U.S. Beverage Packaging Market Size & Trends 2025

U.S. Beverage Packaging Market Size, Trends, Segments, Companies, Competitive Analysis, Value Chain & Trade Analysis 2025-2035

The U.S. beverage packaging market report provides a full breakdown of market size forecasts, packaging formats, material segments, and consumption trends. It also compares regional contributions across NA, EU, APAC, LA, and MEA. The study highlights major companies, competitive strengths, production capacities, value chain flows, and global import-export data. All insights are backed by detailed charts, historical figures, and forward-looking statistics.

Last Updated: 09 December 2025 Category: Bevarage Packaging Insight Code: 5820 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

Content

The U.S. beverage packaging market is thoroughly analyzed across its market size, year-on-year growth, major segments, and material types, while also covering regional data spanning North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. This report includes competitive analysis of leading companies, detailed value chain structures, and complete trade statistics along with manufacturer and supplier data that helps map the entire ecosystem using verified quantitative and statistical insights.

Major Key Insights of the U.S. Beverage Packaging Market

  • By material, the aluminum segment contributed the biggest market share of approximately 30% in 2024.
  • By material, the PET (recycled PET/rPET) segment is expected to expand at a significant CAGR in between 2025 and 2034.
  • By beverage category, the bottled water segment dominated the market with approximately 27% share in 2024.
  • By beverage category, the functional & nutraceutical beverages segment will be expanding at a significant CAGR in between 2025 and 2034.
  • By package size, the single-serve (251–500 mL) segment held the major market share of approximately 55% in 2024.
  • By package size, the mini/shots (≤ 250 mL) segment is projected to grow at a CAGR in between 2025 and 2034.
  • By filling/processing technology, the cold-fill (including carbonation-stable) segment contributed the biggest market share of approximately 46% in 2024.
  • By filling/processing technology, the aseptic-fill segment is expanding at a significant CAGR in between 2025 and 2034.
  • By barrier property, the medium barrier segment dominated the market with the share of approximately 55% in 2024.
  • By barrier property, the high barrier segment will be expanding at a significant CAGR in between 2025 and 2034.

U.S. Beverage Packaging Production Volumes (2024)

Packaging Type Annual Production (Units)
PET Bottles 135 billion
Aluminum Cans 110 billion
Glass Bottles 28 billion
Cartons 14 billion
Pouches 4.8 billion

Market Overview

Beverage packaging market (U.S.): packaging materials, formats, closures, processes and related channel/functional segments used to contain, protect, preserve, transport and market non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages throughout the supply chain from primary package in contact with the beverage through secondary and tertiary packaging.

Future Demands

  • Market growth is supported by rising consumption of ready-to-drink, energy, and health beverages.
  • Brands are shifting to packaging that is portable, recyclable, and more attractive on shelves. Aluminum cans, light bottles, and eco-friendly formats will gain more market share.
  • Pressure from sustainability and regulations will push companies to adopt greener packaging.
  • Growth in direct-to-consumer beverage brands will increase the need for shipping-friendly packaging.
  • High competition will push companies to adopt smart labels and premium aesthetics to stand out.
  • Rising demand for portion-controlled and low-calorie drinks will boost small pack formats.
  • Private label beverage manufacturers will look for cost-optimized, high-speed packaging formats.

Emerging Technologies

  • Smart packaging with QR codes, NFC tags, and AR labels to improve consumer engagement and traceability
  • Advanced barrier films that extend the shelf life of beverages without preservatives.
  • Aluminum lightweighting technology for thinner, stronger, fully recyclable cans.
  • Plant-based and biopolymer bottles are designed to reduce the carbon footprint.
  • High-speed digital printing systems enable faster brand customization and short-run launches.
  • Laser scoring and easy-open closures are enhancing consumer convenience.
  • Recyclable multilayer laminates are replacing mixed materials packaging that is hard to recycle.
  • Glass Rediscovered: Glass is an evergreen material that is being reimagined. Lightweight glass containers lower the energy usage during transportation and production without compromising durability. Furthermore, including the recycled glass (cullet) mainly lowers the environmental footprint of glass beverage packaging.
  • Advanced Recycling Technologies: Chemical recycling inventions are breaking down plastics into reusable monomers, which solves the challenges with hard-to-recycle materials. These technologies' goal is to close the loop in the beverage packaging lifecycle.
  • Biodegradable and Compostable Materials: Plant-based materials like sugarcane and corn starch are gaining attention in non-alcoholic beverage packaging. These materials naturally decompose, which reduces the waste and environmental effect too.
  • Carbon-Neutral Packaging: Receiving carbon neutrality across the packaging cycle is of developing importance. Producers are developing renewable energy sources, offsetting emissions in order to minimize environmental impact, and updating the supply chains, too.
  • Zero-waste packaging: Circular systems such as edible packaging and completely compostable materials are gaining attention. These innovations are to remove waste completely from the beverage packaging.
  • Digital Innovations: Smart packaging technologies, such as NFC chips and QR codes, develop transparency by enabling consumers to track the lifecycle of their beverage packaging. Blockchain is also being utilised to check the sustainability of the raw materials.
  • Rising demand for packaging with sustainability and recycled materials has influenced the adoption of this market due to increasing concern for ecological condition.
  • With growing demand for functional packaging for beverages such as coffee and various other.
  • The increasing utilization of automation for bulk production of packages and advancement in the equipment utilized for packaging process.

Sustainability and Compliance

The U.S. beverage packaging market, sustainability, and compliance are heavily impacted by stricter state and federal recycling laws, carbon disclosure requirements, and plastics regulations. To meet emission circularity and landfill reduction goals, brands are shifting toward recyclable aluminum cans, returnable bottles, rPET compostable coatings, and lightweight containers. Bottle bills, FDA packaging safety regulations, extended producer responsibility guidelines, and PFAS-free regulations are the main forces behind compliance. To demonstrate their carbon neutrality claims, major beverage companies are investing in energy-efficient operations, refillable packaging pilots, and closed-loop collection ecosystems. Consumer demand for transparent, eco-friendly, and ethically sourced packaging across retail and on-premise channels is another factor driving this change.

The industry is also seeing greater focus on label simplification to improve sorting and recycling efficiency. Companies are testing plant-based packaging materials to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Large brands are partnering with municipalities to strengthen local collection infrastructure. Investments in digital tracking and smart label technologies are enabling better traceability and regulatory compliance.

U.S. Beverage Packaging Imports/Exports (2024)

Category Imports (US$ Mn) Exports (US$ Mn)
PET Bottles 620 410
Aluminum Cans/Sheets 2,450 980
Glass Bottles 1,150 740
Paper Cartons 320 180

How Can AI Improve the U.S. Beverage Packaging Market?

The integration of AI technology in the U.S. beverage packaging market plays a significant role in the inspection of quality and production of leakage-proof packaging. With AI it becomes easy to add complete details of the beverages to meet the demand of the consumers who are health-conscious. It allows brands to provide limited-edition or customized designs for packaging to serve multiple purposes. Advanced technology help in gathering information that can upgrade marketing strategies and help in its expansion.

Glass Containers & Packaging in MSW (1960-2018)

Glass Containers and Packaging in MSW (1960-2018)

Glass packaging includes bottles and jars for beverages, food, cosmetics, and other consumer goods. Over the decades, the amount of glass packaging waste generated in the U.S. has fluctuated. Generation peaked around 1980 (nearly 14 million tons) before gradually decreasing as lighter packaging options emerged and recycling increased.

Recycling has improved significantly from only 100,000 tons in 1960 to more than 3 million tons in 2018, representing 31.3% of all glass generated. However, most glass still ends up in landfills because it is heavy, costly to transport, and often contaminated in single-stream recycling systems.

Steel Containers & Packaging in MSW (1960-2018)

Steel Containers and Packaging in MSW (1960-2018)

Steel packaging includes food cans, aerosol cans, steel strapping, and large industrial drums. In the 1960s and 70s, more steel cans were used, but over time, lighter alternatives (like aluminum and plastics) reduced steel packaging volume. As a result, generation fell from 4.66 million tons in 1960 to around 2.2 million tons in 2018.

Aluminum Containers & Packaging in MSW (1960-2018)

Aluminum Containers and Packaging in MSW (1960-2018)

Aluminum packaging mainly beverage cans, foil, and closures grew from very small amounts in 1960 to about 1.9 million tons in 2018. Recycling improved over time, reaching about 670,000 tons in 2018, or 50% of total generation, mostly from beverage cans. Around 13% of aluminum packaging was burned for energy, while just over half was landfilled. Overall, aluminum packaging use has remained steady in recent years, with moderate recycling rates limited mainly by non-can aluminum products like foil and flexible packaging.

Market Dynamics

Market Driver

The increasing demand for energy drinks consumption among consumers has driven the U.S. beverage packaging market to grow significantly. Enhancing the delivery process with improved packages which help in transportation of beverages. The rising concern of consumers towards health has boosted the demand for eco-friendly packaging. Major factors behind the growth of this market are rapid urbanization, growing e-commerce sector, and changing lifestyle of people.

Market Challenges and Restraints

The increasing production costs and low profit has restraint the U.S. beverage packaging market. There is a continuous change in the raw material charges which restrain the scope of expansion of this industry. With low profit margin and high-risk factor low scale business face hurdle in growth which limit the development of the market.

Market Opportunity

The continuous innovation in the packaging process has raised the opportunities for the U.S. beverage packaging market. Increasing demand for ready-to-drink beverages, functional beverages, and sports beverages has pushed the market to introduce advanced level packaging which enhanced the adoption of this market. Enhancement in the materials used to provide high barrier packaging film which enhance the self-life of the products and influence the growth of the market. Incorporating automation in the packaging production process to meet the huge demand of the market and enhance reliability promote this market to develop significantly.

U.S. Beverage Packaging by Sustainability Attribute

U.S. Beverage Packaging by Sustainability Attribute

Attribute % Share
Recyclable Packaging 68%
Recycled Content Packaging 23%
Compostable Packaging 2%
Lightweighted Packaging 7%

Value Chain Analysis

  • Material Processing and Conversion: Beverage packaging is produced and transformed by using tailored procedures like blow moulding and extrusion for plastics, drawing for the metal cans, and moulding and melting for the glass bottles.
  • Package Design and Prototyping: Technology is updating the beverage packaging sector. RFID technology has been integrated into the smart packaging that allows real-time tracking of the products with the assistance of the supply chain. This updates logistics, encounters counterfeiting, and reduces waste.
  • Logistics and distribution: Beverage packaging points to the logistics and transportation of the liquid users, such as alcohol, juices, bottled water, and soft drinks. It counts all the procedures that are required to get these items from manufacturers to retailers, consumers, and wholesalers.

Material Type Insights

Why Aluminum Segment Dominated the U.S. Beverage Packaging Market In 2024?

The aluminum segment dominated the U.S. beverage packaging market in 2024 due to its lightweight, durable, and sustainable nature. It works as excellent barrier from heat, moisture, light, and air. These aluminum cans are widely used for packaging of alcohol and soft drinks. The rising concern for ecological issues has promoted the growth of this segment. The major market players available in the U.S. for beverage packaging are Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, promoting the usage of this material extensively.

The PET (Recycled PET/rPET) segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. It is due to presence of strict guidelines, increasing investment for recycling infrastructures, and rising consumers’ demand. The rising adoption for eco-friendly packaging or recyclable packaging for beverages boost the demand for this segment. Huge investment in the chemical recycling infrastructure has promoted the adoption of this segment to grow rapidly.

Beverage Category Insight

Why Bottled Water Segment Dominated the U.S. Beverage Packaging Market In 2024?

The bottled water segment held the largest share of the U.S. beverage packaging market in 2024 due to rising concern towards health, functional water products, and convenience. The growing search for convenient option to maintain the hydration required in the body has raised the demand for this segment. Increasing production of bottled water with innovative bottle materials and designs to meet the demand of the consumers boost development of this sector. There is a huge demand for portable single-serve water bottles for efficient packaging has influenced the demand for this segment.

The functional & nutraceutical beverages segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. This segment is growing rapidly due to increasing demand for wellness and healthcare beverages. It ensures the safety of the product and maintain its integrity. Increasing demand for smart packaging such as integration of NFC tags has boosted the demand for this segment.

Package Size Insights

Why Single-serve (251–500 mL) Segment Dominated the U.S. Beverage Packaging Market in 2024?

The single-serve (251–500 mL) segment held the largest share of the U.S. beverage packaging market in 2024 due to rising demand for portable and convenient packaging. This segment is majorly driven by ready-to-drink beverages, and bottled water. Increasing demand for smart and eco-friendly packaging has influenced the demand of this segment. Presence of major market players in the U.S. has played a significant role in extending the demand for segment.

The Mini/Shots (≤ 250 mL) segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. This segment is growing due to enhanced consumers concern for health and portion control capacity. It is highly convenient and functionally appropriate packaging. Changing lifestyle and growing urbanization has fuelled the demand for this segment.

Filling/Processing Technology Insight

Why Cold-fill (Including Carbonation-Stable) Segment Dominated the U.S. Beverage Packaging Market In 2024?

The cold-fill (including carbonation-stable) segment held the largest share of the U.S. beverage packaging market in 2024 due to high consumers demand and regulatory guidelines has influenced the demand for this segment. These are lightweight and recycled PET which is growing because of rising eco-friendly options availability. It covers a huge variety of beverages such as bottled water, energy drink, soft drink, juices, and various other. It is extensively accepted due to the high capacity to preserve the quality and flavour of the drinks.

The Aseptic-fill segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. This segment is increasing significantly due to rising concern to protect the quality of the beverages. This process helps in maintaining the taste, quality, and nutritional value of the beverages for prolonged period. It helps in extending the shelf life of the beverages at room temperature.

Barrier Property Insight

Why Medium Barrier Segment Dominated the U.S. Beverage Packaging Market In 2024?

The medium barrier segment held the largest share of the U.S. beverage packaging market in 2024 due to growing acceptance for functional beverages. It provides moderate protection from external agents such as light, air, moisture, and other ecological factors. These medium barrier resources are majorly multi layered by combining various materials together. These cartons are mainly made up of paperboard combined with thin layers of aluminum and plastics.

The high barrier segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. This segment is increasing significantly due to rising demand for sustainable packaging with extended shelf-life. This segment support in extension of shelf life of the product by blocking light, air, and moisture. There is a huge demand for pouches and resealable packages which promote this segment with enhanced materials utilization.

Country Insights

Rising Focus towards Convenient Packaging in the South U.S. Promote Dominance

The South U.S. held the largest share of the U.S. beverage packaging market in 2024, due to the increasing focus towards convenient packaging of the beverages. This region is growing rapidly because of the presence of huge variety, convenience, and its functionality. The rising trend for cans, pouches, and small bottles has influenced the demand for beverage packaging with unique design packages. Evolving packaging guidelines and consumer preferences has boosted the market to grow rapidly in this region.

Sustainable Packaging Production in the West U.S. Support Growth 

West U.S. expects the significant growth in the U.S. beverage packaging market during the forecast period. This market is growing in this region rapidly due to huge production of sustainable packaging for storage and transportation of a wide range of beverages. The rising demand for functional and plant-based beverages packages has pushed the market development.

Future of Beverage Packaging Market

The beverage packaging market is anticipated to grow from USD 176.57 billion in 2025 to USD 275.09 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.05% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

Beverage Packaging Market Size 2023 - 2034

Beverage packaging is known as any sort of packaging developed to hold liquids for consumption. These products serve several purposes, including protecting the beverage from contamination, maintaining freshness, providing convenience for storage and transport, and offering a platform for branding and product information.

Future of Alcoholic Beverage Packaging Market

The alcoholic beverage packaging market is projected to reach USD 132.47 billion by 2034, growing from USD 78.67 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

Alcoholic Beverage Packaging Market Size 2023 - 2034

Alcohol, a fascinating molecule with a long history of ancient civilizations, has seen extraordinary transformations over the centuries. Alcoholic beverage transportation and storage vessels have changed substantially, from rudimentary hollowed-out gourds and clay flasks to more sophisticated glass bottles.

Future of Non-Alcoholic Beverage Packaging Market

The non-alcoholic beverage packaging market size is set to grow from USD 202.51 billion in 2025 to USD 334.99 billion by 2034, with an expected CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

Non-Alcoholic Beverage Packaging Market Size 2023 - 2034

Drinks classified as non-alcoholic include a wide range of liquids such as fruit juices, nectars, vegetable juices, carbonated and non-carbonated flavored drinks, and water-based brewed or steeped drinks such as tea and coffee. Aptly called non-alcoholic beverage packaging, this specialty area of the packaging business handles the packaging of these drinks. This area of the packaging industry is devoted to creating, producing, and marketing materials and containers made especially for non-alcoholic beverages. Non-alcoholic beverage packaging includes various package designs that are painstakingly made to satisfy the particular needs of various beverage kinds.

Future of Recyclable Beverage Packaging Market

The recyclable beverage packaging market is booming, poised for a revenue surge into the hundreds of millions from 2025 to 2034, driving a revolution in sustainable transportation. The key players operating in the market are focused on adopting inorganic growth strategies like acquisition and merger to develop advance technology for manufacturing recyclable beverage packaging. The recyclable beverage packaging market is evolving rapidly due to rising environmental concerns, strict regulations, and growing consumer demand for sustainable solutions.

Materials like PET, paperboard, and plant-based plastics are widely adopted, while innovations in smart packaging and monomaterial designs enhance recyclability. Europe leads in policy-driven adoption, North America in technological advances, and Asia Pacific in growth momentum.

Recyclable Beverage Packaging Market Size 2024 – 2034

Recyclable beverage packaging refers to packaging materials used for drinks, such as bottles, cans, and cartons, that can be collected, processed, and reused to make new products instead of ending up as waste. These materials include recycled PET, aluminium, glass, paperboard, and some specially designed plastics. The goal is to reduce environmental impact by minimizing landfill use, conserving raw materials, and promoting a circular economy. For packaging to be truly recyclable, it must be easy to separate, clean, and reprocess through existing recycling systems.

Top Companies in the U.S. Beverage Packaging Market

U.S. Beverage Packaging Market Top Key Players

Tier 1

  • Ball Corporation
  • Crown Holdings
  • Ardagh Group
  • Owens-Illinois (O-I Glass)
  • Amcor plc
  • Tetra Pak (Tetra Laval Group)
  • Berry Global Group
  • WestRock Company
  • Graphic Packaging International
  • Mondi Group
  • DS Smith Plc
  • Smurfit Kappa Group
  • Sealed Air Corporation
  • Reynolds Group Holdings
  • Huhtamäki Oyj

Tier 2

  • Silgan Holdings
  • Sonoco Products Company
  • Plastipak Packaging
  • Graham Packaging Company
  • AptarGroup
  • Klöckner Pentaplast (KP)
  • Gerresheimer AG
  • Stora Enso Packaging
  • UPM-Kymmene (UPM Specialty Papers & Packaging)
  • International Paper (Packaging division)
  • Chuo Kagaku Co., Ltd.
  • Toyo Seikan Group Holdings
  • Nihon Yamamura Glass Co., Ltd.
  • Comar LLC

Tier 3

  • RPC Group
  • Winpak Ltd.
  • Coveris Holdings
  • LINPAC Packaging
  • Alpla Group
  • Can-Pack S.A.
  • Vidrala S.A.
  • Zignago Vetro
  • Constantia Flexibles
  • CCL Industries
  • Greif Inc.
  • Sabert Corporation
  • Genpak LLC
  • Fabri-Kal
  • Evergreen Packaging
  • Pactiv Evergreen Inc.

Latest Announcements by the Industry Leaders

  • In January 2025, TÖST Beverages CEO Brooks Addington, expressed, “The checking of cans in an exceptional event and sports event such as T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The company found a huge potential in the cans packaging. It is highly accepted due to its simplicity and multi-use potential by the consumers.”

Recent Developments

  • In August 2025, Pittston Co-Packers (PCP) declared the launch of the first high-volume beverage manufacturing facility which is offering complete-service co-packing resolutions. The new 403,000-square-foot capability fulfils the requirements of the beverage brands of the leading national with end-to-end engineering competences.
  • In January 2025, Earthrings declared the launch of sustainable and cost-effective beverage packages of plastic in North America. These are 100% home-compostable and recycled packaging to promote eco-friendly packaging trend.

U.S. Beverage Packaging Market Segments

By Material 

  • Aluminum
  • Glass
  • PET (Virgin + Recycled)
  • HDPE
  • PP
  • Paperboard / Cartonboard
  • Flexible Laminates (plastic/foil/paper combinations)
  • Steel (specialty cans, kegs)
  • Bioplastics (PLA, bio-based polymers)

By Beverage Category (End-use Application)

  • Carbonated Soft Drinks (CSD)
  • Bottled Water
  • Juices & Nectars
  • RTD Tea & Coffee
  • Sports & Energy Drinks
  • Dairy & Flavored Milk Drinks
  • Plant-based Beverages
  • Functional & Nutraceutical Beverages
  • Alcoholic Beverages (Beer, Wine, Spirits, RTDs)

By Package Size

  • Mini / Shots (≤ 250 mL)
  • Single-serve (251 – 500 mL)
  • Small Multi-serve (501 mL – 1 L)
  • Family Multi-serve (1.01 – 2 L)
  • Bulk (> 2 L; including kegs, bag-in-box)

By Filling / Processing Technology

  • Cold-fill (including carbonation-stable)
  • Hot-fill
  • Aseptic-fill
  • HPP-compatible packaging
  • Pasteurization-compatible packaging

By Barrier Property

  • Low barrier (basic protection)
  • Medium barrier (moderate oxygen/light)
  • High barrier (multi-layer, oxygen/light/aroma)
  • Active barrier (scavengers, functional coatings)

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  • Insight Code: 5820
  • No. of Pages: 150
  • Format: PDF/PPT/Excel
  • Last Updated: 09 December 2025
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021–2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

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 growth is driven by rising consumer demand for convenient, eco-friendly, and recyclable packaging. Factors such as health-conscious consumption, expansion of ready-to-drink and functional beverages, and increasing e-commerce logistics needs are pushing brands to innovate packaging formats, materials, and barrier properties.

Automation, AI-based quality inspection, and aseptic-fill technologies are reshaping operations. AI helps detect defects, optimize designs, and personalize packaging, while aseptic and HPP-compatible processes extend shelf life, reduce preservatives, and meet demand for clean-label products.

Stricter U.S. recycling guidelines, circular economy initiatives, and state-level bans on single-use plastics are accelerating adoption of recycled PET, aluminum cans, and compostable materials. Compliance with these evolving regulations requires companies to realign supply chains and invest in sustainable materials.

Bottled water currently leads, accounting for the largest share due to consumer preference for hydration and portability. However, functional and nutraceutical beverages are the fastest-growing category, fueled by health and wellness trends, demanding smarter, high-barrier, and interactive packaging solutions.

High production costs, raw material price volatility, and low profit margins are key restraints. Smaller players often struggle with scaling due to capital-intensive sustainability investments. Additionally, balancing eco-friendly innovation with affordability remains a challenge.

High-growth areas include sustainable packaging solutions (rPET, biodegradable polymers), automation in filling and sealing processes, functional beverage packaging, and digital/AI-driven personalization. Regions like the West U.S. are especially attractive due to heavy investment in sustainable packaging infrastructure.

The market is expected to experience strong growth between 2025 and 2034, driven by sustainability mandates, consumer demand for health-oriented beverages, and innovation in smart and barrier-enhanced packaging. Companies investing early in recycling, automation, and AI integration will gain a significant competitive edge.