APAC Rigid Plastic Packaging Market

APAC Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Analysis

The APAC Rigid Plastic Packaging Market size in terms of shipment volume is expected to grow from 26.02 million tonnes in 2025 to 32.06 million tonnes by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.26% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Plastic packaging has become more popular among consumers than other products because plastic is lightweight and indestructible, making it easy to handle. Even major manufacturers prefer plastic packaging because of the lower production costs. The introduction of polymers such as PET and HDPE is increasing the use of plastic bottles. The market for rigid plastic packaging is growing.

• China is a leading global player in both the production and consumption of plastics. The reliance on plastic bottles and containers, particularly those made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), and other polymers, is rising across industries such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. This trend has intensified China's focus on the production and export of plastics. Data from the International Trade Center (ITC) revealed that the United States is the primary destination for China's plastic exports. In 2023, China shipped 292.6 million tons of plastic products to the United States, marking an 8.00% increase from the previous year.
• The movement toward a healthier lifestyle is increasing in China. Consequently, consumers in China are more likely to opt for beverages that encourage a healthier lifestyle, and nutritional value is a key factor in the selection process. Dairy and protein drinks have seen a surge in popularity. To cater to the demand for healthier beverages, manufacturers are introducing new and innovative products or reformulating existing ones to align with health and wellness trends.
• The rigid plastic packaging market is expected to be negatively impacted by the growing awareness of environmental issues related to plastic, as well as other health concerns related to bottled water. Global warming and the amount of plastic waste are also expected to negatively impact the market’s growth.
• According to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, bottle production increased due to the increased consumption of water bottles and the expanding railway sector. In 2021, production stood at 75.30 million bottles, which rose to 357.70 million bottles in 2023.
• In response to heightened global media scrutiny on plastic pollution, Asian governments are swiftly implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) measures. Companies are urged to quickly adapt by measuring their plastic footprints, establishing ambitious yet realistic targets, and overhauling their packaging supply chains.
• The escalating plastic pollution in Southeast Asia spurred governments to adopt policies aimed at curbing plastic waste and championing sustainable packaging. They also encompass efforts like introducing plastic bans or taxes and enhancing waste management infrastructure, which may hamper the market growth in the upcoming years.

APAC Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Trends

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is Expected to Record Significant Growth

• PET is one of China's most widely used plastics. Due to its transparency and safety, it is commonly used to produce beverage bottles or food packaging material. China's packaging market is growing steadily due to the nation's expanding economy and growing middle class with increased purchasing power. The demand for beverage packaging is rising owing to growth in China's beverage market over the past few years. The market is shaped by emerging trends in Chinese consumer lifestyles.
• Government regulations have led to a shift in the market. As packaging waste is considered hazardous to the environment, efforts have been made to reduce the amount of waste produced. This has prompted a shift toward recyclable, more sustainable packaging solutions.
• Stakeholders throughout the supply chain are actively pursuing sustainability goals within the plastic industry. For instance, in September 2023, Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a Thailand-based packaging firm, successfully recycled 100 billion post-consumer PET bottles.
• This monumental effort not only removed 2.1 million tons of waste from the environment but also curtailed a carbon footprint equivalent to 2.9 million tons over the product lifecycles. Demonstrating its commitment to the circular economy for PET, Indorama Ventures invested over USD 1 billion in the past decade to bolster the collection of used PET bottles.
• The National Bureau of Statistics August 2024 report stated that till June 2024, the country manufactured about 19.54 million metric tons of soft drinks, showing an upward trend in production volume compared to the previous year's same timeframe. As a result, the demand for packaging materials for storing and transporting these beverages increased. The rigid plastic packaging market is likely to experience growth due to the durability, lightweightness, and freshness of PET bottles and containers, which soft drink companies favor.

India is Expected to Record Significant Market Growth

• The market is driven by factors such as the growing population, increasing income levels, and changing lifestyles. Growth prospects of end-user segments are leading to a rise in the demand for rigid plastic packaging.
• The safe and non-toxic nature of PE-based rigid packaging contributes to its wide adoption. With the increase in the number of single-person households in India, the need for rigid food packaging using PE-based films is expected to complement the rise in demand for convenience products, such as prepared fruit and vegetables.
• Bottle manufacturers across the region rely on PET as a key packaging material owing to its recyclability and eco-friendly nature. The Coca-Cola Company declared in June 2022 that its Indian subsidiary intended to reach a state of 100% recovery and recycling of post-consumer packaging, consisting primarily of bottles and cans, over the next two to three years. As part of its global campaign, "World Without Waste," the company is committed to collecting and recycling all bottles and cans by 2030.
• The beauty and personal care market in India is fiercely competitive, with both international and local brands vying for dominance. According to Nykaa, a leading Indian online platform for personal care, the market value is expected to surge from USD 13.34 billion in 2020 to around USD 23.59 billion by 2025.
• The focus of well-known beauty and personal care brands is on innovative and eye-catching rigid plastic packaging designs to stand out from the competition. This may lead to innovative solutions for rigid plastic packaging solutions and cutting-edge technologies.

APAC Rigid Plastic Packaging Industry Overview

The Asia-Pacific rigid plastic market is highly fragmented due to the presence of global as well as regional players. Some of the leading players in the market include Amcor Group GmbH, Pyramid Technoplast Ltd, Berry Global Inc., and SCHÜTZ Container Systems Co. Ltd. These players are implementing strategic improvements, such as partnerships and new product developments, to expand their market presence and become leaders in the market.

• July 2024: Thailand-headquartered petrochemicals producer Indorama Ventures secured a new seven-year loan totaling USD 200 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to help fund the growth of the company’s strategic sustainability programs in India, Thailand, and Indonesia. The funds will be used to finance sustainability initiatives that bolster Indorama Ventures’ strategic footprint in PET recycling.
• July 2023: PepsiCo launched its new soft drink in India, 'Pepsi Black,' in 100% recycled PET bottles (rPET). The use of recycled packaging by PepsiCo India is part of the company's efforts to strengthen its sustainability credentials. The launch aligned with the Swatch Bharath mission of the Indian Government to promote cleanliness and better solid waste management, as well as the increasingly stringent legislation on single-use plastics.

APAC Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Leaders

APAC Rigid Plastic Packaging Market News

• February 2024: Pyramid Technoplast Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to acquire 10 acres of land in Maharashtra, India. This strategic move is set to boost production capacities for polymer drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), and MS drums. The expansion will diversify the company's operations into new states and promote cost-effective services for the region.
• August 2023: Mitsubishi Corporation, a Japanese conglomerate, declared that it had entered into a supply chain agreement with consumer goods firm Suntory Holdings Ltd and energy firm ENEOS Corporation to construct a supply chain for sustainable PET plastic bottles made from biomass. Mitsubishi anticipates that the agreement will result in the production of Bio-PX equivalent to 35 million PET bottles in 2024, which will be used as raw material for the production of Suntory's sustainable PET bottles.