Rigid Packaging Enhances Brand Identity and Sustainability

Single-use Packaging is Driving Up Demand for Rigid Boxes and Plastics

By Swapna Gawale, Project Manager at Towards Packaging

The market for rigid packaging is now heavily focused on sustainability due to mounting consumer and governmental demand to lessen its ecological impact. Novel materials with the goal of improving rigid packaging’s sustainability, performance, and usability are flooding the market.

A growing number of companies are using rigid packaging as a branding strategy to set their products apart and increase consumer interaction. In traditional packaging applications, the use of smart packaging technologies is also becoming more popular since it provides improved functionality, traceability and interactivity with consumers.

Rigid packaging is a preferred option in a variety of industries due to its adaptability and versatility, and its use is expected to continue growing as a result of changing consumer tastes and technology advancements. The food and beverage  sectors are the main users of rigid packaging, although it is also used for packaging domestic goods, medications, and personal care items. A number of variables, most notably the growing need for single-serve packaging in ready-to-eat foods and beverages, are driving the usage growth trend.

The expected increase in global cereal production is forecasted to result from improved yields and optimized utilization of arable land resources. Wheat, rice, corn and other grains are packaged in rigid containers for efficient transportation, exportation and retail distribution. These commodities are enclosed in rigid packaging solutions, providing essential moisture protection and product safeguarding throughout the supply chain.

Rigid Packaging Offers Several Advantages:

Exceptional product protection: Rigid materials like durable plastics, glass, and metal provide robust shielding against pressure, impact, and temperature changes. This is crucial for delicate or high-value items such as electronics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Versatile applications: Rigid packaging can adapt to different product types and industry needs. It ensures safe transport for fragile items like electronics and protects the integrity of medications in the pharmaceutical sector.

Elevated shelf appeal and visibility: The structural integrity of rigid packaging allows for attractive designs, especially with transparent materials like glass and certain plastics. This transparency is particularly useful in sectors like cosmetics, where customers want to see the product before purchase.

Durability and sustainability: Rigid packaging materials, especially recyclable plastics and glass, support sustainability efforts while providing durability. For example, glass bottles in the beverage industry are sturdy and highly recyclable, reducing environmental impact.

Customization possibilities: The rigidity of packaging materials enables unique shapes and designs, enhancing brand identity and product recognition.

Common Examples and Applications of Rigid Packaging:

1. Food and Beverage
   • Glass jars for sauces and condiments
   • PET bottles for carbonated drinks
   • Metal cans for canned goods
   • Plastic containers for dairy products like yogurt Rigid packaging preserves freshness and quality while providing product visibility.
2. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
   • Glass bottles for perfumes
   • Compact cases for powders
   • Acrylic jars for skincare creams Rigid packaging protects delicate formulations and enhances visual appeal, supporting brand positioning.
3. Industrial and Electronic Applications
   • Rigid boxes for electronic gadgets
   • Plastic trays or clamshells for industrial equipment parts Rigid packaging safeguards delicate components during shipping, preventing damage and contamination.
4. Pharmaceutical and Healthcare
   • Blister packs for tablets
   • Vials for injectables
   • HDPE bottles for liquids Rigid packaging ensures product efficacy and compliance with safety standards, protecting sensitive medications and enhancing shelf life.

Rigid Packaging Materials

The packaging sector frequently uses plastic  because it is durable, portable, chemically impermeable, and reasonably priced. Considering 31% of the world’s plastic utilization volume goes into  packaging, the packaging industry is instrumental in determining the manner in which plastics are used.

Rigid plastic is widely used in various industries such as food and beverage, personal care, healthcare and others. Compared to other forms of packaging, rigid plastic packaging is more lightweight. It also reduces food waste and spoiling, protects against breakage, and offers a host of other advantages.

A global market total worth of $310.65 billion for rigid plastic packaging in 2023 is attributed to its widespread adoption in a variety of sectors such as health care, food and beverage, electronics, and personal care. Rigid plastic bottles, especially in the food and beverage industry, are the main container for a wide range of goods, including water, carbonated soft beverages, juices, food items, cosmetics, personal hygiene products and pharmaceuticals.

Boxes are also a prominent product category in the rigid packaging market because of their adaptability, robustness, and broad industry applicability. Boxes are a fundamental component of packaging solutions, providing a wide range of items with protection, confinement, and organization. To meet varied packaging needs, they are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, such as cardboard, corrugated board, plastic, and metal.

The Global Rigid Packaging Landscape

The global rigid packaging market size is projected to increase from $209.48 billion in 2022 to approximately $333.17 billion by 2032. This growth is expected to occur at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% between 2023 and 2032.

The Asia Pacific region has become the leading global market for rigid packaging, primarily due to the expansion of firms in the cosmetics and food & beverage industries. The region dominates globally in rigid packaging to a significant degree as a result of this multitude of producers. The Asia Pacific region’s enormous populace, particularly in developing countries like India and China, and their fast growing economies are major factors driving the market. China, India, Bangladesh, and other emerging markets are major drivers of the rigid packaging industry.

North America is the rigid packaging sector’s second-greatest market. North America is acknowledged as the world’s top region in packaging consumption and is home to major players in the industry, including International Paper, Tetrapak, Reynolds Group, Ball Corporation and Owens-Illinois. In the course of the region, rigid materials are widely used in a variety of applications.

The U.S. has the biggest market share for rigid packaging in North America. This dominance is a direct result of the nation’s substantial consumer base, advanced technology, and strong industrial infrastructure.

About The Author

Swapna Gawale is a seasoned research consultant with expertise in conducting and analyzing complex research projects across various industries. With a deep passion for knowledge discovery and a commitment to delivering actionable insights, Swapna has successfully collaborated with numerous organizations to help them make informed decisions and drive strategic growth. Swapna has developed a strong track record of designing and implementing research methodologies that generate high-quality data and meaningful results. Download the study at: https://www.towardspackaging.com/insights/rigid-packaging-market-sizing