Food Containers Global Market Report 2026

A food container is a receptacle typically made of metal, plastic, or wood, designed for the storage and transportation of food from one location to another. Its primary function is to protect food items, preventing damage or microbial contamination and thereby extending the shelf life of the stored food. Food containers come in various forms, such as bags, plastic containers, or glass containers.

Key products within the food containers market include bottles and jars, cans, cups and tubs, and boxes. Bottles and jars in the food containers market are specifically designed for the storage of liquids and semiliquid foods and beverages. They are characterized by high permeability and the inability to be sealed with heat, ensuring the safety of the contents. The primary materials used in the production of food containers are plastic, metal, and glass. These containers find application in storing a variety of food products, including meat, dairy, bakery items, and fruits and vegetables.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are impacting the food containers market by increasing costs of imported plastics, aluminum, glass, and molding equipment used in bottles, cans, tubs, and boxes. Food processors and packaging suppliers in North America and Europe are most affected due to reliance on imported raw materials, while Asia-Pacific faces cost pressure on container exports. These tariffs are raising container prices and affecting procurement strategies. However, they are also encouraging local container manufacturing, material substitution toward recycled inputs, and innovation in sustainable food container designs.

The food containers market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides food containers market statistics, including food containers industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a food containers market share, detailed food containers market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the food containers industry. This food containers market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The food containers market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $322.85 billion in 2025 to $356.57 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in packaged food consumption, expansion of dairy and bakery product markets, rising use of plastic and glass containers, increased demand for food storage solutions, growth of retail food distribution.

The food containers market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $527.72 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing regulatory push for eco-friendly packaging, rising demand for recyclable food containers, expansion of ready-to-eat food markets, growing focus on extended shelf-life solutions, increasing adoption of reusable packaging models. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for sustainable food containers, rising adoption of reusable packaging solutions, growing use of lightweight plastic and glass containers, expansion of rigid and flexible packaging formats, enhanced focus on food safety and shelf-life.

The growing consumption of processed and frozen foods is expected to drive the expansion of the food container market. Processed foods often contain ingredients such as artificial colors, flavors, and chemical additives, which can impact health and contribute to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. However, due to increasingly fast-paced lifestyles, the consumption of processed and frozen foods continues to rise. This elevated demand has increased the need for packaged processed and frozen foods, encouraging food processing companies to develop a wider range of products with improved nutritional value while aiming to minimize adverse health effects. For example, in April 2025, according to Frozen Food Europe, an Eastern Europe-based organization tracking trends in frozen produce markets, Euromonitor data showed that the Eastern European market for frozen processed fruits and vegetables reached USD 2.53 billion in 2024, reflecting a 7.4% year-on-year increase from USD 2.36 billion in 2023. Therefore, the rising demand for processed and packaged foods is fueling the need for food containers.

Key companies operating in the food container market are increasingly investing in recycling initiatives to gain a competitive edge. These recycling efforts support the conversion of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flakes into food-grade recycled pellets, promoting sustainability in packaging. For instance, in November 2024, CHUK, an India-based sustainable packaging company, introduced products such as the Beverage Cup, 4-inch Dona, and 3-cup Snack Tray to reduce single-use plastic in the food service sector. The Beverage Cup is made from bagasse and is suitable for both hot and cold beverages, the 4-inch Dona is designed for serving appetizers and desserts, and the 3-cup Snack Tray features versatile compartments ideal for food truck operators and casual dining settings.

In April 2024, Affinity Equity, a US-based private equity firm, acquired Lock&Lock Co. for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition was intended to secure full control of Lock&Lock Co. in order to improve management practices and address declining earnings caused by rising competitive pressures. Lock&Lock Co. is a South Korea-based household products company specializing in the manufacture of airtight food storage containers.

Major companies operating in the food containers market are Amcor plc, Plastipak Holdings Inc., Sonoco Products Company, Graham Packaging Company Inc., Ball Corporation, Printpack Incorporated, Ardagh Group, Tetra Laval International S.A., Graphic Packaging International LLC, Anchor Glass Container Corporation, Evergreen Packaging, Anchor Packaging Inc., Berry Global Group Inc., Cambro Manufacturing Company, CKS Packaging Inc., Crown Holdings Inc., Dart Container Corporation, D&W Fine Pack LLC, Eco-Products Inc., Fabri-Kal Corporation, Genpak LLC, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Huhtamaki Oyj, Inline Plastics Corporation, International Paper Company, Libbey Inc., Menasha Packaging Company LLC, Novolex Holdings LLC, Pactiv LLC, Placon Corporation, Polytainers Inc., Reynolds Group Holdings Limited, Sabert Corporation

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the food containers market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the food containers market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the food containers market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The food container market consists of sales of rigid containers, pouches, flexible containers, paper and paperboard material, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, and polypropylene terephthalate. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

Food Containers Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses food containers market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for food containers ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The food containers market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
• The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
• The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
• The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
• The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
• The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Product: Bottles and Jars; Cans; Cups and Tubs; Boxes
• 2) By Material: Plastic; Metal; Glass
• 3) By Application: Meat Products; Dairy Products; Bakery Products; Fruits and Vegetables
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Bottles and Jars: Glass Bottles And Jars; Plastic Bottles And Jars; Metal Bottles And Jars
• 2) By Cans: Aluminum Cans; Steel Cans; Tinplate Cans
• 3) By Cups and Tubs: Disposable Cups; Reusable Cups; Food Tubs
• 4) By Boxes: Carton Boxes; Rigid Boxes; Folding Boxes
• Companies Mentioned: Amcor plc; Plastipak Holdings Inc.; Sonoco Products Company; Graham Packaging Company Inc.; Ball Corporation; Printpack Incorporated; Ardagh Group; Tetra Laval International S.A.; Graphic Packaging International LLC; Anchor Glass Container Corporation; Evergreen Packaging; Anchor Packaging Inc.; Berry Global Group Inc.; Cambro Manufacturing Company; CKS Packaging Inc.; Crown Holdings Inc.; Dart Container Corporation; D&W Fine Pack LLC; Eco-Products Inc.; Fabri-Kal Corporation; Genpak LLC; Georgia-Pacific LLC; Huhtamaki Oyj; Inline Plastics Corporation; International Paper Company; Libbey Inc.; Menasha Packaging Company LLC; Novolex Holdings LLC; Pactiv LLC; Placon Corporation; Polytainers Inc.; Reynolds Group Holdings Limited; Sabert Corporation
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain.
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
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