Packaging in 2024: The big picture
In 2024, the US packaging market is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the demand for sustainable and operationally efficient solutions. Manufacturers are transitioning from conventional plastic packaging to alternatives such as paper, cardboard, bio-based substrates and advanced flexible formats designed to minimise material usage and optimise logistics. This shift is propelled by heightened consumer preference for environmentally responsible options and reinforced by regulatory frameworks mandating circular design and improved waste management.
2024 key trends
The US packaging industry is currently being shaped by mounting regulatory pressure and a strong focus on sustainability. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws continue to expand, with states like Minnesota joining the list and requiring companies to fund recycling improvements. Stricter recycled content mandates are pushing brands towards eco-friendly materials such as fibre-based packaging and compostable options, driven by both regulations and growing consumer demand for sustainable solutions. This trend is fuelling investment in material innovation and the search for suppliers that meet environmental standards and raising initial costs, but creating opportunities for market differentiation.
Food packaging is shifting towards sustainable materials and portion-controlled formats
Food packaging is undergoing two major transformations that are reshaping industry strategies. The first is a decisive shift towards sustainable materials. Paper-, fibre- and plant-based formats are replacing traditional plastics, with recyclable paperboard and compostable films gaining traction. Fibre-based solutions dominate due to their availability, cost advantages over bioplastics and recyclability. At PACK EXPO International in 2024, Accredo Packaging, in collaboration with Fresh-Lock (Reynolds Consumer Products), presented a fully bio-based pouch. With both the film and the reusable zipper closure made from sugarcane-derived resin, the design offers durability, flexibility and product protection comparable to conventional plastics. By combining sustainability with functionality and convenience, it preserves freshness and supports reuse in categories such as food packaging.
Sustainable formats like rPET, cans and pouches are reshaping beverage packaging.
For 2024, PET bottles remain the dominant packaging format for non-alcoholic drinks in the US, but there is a clear shift towards more sustainable options, including recycled PET (rPET) bottles, cartons and aluminium cans, depending on the beverage type. Major bottlers and manufacturers are increasingly adopting rPET for their bottles as part of large-scale sustainability and recycling strategies. Flexible pouches are gaining traction, particularly for juices, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages and functional drinks, thanks to their portability, reduced material use and ease of transport and storage, making them a preferred choice for producers seeking convenience and lower distribution costs. Aluminium cans continue to grow in carbonates and energy drinks due to their recyclability, ease of transportation and ability to maintain carbonation. Together, these packaging formats combine sustainability, convenience and logistical efficiency, adapting to modern needs for transportation, storage and on-the-go consumption.
Aluminium cans gaining share in alcoholic drinks packaging
The US alcoholic drinks packaging market is showing a clear increase in the use of aluminium cans at the expense of glass bottles. According to Beer Institute data from 2024, about 64% of beer was packaged in cans, while only 27% came in glass bottles. This shift is particularly evident in craft beers and RTDs, such as hard seltzers and canned cocktails, in which cans account for most sales due to their convenience, lighter weight and ease of transportation.
Circular and sustainable packaging innovations transforming beauty and personal care
A number of beauty brands are increasingly adopting bio-based, recyclable or compostable materials for packaging, moving away from conventional plastics. Packaging suppliers report growing availability of alternatives such as bio-based materials derived from cellulose by-products, used for caps, droppers and container bodies. These solutions enable the use of renewable materials that can be recycled. In addition, there is a strong push to simplify packaging by eliminating unnecessary components or designing mono-material formats, which facilitates recycling. This trend became particularly evident in 2024.
Refillable systems and green materials driving change in home care packaging
A strong transition towards sustainable, low-waste packaging is reshaping the home care industry, driven by refillable systems, eco-friendly materials and concentrated formulas. Brands are moving away from traditional rigid plastic bottles towards lightweight flexible packs, PCR plastics, paper-based formats and durable reusable containers. This shift reflects growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products, alongside retailer and regulatory pressure to reduce single-use plastics.
Sustainable and convenient packaging trends redefining pet food
Sustainability has become the primary driver of pet food packaging. Leading brands such as Purina and Hill’s are adopting recyclable, compostable or renewable materials to meet ambitious goals of 95% sustainable packaging by 2025. This shift reflects not only a response to environmental pressure, but also a key differentiator for urban consumers who are increasingly aware of the ecological impact of their choices.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in USA with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of packaging types.
If you're in the Packaging industry in USA, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Packaging in USA report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Packaging in USA?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in USA?
- Have there been any packaging legislative changes in the past 12 months?
- How are consumption trends impacting the packaging landscape?
- What are the key trends and latest product developments in packaging?
- How important are sustainability and recycling to consumers in USA?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in the US
Packaging in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Food packaging is shifting towards sustainable materials and portion-controlled formats
Sustainable formats like rPET, cans and pouches are reshaping beverage packaging.
Aluminium cans gaining share in alcoholic drinks packaging
Circular and sustainable packaging innovations transforming beauty and personal care
Refillable systems and green materials driving change in home care packaging
Sustainable and convenient packaging trends redefining pet food
The transformation of packaging laws in the US promotes sustainable solutions and producer accountability
Proposed circular economy law raises questions on recycling future
California’s plastic pollution law sets new benchmark for sustainable packaging
Deposit Return Schemes gain momentum to boost recycling rates in the US
Compostable packaging becoming a leading solution to plastic waste
DISCLAIMER
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Packaging
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- Baby and Child-specific Products Packaging
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- Bar Soap
- Bath Additives
- Body Powder
- Body Wash/Shower Gel
- Hand Sanitisers
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- Intimate Washes
- Intimate Wipes
- Liquid Soap
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- Eye Liner/Pencil
- Eye Shadow
- Mascara
- Other Lash and Brow Make-Up
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- BB/CC Creams
- Blusher/Bronzer/Highlighter
- Foundation/Concealer
- Powder
- Other Facial Make-Up
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- Lip Gloss
- Lip Liner/Pencil
- Lipstick
- Other Lip Products
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- Nail Polish
- Nail Treatments/Strengthener
- Polish Remover
- Other Nail Products
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- Deodorant Creams
- Deodorant Pumps
- Deodorant Roll-Ons
- Deodorant Sprays
- Deodorant Sticks
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- Hair Removers/Bleaches
- Women's Pre-Shave
- Women's Razors and Blades
- Fragrances Packaging
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- 2-in-1 Products
- Colourants
- Conditioners and Treatments
- Perms and Relaxants
- Salon Professional Hair Care
- Standard Shampoos
- Styling Agents
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- Men's Post-Shave
- Men's Pre-Shave
- Men's Razors and Blades
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- Men's Bath and Shower
- Men's Deodorants
- Men's Hair Care
- Men's Skin Care
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- Dental Floss
- Denture Care
- Mouth Fresheners
- Mouthwashes/Dental Rinses
- Tooth Whiteners
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
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- Body Care
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- Face Masks
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- Liquid/Cream/Gel/Bar Cleansers
- Facial Cleansing Wipes
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- Basic Moisturisers
- Anti-Agers
- Lip Care
- Toners
- Hand Care
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- Adult Sun Care
- Baby and Child-specific Sun Care
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- Dark Beer
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- Flavoured/Mixed Lager
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- Domestic Lager
- Imported Lager
- Non/Low Alcohol Beer
- Stout
- Cider/Perry
- RTDs
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- Brandy and Cognac
- Liqueurs
- Rum
- Tequila (and Mezcal)
- Whiskies
- White Spirits
- Other Spirits
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- Fortified Wine and Vermouth
- Non-Grape Wine
- Sparkling Wine
- Still Light Grape Wine
- Non Alcoholic Wine
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- Fresh Coffee Beans
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- Fresh Ground Coffee Pods
- Standard Fresh Ground Coffee
- Instant Coffee
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- Black Tea
- Green Tea
- Fruit/Herbal Tea
- Instant Tea
- Other Tea
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- Flavoured Powder Drinks
- Other Plant-based Hot Drinks
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- Asian Speciality Drinks
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- Carbonated Bottled Water
- Flavoured Bottled Water
- Functional Bottled Water
- Still Bottled Water
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- Cola Carbonates
- Non-Cola Carbonates
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- Liquid Concentrates
- Powder Concentrates
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- 100% Juice
- Juice Drinks (up to 24% Juice)
- Nectars (25-99% Juice)
- Coconut and Other Plant Waters
- Energy Drinks
- Sports Drinks
- RTD Coffee
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- Carbonated RTD Tea and Kombucha
- Still RTD Tea
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- Cat Treats and Mixers
- Dry Cat Food
- Wet Cat Food
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- Dog Treats and Mixers
- Dry Dog Food
- Wet Dog Food
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- Dried Baby Food
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- Liquid Milk Formula
- Powder Milk Formula
- Prepared Baby Food
- Other Baby Food
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- Dessert Mixes
- Frozen Baked Goods
- Packaged Bread
- Packaged Cakes
- Packaged Pastries
- Dessert Pies and Tarts
- Breakfast Cereals Packaging
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- Chocolate Pouches and Bags
- Boxed Assortments
- Chocolate with Toys
- Countlines
- Seasonal Chocolate
- Tablets
- Other Chocolate Confectionery
- Gum
- Sugar Confectionery
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- Butter and Spreads
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- Processed Cheese
- Packaged Hard Cheese
- Soft Cheese
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- Flavoured Milk Drinks
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- Fresh Milk
- Shelf Stable Milk
- Goat Milk
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- Powder Milk
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- Sour Milk Products
- Yoghurt
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- Chilled and Shelf Stable Desserts
- Chilled Snacks
- Coffee Whiteners
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- Condensed Milk
- Cream
- Fromage Frais and Quark
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- Plant-based Milk
- Plant-based Yoghurt
- Plant-based Cheese
- Edible Oils Packaging
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- Frozen Yoghurt
- Impulse Ice Cream
- Plant-based Ice Cream
- Take-Home Ice Cream
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- Frozen Fruit
- Frozen Processed Potatoes
- Frozen Processed Vegetables
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- Shelf Stable Beans
- Shelf Stable Fruit
- Shelf Stable Tomatoes
- Shelf Stable Vegetables
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- Chilled Processed Meat
- Frozen Processed Meat
- Shelf Stable Meat
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- Chilled Processed Seafood
- Frozen Processed Seafood
- Shelf Stable Seafood
- Meat and seafood substitutes inc Tofu
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- Dried Ready Meals
- Shelf Stable Ready Meals
- Chilled Ready Meals
- Frozen Ready Meals
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- Chilled Pizza
- Frozen Pizza
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- Meal Kits
- Quick Recipe Kits
- Chilled Lunch Kits
- Prepared Salads
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- Dry Soup
- Shelf Stable Soup
- Chilled Soup
- Frozen Soup
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- Noodles
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- Chilled Pasta
- Dried Pasta
- Rice
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- Bouillon
- Gravy Cubes, Powders and Pots
- Herbs and Spices
- Monosodium Glutamate
- Tomato Pastes and Purées
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- Liquid Recipe Sauces (excl pasta sauces)
- Dry Recipe Sauces
- Pasta Sauces
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- Barbecue Sauces
- Chili Sauces
- Fish Sauces
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Oyster Sauces
- Salad Dressings
- Soy Sauces
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- Dips
- Pickled Products
- Other Sauces and Condiments
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- Nuts, Seeds and Trail Mixes
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Salty Snacks
- Savoury Biscuits
- Meat Snacks
- Seafood Snacks
- Other Savoury Snacks
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- Chocolate Spreads
- Honey
- Jams and Preserves
- Nut and Seed Based Spreads
- Yeast-based Spreads
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- Fruit Snacks
- Snack Bars
- Sweet Biscuits
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- Candle Air Fresheners
- Car Air Fresheners
- Electric Air Fresheners
- Gel Air Fresheners
- Liquid Air Fresheners
- Spray/Aerosol Air Fresheners
- Other Air Care
- Bleach
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- Automatic Dishwashing Liquids
- Automatic Dishwashing Powders
- Automatic Dishwashing Tablets
- Dishwashing Additives
- Hand Dishwashing
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- Electric Insecticides
- Insecticide Baits
- Insecticide Coils
- Spray/Aerosol Insecticides
- Other Home Insecticides
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- Carpet Cleaners
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- Dryer Sheets
- Liquid Fabric Softeners
- Laundry Aids
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- Powder Detergents
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- Compact Powder Tablet Detergents
- Liquid Tablet Detergents
- Liquid Detergents
- Other Detergents
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- Floor Polish
- Furniture Polish
- Metal Polish
- Shoe Polish
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- Cleaning Solution
- Starter Kits/Sweepers/Sticks (Excluding Wipes)
- Wipes (Excluding Starter Kits/Sweepers/Sticks)
- Bathroom Cleaners
- Descalers
- Drain Openers
- Floor Cleaners
- Home Care Disinfectants
- Kitchen Cleaners
- Multi-Purpose Cleaners
- Oven Cleaners
- Scouring Agents
- Window/Glass Cleaners
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- In-Cistern Devices
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- Rim Blocks
- Rim Liquids
- Toilet Care Tablets/Powders
- Toilet Cleaning Systems
- Toilet Liquids/Foam
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This report originates from Passport, our Packaging research and analysis database.
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