The packaging industry is a critical global sector that supports nearly every area of manufacturing and distribution. From food and beverages to pharmaceuticals and industrial goods, packaging plays a key role in protecting products during transportation and storage. This report compiles the latest 2025 packaging industry statistics and market trends, focusing on both U.S. and global data.
Overview of the Packaging Industry
The packaging industry encompasses the production of materials and containers across paper, plastic, metal, and glass. These products protect goods, extend shelf life, and facilitate logistics in every major supply chain.
The global packaging industry is a trillion-dollar market. According to Fortune Business Insights [1], the global market was valued at around $1.08 trillion in 2024 and is expected to reach $1.45 trillion by 2032, growing at a 3.9% CAGR. Packaging is an essential downstream industry serving both consumer and industrial markets alike.
The Asia-Pacific region leads the global market, accounting for about 38% of the total packaging market in 2024 [1]. North America, including the U.S., is the second-largest region. It remains one of the most mature markets, driven by high consumption and advanced manufacturing capabilities. Europe is the next largest region.
Global Segments: According to Towards Packaging [7], paper and paperboard remain the largest material category worldwide. Food and beverage applications continue to dominate global packaging demand.
U.S. Packaging Market Size and Growth
The U.S. packaging industry represents approximately 18–20% of the global market, with a total value of about $220 billion in 2024, based on Market Data Forecast [2]. The U.S. market continues to expand at roughly 4% annually, fueled by consumer demand and adaptability on the part of manufacturers.
Growth Drivers:
- E-commerce: Online retail remains a key factor, with U.S. e-commerce sales surpassing $1.03 trillion in 2023 [2].
- Consumer behavior: Demand is changing: consumers continue to ask for convenience packaging and smaller product sizes.
- Economic growth: Expanding domestic production across food, healthcare, and chemicals keeps packaging orders rising.
Key Segments and Packaging Types
The packaging sector covers a wide range of materials and formats, each serving distinct functions across various markets.
- Corrugated & Paperboard Packaging: This is the largest segment in the U.S., valued at about $47 billion in 2024 (Freedonia Group [3]). Corrugated fiberboard boxes dominate shipping and e-commerce packaging.
- Flexible Packaging: Lightweight and cost-efficient, this segment represented about 21% of the U.S. market (approximately $41.5 billion in 2022, FlexPack.org [4]). It includes pouches, wraps, and paper bags commonly used in bulk applications.
- Rigid Plastic Containers: Bottles, tubs, and jars remain essential for food, beverage, and personal care packaging. Rigid plastics continue to represent a significant share of packaging volumes in the U.S.
- Metal & Glass Packaging: Traditional formats like aluminum cans and glass bottles are stable categories, especially for beverages and pharmaceuticals.
- Bulk & Industrial Packaging: This segment includes FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers), also known as bulk bags. The global FIBC market was valued around $8.36 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $12.9 billion by 2033 (Straits Research [5]). UN Certified FIBCs were developed to provide a secure and standardized method for transporting hazardous materials internationally. They are robust, essential solutions that meet global standards for the safe containment and transport.
- Multi-Wall Paper Bags: These durable, multi-layer paper bags are commonly used for cement, animal feed, and dry food industries. The global market is valued near $5 billion in 2024 and could reach $6–7 billion by 2033 (Verified Market Reports [6]).
Trends in Packaging
- E-Commerce Growth: Online shopping continues to transform packaging. With over $1 trillion in e-commerce sales in the U.S., demand for durable, efficient shipping materials remains strong [2].
- Automation & Technology: The packaging automation market is expanding quickly—forecasted to grow from $78 billion in 2025 to $134.6 billion by 2032 (Fortune Business Insights [1]). Automation helps counter labor shortages and increases output consistency.
- Shift to Flexible Packaging: Brands continue moving from rigid to flexible formats for efficiency and convenience. The U.S. flexible packaging market reached $41.5 billion in 2022 and continues to grow (FlexPack.org [4]).
Forecasts for 2026 and Beyond
The outlook for the packaging industry remains positive through the late 2020s and early 2030s.
- The U.S. market is projected to reach approximately $286 billion by 2033 (Market Data Forecast [2]).
- The global market could approach $1.5–1.7 trillion by the early 2030s (Fortune Business Insights [1]).
Future Drivers: Ongoing growth will be shaped by:
- Continued expansion of e-commerce and online retail.
- Increasing packaging demand in healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
- Rising automation and smart packaging technologies in manufacturing and logistics.
Reliable Supply for Industrial Packaging
As a trusted North American distributor, Southern Packaging supplies manufacturers with the bulk bags, multi-wall paper bags, and poly packaging that keep operations moving. With extensive sourcing and logistics capabilities, we help procurement teams secure reliable supply at scale.
Beyond reliable supply, we offer value-added services such as custom package design to optimize product protection and presentation, as well as comprehensive inventory management solutions to streamline your supply chain.
Request a Quote to learn how we can support your packaging program.
Sources
- Fortune Business Insights
- Market Data Forecast
- Freedonia Group
- FlexPack.org
- Straits Research
- Verified Market Reports
- Towards Packaging
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