Discover your next big idea at PACK EXPO Las Vegas
Experience a breakthrough in packaging & processing and transform your business with solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries. Click to learn more.

Dairy products advancing rigid plastic food container demand

Growth for rigid plastic container demand will be driven by characteristics such as light weight, low cost, crush and shatter resistance, and design flexibility and graphics capabilities.

U.S. food container market
U.S. food container market

Those benefits will help drive demand for future rigid plastic food containers, which is expected to increase 4.2% per year through 2022, to $7.7 billion. That’s according to Freedonia Group’s new study, Food Containers in the US, 11th Edition.

Gains will be by far faster than paperboard, metal, or glass containers and will continue to take share from other products.

Further gains will be limited by competition from flexible plastic containers, particularly pouches, which offer additional source reduction and convenience advantages.

The largest market for rigid plastic food containers will remain dairy products, notes Freedonia, due to the suitability of plastic for all sizes of yogurt, including bottles for drinkable yogurt. These products will benefit from increased awareness of protein and probiotics, boosting demand for their plastic containers. Plastic containers are also widely used to package sour cream, butter, and some cheese products.

Fresh produce will also represent significant large demand growth through 2022, a result of the increased use of plastic clamshells for small and delicate items, previously sold loose, in bags, or in baskets.

The 177-page report is available for $5,500 from The Freedonia Group. Contact Corinne Gangloff by phone 440/684-9600 or email
[email protected].

2024 PACK EXPO Innovations Reports
Exclusive access: Packaging World editor-curated reports revealing PACK EXPO's most groundbreaking technologies across food, healthcare, and machinery sectors. Each report features truly innovative solutions selected from hundreds of exhibitors by our expert team. Transform your operations with just one click.
Access Now
2024 PACK EXPO Innovations Reports
Researched List: Engineering Services Firms
Looking for engineering services? Our curated list features 100+ companies specializing in civil, process, structural, and electrical engineering. Many also offer construction, design, and architecture services. Download to access company names, markets served, key services, contact information, and more!
Download Now
Researched List: Engineering Services Firms