North America Plastic Packaging Market Sets USD 92.93 Bn in 2025 at 3.25 CAGR

North America Plastic Packaging Market 2025 Insights: Rigid Plastic Leads, Bioplastics Gaining Traction

According to forecasts, the global North America plastic packaging market will grow from USD 90 billion in 2024 to USD 123.92 billion by 2034, with an expected CAGR of 3.25%. In 2024, the U.S. led with 82% market share, driven by rigid plastic and PE materials. Food & beverage and B2B sales dominated. From 2025–2034, Mexico, flexible packaging, bioplastics, thermoforming, and e-commerce are set to grow significantly.

Last Updated: 17 July 2025 Category: Packaging Forms Insight Code: 5697 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

The North America plastic packaging market is predicted to expand from USD 92.93 billion in 2025 to USD 123.92 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 3.25% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The increasing demand for suitable packaging in that region has fuelled the innovation technology in the North America plastic packaging market. The altering existence influences the packing industry in North America, fulfilling customer demands for suitability and the increasing number of single-person families. The United States, because of the growing demand for suitable packing, is seeing individuals demand easy-to-transport packaging solutions.

North America Plastic Packaging Market Growth and Trends 2025

Key Insights

  • In terms of revenue, the market is valued at USD 92.93 billion in 2025.
  • The market is projected to reach USD 123.92 billion by 2034.
  • Rapid growth at a CAGR of 3.25% will be observed in the period between 2025 and 2034. 
  • The United States dominated the global market by holding more than 82% of the market share in 2024.
  • Mexico is expected to grow at a notable CAGR from 2025 to 2034.
  • By packaging type, the rigid plastic packaging segment contributed the biggest market share of 58% in 2024.
  • By packaging type, the flexible plastic packaging segment is expected to expand at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By material, the polyethylene (PE) segment contributed the biggest market share of 35% in 2024.
  • By material, the bioplastics and recyclable plastics segment will be expanding at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By technology, the blow molding segment held the major market share of 30% in 2024.
  • By technology, the thermoforming segment is projected to grow at a CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By application, the food and beverage segment contributed the biggest market share of 45% in 2024.
  • By application, the healthcare and pharmaceuticals segment is expanding at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By end-user, the food and beverage segment contributed the biggest market share of 48% in 2024.
  • By end-user, the e-commerce and personal care segment will be expanding at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By distribution, the direct sales (B2B) segment contributed the biggest market share of 60% in 2024.
  • By distribution, the e-commerce packaging supply segment will be expanding at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034.

Market Overview

The North America plastic packaging market includes the production, transformation, and application of plastic-based materials used for packaging goods across various sectors. Plastic packaging provides a lightweight, durable, and versatile solution for preserving product integrity, enhancing shelf life, and reducing transportation costs. It is widely adopted in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and e-commerce. Plastic packaging formats include both rigid (e.g., bottles, containers) and flexible (e.g., films, pouches) options, with innovations focused on sustainability and recyclability.

Rising Demand for Sustainability and Packaging Regulatory

  • The rising demand for sustainable packaging and changing packaging guidelines have influenced the market development.

Advancing Technology and Innovation Process

  • The rising advancement in packaging technology has enhanced innovation in this market and increased its demand.

E-Commerce and Flexible Packaging Demand

  • The increasing demand for e-commerce and the personal care sector has raised the production process of the market.

How Can AI Improve the North America Plastic Packaging Market?

The incorporation of AI in the North America plastic packaging market plays an important role by enhancing the innovation process and improving the sustainability of the packaging. It is widely used for the optimization of the materials utilized for the packages. It can easily detect any defect in the packages, which reduces the chances of error in the packaging process. It helps to optimize the designs of the packaging and maintain delivery charges. With the incorporation of AI in companies present in North America, it helps to fulfill plastic and carbon emission reduction goals.

Market Dynamics

Driver

Rising Demand for Packaged Food

The continuous demand for packaged food products due to several reasons, such as a huge number of working individuals, shortage of time, busy lifestyle, and many others, has influenced the development of the North America plastic packaging market. This packaging market is being determined mainly by amplified consumption of packaged and managed foods. Busy routines and changing customer preferences for suitability have encouraged demand for foodstuffs that are modest to stock and ship. The rapid increase of e-commerce in North America has formed a substantial requirement for safe and protected packaging solutions. Plastic packing is important for the safe transportation of things with potential like impact resistance, tamper-proofing, and lightweight plans.

Restraint

Rising Ecological Concerns

There are several initiatives taken by the government in North America which has hindered the growth of plastic packaging demand in this region. The growing concern about increasing ecological issues has hindered the growth of this market. Strict guidelines in the packaging industry have also played a significant role in restricting the development of the market.

Opportunity

Rising Shift towards Sustainable Packaging

Rising ecological worries and severe rules are influencing the shift towards sustainable plastic packaging options and enhancing the North America plastic packaging market. Producers are concentrated on decomposable, recyclable, and biodegradable resources to decrease plastic waste. Flexible packaging, such as films, pouches, and bags, is gaining acceptance because of its affordability, lightweight design, and convenience. It has an extended shelf life, better barrier properties, and usages fewer resources than stiff substitutes. Smart packaging resolutions that usage technology such as tamper-evident QR codes and sensor structures are becoming progressively popular. These inventions progress client contribution, track product freshness, and ensure high safety, mainly in the pharmaceutical, food, and healthcare industries.

Segmental Insights

Rigid Plastic Packaging Segment Dominated the North America Plastic Packaging Market in 2024?

The rigid plastic packaging segment contributed a considerable share of the North America plastic packaging market in 2024 due to its versatility, food and beverage, and strength. It is extensively utilized in segments such as customer goods, food and beverage, and healthcare, where product defense and structural integrity are essential. Rigid plastic packing, comprising jars, bottles, and containers, safeguards longer shelf life and avoids pollution, making it suitable for fragile and sensitive goods. Moreover, its compatibility with progressive labelling and branding methods makes it extremely favored by producers targeting customer appeal.

The flexible plastic packaging segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. It is cost-efficient and has a lightweight nature, which influences the growth of this segment. Amplified demand from segments such as cosmetics, packaged foods, pharmaceuticals, and online retail is fuelling the industry’s development. 

Why Polyethylene (PE) Segment Dominated the North America Plastic Packaging Market in 2024?

The polyethylene (PE) segment held a considerable share of the North America plastic packaging market in 2024 due to its superior material quality, cost-efficiency, and versatility. This type of material is extensively utilized in several packaging applications such as bags, flexible films, bottles, and containers. Its lightweight, durability, and moisture-resistant nature have made it suitable for personal care, food and beverages, industrial packaging, and the pharmaceutical sector.

The bioplastics and recyclable plastics segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. This segment is influenced by increasing regulatory pressures, changing consumer demand, and rising ecological consciousness. The growing demand for biodegradable and recyclable packaging has enhanced the demand for this segment.

Why the Blow Molding Segment Dominated the North America Plastic Packaging Market in 2024?

The blow molding segment held a considerable share of the North America plastic packaging market in 2024 due to the durable, high-volume, and lightweight packages. The production process is extensively utilized for generating empty plastic containers like drums, bottles, and jugs. These are essential in sectors such as personal care, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals.

The thermoforming segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. These are widely accepted due to their designing flexibility and cost-efficiency. Thermoforming includes heating plastic sheets and then molding them into different shapes.

Why Application Dominated the North America Plastic Packaging Market in 2024?

The food and beverage segment was dominant the North America plastic packaging market in 2024 due to its important role in protecting product quality, encompassing shelf life, and confirming security. The demand is influenced by the area’s flourishing food business, growing consumption of packed and processed food products, and the rising acceptance of beverages and ready-to-eat meals. Plastic packaging includes cost-efficacy, versatility, and durability, making it a suitable choice for an inclusive variety of food and beverage products.

The healthcare and pharmaceuticals segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. This segment is influenced by strict regulatory standards, increasing healthcare demands, and the requirement for safe, tamper-proof, and sterile packaging resolution. Plastic packaging provides benefits like excellent barrier, durability, and lightweight structure has raised the demand for this market.

Why the Food and Beverage Segment Dominated the North America Plastic Packaging Market in 2024?

The food and beverage segment held a considerable share of the North America plastic packaging market in 2024 due to the changing lifestyle, convenience, and search for healthy food habits. Plastic packaging provides several benefits to this industry, such as high barrier properties, cost-efficacy, and lightweight. Packaging materials like polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are extensively utilized for containers, bottles, films, and pouches.

The e-commerce and personal care segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. This segment is influenced due to increasing grooming, haircare, cosmetics, and skincare usages. These are lightweight packages available in various shapes, such as bottles, pouches, tubes, pumps, and many others have enhanced the demand for this segment.

Why Direct Sales (B2B) Segment Dominated the North America Plastic Packaging Market in 2024?

The direct sales (B2B) segment is noted for having a considerable share of the North America plastic packaging market in 2024 due to the strong relationship between producers and customers of the industry, like industrial goods, personal care, food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals. This segment directly deals with packaging manufacturers, which help in easy delivery and customization of products. Such a wide customization option has influenced the growth of this sector.

The e-commerce packaging supply segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. With the rising acceptance of online shopping, there is a huge growth in e-commerce packaging. It has a major focus on packaging that can withstand the adverse effects of the ecology.

Regional Insights

Rising Demand for Convenience United States Promotes Dominance

The United States region held the largest share of the North America plastic packaging market in 2024, due to the rising demand for convenience in carrying and utilising products. This market is growing significantly in this country, as there are various people travelling across the world who want products with easy packaging. Plastic protects products from spillage and has huge customization options.

Mexico’s Rising Ecological Concerns Support Growth

The Mexico region is estimated to grow at the fastest rate in the North America plastic packaging market during the forecast period. This is due to its strategic location as a main transportation center and its focus on production processes. It is majorly influenced in this area due to strong manufacturing and distribution abilities. The rapid growth in the e-commerce sector has highly influenced the innovation process in this market.

Top Companies in the North America Plastic Packaging Market

North America Plastic Packaging Market Top Key Players

Latest Announcements by Industry Leaders

  • In May 2025, Regional sales manager at Futamura, Joachim Janz, expressed, “Small-portion sachets have always been the tricky ones for recycling, so this success in compostability is good news.”(Source: Packaging Dive)

New Advancements in the Market

  • In May 2025, Wisconsin-based SC Johnson launched its first refillable packaging system in North America for its Method and Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day products, in partnership with Canadian retailer London Drugs.(Source: Packaging Dive)
  • In December 2025, Earthrings® Launches Cost-Effective, Sustainable Alternative to Plastic Beverage Packaging in North America. (Source: Brewers Association)

North America Plastic Packaging Market Segments

By Packaging Type

  • Rigid Plastic Packaging
  • Bottles and Jars
  • Trays and Containers
  • Caps and Closures
  • Flexible Plastic Packaging
  • Pouches
  • Wraps and Films
  • Sachets
  • Bags

By Material

  • Polyethylene (PE)
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
  • Polystyrene (PS)
  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
  • Bioplastics and Recyclable Plastics

By Technology

  • Extrusion
  • Injection Molding
  • Blow Molding
  • Thermoforming
  • Lamination

By Application

  • Food and Beverage
  • Dairy Products
  • Snacks and Confectionery
  • Beverages (Bottled Water, Juices, Soft Drinks)
  • Ready-to-Eat Meals
  • Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
  • Blister Packs
  • Liquid Medicine Bottles
  • Medical Devices
  • Personal Care and Cosmetics
  • Industrial and Chemical Packaging
  • Household Products

By End-User Industry

  • Food and Beverage
  • Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
  • Personal Care and Cosmetics
  • E-commerce and Retail
  • Chemicals
  • Agriculture

By Distribution Channel

  • Direct Sales (B2B)
  • Distributors and Wholesalers
  • Retail (DIY/Consumer Packaging Use)

By Country

  • United States
  • Canada
  • Mexico
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  • Insight Code: 5697
  • No. of Pages: 150
  • Format: PDF/PPT/Excel
  • Last Updated: 17 July 2025
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Yogesh Kulkarni is an experienced Research Analyst specializing in the packaging sector, with a strong foundation in statistical analysis and market intelligence. He currently contributes his expertise to Towards Packaging.

Learn more about Yogesh Kulkarni

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years in packaging market research, specializes in food, beverage, and eco-friendly packaging. She ensures accurate, actionable insights, driving Towards Packaging 's excellence in industry trends and sustainability.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

Related Insights

FAQ's

The market is primarily driven by the rising demand for packaged food, increasing e-commerce penetration, preference for lightweight and cost-efficient packaging, and technological innovations such as AI-based defect detection and material optimization. Consumer demand for convenience and extended shelf life in food and healthcare packaging are key growth accelerators.

Key trends include the shift toward sustainable and recyclable materials, the integration of smart packaging technologies (e.g., QR codes and sensors), and increased demand for flexible formats like pouches and sachets. Additionally, AI and automation are transforming production processes by enhancing quality control and design efficiency.

Sustainability is a top priority for regulators and consumers alike. Companies investing in biodegradable, recyclable, and bio-based plastics are positioned for long-term growth. This trend is also driving partnerships, innovation funding, and new product development across both rigid and flexible packaging.

High-growth potential exists in flexible plastic packaging, bioplastics and recyclable materials, and thermoforming technology due to lower costs, ease of customization, and eco-friendliness. Additionally, e-commerce and personal care end-user segments are expanding rapidly, making them attractive targets for strategic investment.

AI improves material optimization, defect detection, and predictive maintenance, reducing waste and improving operational efficiency. It is also enhancing product design and personalization at scale. Early AI adoption is becoming a competitive differentiator for packaging manufacturers aiming to meet sustainability targets.

Companies face increasing regulatory scrutiny around environmental impact, recyclability, and single-use plastics. North American governments are introducing stricter compliance mandates, pushing businesses toward circular economy models and sustainable packaging innovations to avoid penalties and stay competitive.

The United States dominates the market with over 82% share in 2024, fueled by demand for convenience, processed foods, and high-volume manufacturing. Its strong infrastructure, innovation ecosystem, and consumer purchasing power make it the most influential player in the region.

E-commerce is reshaping packaging requirements, emphasizing durability, compact design, and sustainability. The rise in online retail has created demand for protective, lightweight packaging that withstands transportation stress. This trend is particularly strong in cosmetics, personal care, and household products.