicines from contamination and is ideal for keeping medical products including tablets, syringes, surgical supplies, syrups and other products. Rigid packaging is expected to become more popular on a global scale as a result of the expanding healthcare industry. For instance, as per the China National Health Commission, the total size of China's healthcare industry will reach $2.39 trillion by 2030. Thus, the increasing healthcare industry in developing nations is expected to propel the market growth over the forecast period.

Restraints

Environmental impact of plastics

High-density polyethylene (HDPE), expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are the polymers that are most frequently utilized in the packaging industry. Different industries use rigid plastic packaging to protect and sustainably store packed goods like industrial equipment, food, and medical supplies. Recycling, reusing, and segregating plastic garbage is the main issue posed by these plastics. Plastic packaging materials can take up to a thousand years to breakdown in landfills, causing pollution of the land and water. Furthermore, plastics lose mechanical strength when exposed to direct sunshine, while thermoplastics creep and soften at room temperature. Thus, the environmental impact of plastics on environment is one of the major restraints that hamper the market growth during the forecast period.

Opportunities

Increasing uses of rigid packaging in personal care and cosmetic industry

Rigid plastic packaging is used in the personal care and cosmetics sector to package goods for use in sun care, oral care, skin care, body care, perfume, decorative cosmetics, and hair care. This gives the goods frictionless storage and a longer shelf life. In emerging nations, the market for cosmetics and personal care products is expanding quickly, which is driving up demand for rigid plastic packaging. For instance, the Malaysian International Trade Administration estimates that the global market for cosmetics and personal care would expand at a compound annual growth rate of 4% by 2025. Thereby, this is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period.

Technological Advancement

Technological advancement in the rigid packaging market features smart packaging, advanced materials, manufacturing processes, design innovations, automation and robotics, and AI and machine learning. Innovative technological methods used in material processing include lightweight composites, which use durable composite materials to reduce shipping costs and material usage. Another is biodegradable plastics, which promotes environmental concern and the practice of sustainable packaging.

Advancements in manufacturing processes include multi-material molding, injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion. Extrusion, blow molding, and injection molding a traditional methods that can be converted into advancements and automation to accelerate production efficiency and enhance quality. The multi-material molding process is used in creative packaging.

Smart packaging consists of QR codes and RFID, AI and IoT, and sensors and active packaging. AI and IoT help in monitoring, real-time tracking, and analyzing products by providing data on environmental conditions and the quality of the product. Sensors in the rigid packaging market monitor humidity, temperature inside the package to ensure product safety. QR codes and RFID trace products and authenticate the verification process.

Segment Insights

Material Insights

Based on the material, the global rigid packaging market is segmented into plastic, metal, paper & paperboard, glass and bioplastic. The plastics segment is expected to capture the largest market share over the forecast period. The widespread use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in a variety of sectors, including the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, is responsible for this increase. The rigid thermoform plastic packaging industry is supported by thermoforming due to its advantages. The U.S. Food And Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the widespread use of polystyrene in packaging, which can reduce the risk of foodborne disease in households and is fueling this market's expansion.

On the other hand, paper & paperboard segment is growing at the highest CAGR during the projection period. Paper containers, also referred to as paper packaging, are a high-efficient and affordable alternative that people can use to move, carry, and store a variety of things. Paper-based packaging is increasingly being used because it can be customized to match the needs of a particular product or consumer and is designed to be strong yet lightweight. Moreover, the use of paper-based packaging will contribute to a sustainable, safe, and healthy environment, among many other advantages because it is made from renewable resources. Thus, owing to these properties the segment will drive the market growth.

Application Insights

Based on the application, the global rigid packaging market is divided into food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and others. The food & beverages segment is expected to grow at a significant rate over the forecast period.

The containers benefit from the rigid plastic packaging's flavor-absorbing, long-lasting, lightweight, and durable qualities. The food item is kept safe and contaminant-free in rigid plastic packaging containers including bottles, cans, and jars, among others. In developing nations including the United States, Canada, China, India, and other nations, there is a swiftly growing demand for rigid plastic packaging. Demand for rigid plastic packaging is being driven by the food and beverage industry's continued expansion. For instance, the China Chain Store & Franchise Association estimates that the country's food and beverage (F&B) market grew by 7.8% from 2018 to 2019, reaching over US$595 billion.

Additionally, the Food Export Midwest USA reported that the USDA's Office of Agricultural Affairs (OAA) in Rome stated that Italy's food retail sales in 2019 were US$145 billion, an increase of 1% from the previous year. Thus, this is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period.

Regional Insights

What is the Asia Pacific Rigid Packaging Market Size?

The Asia pacific rigid packaging market size accounted at USD 124.70 billion in 2025 and is expected to be worth around USD 204.14 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.05% between 2026 and 2035.

The Asia Pacific is expected to capture the largest market share over the forecast period.The growth in the region is attributed to the growing food & beverages and personal care & cosmetics industry particularly in India and China. The most recent analysis from Euromonitor International indicates that $88 billion worth of beauty and personal care products were sold in China in 2021, an increase of 10% from the previous year. The China Chain Store & Franchise Association also reports that the food and beverage market in China reached $595 billion in 2019, up 7.8% from 2018. Thus, the aforementioned facts support the market growth over the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is dominating the rigid packaging market. Factors influencing the region to grow are urbanization, industrialization, and an increase in the food and beverages sector. Mainly, China's contribution to the highest market share and the emerging economies expands the market globally.

North America is expected to grow at a significant rate over the forecast period.The robust advancements in the rigid thermoform plastic packaging industry are responsible for this region's expansion. Numerous benefits of thermoforming include its lower cost and adaptability. The rigid thermoform plastic packaging industry has seen enormous growth in product manufacture, creating a sizable client base that is fueling the expansion of the North American rigid packaging market.

Europe is expected to grow at a fast rate during the forecast period because the food and beverage industry has a rising requirement for rigid packaging solutions. Due to the presence of some of the biggest food and beverage companies in the region, there will certainly be an increase in the need for rigid packaging solutions. Additionally, the rising demand for personal care and cosmetic products from this region is anticipated to fuel market revenue growth. For instance, the manufacture of body care products and perfumes in Germany generated revenues of USD 4223 million and USD 3020 million respectively in 2022, according to the Federal Statistical Office. Therefore, the aforementioned stats drive the market expansion over the forecast period.

Latin America: Packaging and Manufacturing Growth

Latin American market experiencing significant growth, due to the increasing number of food processing companies in the region, urbanisation, and a growing need for durable goods, both rigid packaging and the region's local manufacturing of rigid packaging are on the rise.

In Brazil, the food and beverage manufacturing industry is also contributing to an increase in rigid packaging consumption and will continue to do so due to investment in local manufacturing facilities and infrastructure for the recycling of rigid packaging materials. Brazil is also experiencing growth from the sustainable packaging initiatives of its government.

Middle East & Africa (MEA): Infrastructure Leading to Packaging Opportunities

The MEA region is a fast-growing area for packaging, as industrial processes change, retail companies build more stores, and the demand for packaged products continues to increase. The consumption of rigid packaging will continue to rise in the region, due to its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Saudi Arabia Rigid Packaging Market Trends

Saudi Arabia is leading the way in the MEA region with the amount of growth currently taking place due to the increase in investments to help support food security, expanded production of pharmaceutical products, and the overall development of Vision. The increased need for rigid packaging materials will continue to support this substantial growth.

Rigid Packaging Market Value Chain Analysis

• Raw Material Sourcing & Polymer Processing: Manufacturers are increasingly using recycled polymers and lightweight materials to comply with sustainability goals for regulations or brands while also having an acceptable level of structural integrity.
  Key Players: SABIC, BASF SE, Dow Inc.
• Packaging Design, Molding & Container Manufacturing: This component is focused on advanced molding technologies such as injection molding, blow molding, and thermoforming. There is an increased level of innovation with regard to advancements in barrier protection, tamper-resistant, and shelf-life enhancements for pharmaceuticals and food.
  Key Players: Amcor Plc, Berry Global Inc., Silgan Holdings.
• Distribution, Branding & End-User Integration: Finished products are shipped to brand owners or manufacturers of FMCGs for use and modification according to the customer's requirements.
  Key Players: Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings, DS Smith.

Rigid Packaging Market Companies

• Bemis Company, Inc.
• Amcor Limited
• Coveris Holdings S.A
• Reynolds Group Holding
• Berry Plastics Corporation
• Sonoco
• Sealed Air Corporation
• Silgan Holdings, Inc.
• Plastipak Holdings, Inc.
• Consolidated Container Company
• DS Smith PLC
• Ball Corporation

Segments Covered in the Report:

By Material

• Plastic
• Metal
• Paper & Paperboard
• Glass
• Bioplastic

By Application

• Food & Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Personal Care
• Others

By Geography

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