Key Insights

The European single-use packaging market, valued at €10.07 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by a consistent CAGR of 4.76% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. The burgeoning food and beverage sectors, coupled with the rising demand for convenient and hygienic packaging solutions in personal care and pharmaceuticals, are significant contributors. Growth within the e-commerce sector also plays a crucial role, necessitating increased reliance on single-use packaging for efficient delivery and product preservation. While environmental concerns regarding plastic waste pose a restraint, the market is witnessing a shift toward sustainable alternatives, including biodegradable and compostable materials. This trend, coupled with stringent regulations promoting recyclability and reduced environmental impact, is shaping the future of the European single-use packaging landscape. Key players like Amcor, Berry Global, and Huhtamaki are actively innovating to meet these evolving demands, focusing on eco-friendly materials and efficient recycling programs. Regional variations exist, with Germany, the United Kingdom, and France representing significant markets within Europe, reflecting higher consumption and established manufacturing bases.

The market segmentation reveals interesting dynamics. Paper and paperboard continue to hold a substantial market share, primarily due to their relatively lower cost and biodegradability compared to plastics. However, advancements in plastic technology, particularly in the development of recyclable and biodegradable plastics, are challenging this dominance. The food and beverage sector remains the largest end-user, driven by the high volume of packaged food and beverages consumed across Europe. The pharmaceutical sector is also exhibiting robust growth, driven by increased demand for sterile and tamper-evident packaging. The market's future trajectory hinges on the successful adoption of sustainable practices by manufacturers and consumers alike, fostering a circular economy approach that minimizes environmental impact while continuing to meet the ever-growing demand for convenient and safe single-use packaging. Further growth will be fueled by innovations in materials science and the implementation of advanced recycling technologies.

Europe Single-use Packaging Market Report: 2019-2033

This comprehensive report provides a detailed analysis of the Europe single-use packaging market, offering invaluable insights for industry professionals, investors, and strategic planners. Covering the period 2019-2033, with a focus on 2025, this report leverages rigorous research and data analysis to forecast market trends and identify key opportunities.

Europe Single-use Packaging Market Structure & Innovation Trends

The European single-use packaging market is characterized by a moderately concentrated structure, with several large multinational companies holding significant market share. However, a dynamic landscape of smaller players and niche providers also contributes to innovation and competition. Market share data for 2025 estimates Amcor Group GmbH and Berry Global Inc. to hold approximately xx% and xx% respectively, with remaining share distributed amongst other key players. The market is driven by innovation in sustainable materials, such as biodegradable plastics and recycled content, fueled by stringent environmental regulations and growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity remains significant, with deal values exceeding €xx Million in 2024 alone. For example, the partnership between AMB Spa and Indorama Ventures (detailed below) highlights the focus on enhancing recycling technologies. Further analysis identifies that a significant portion of M&A activity is driven by the desire to acquire sustainable packaging solutions and improve supply chain efficiency.

• Key Market Structure Metrics (2025 Estimates):

  • Market Concentration: Moderately Concentrated
  • Top 2 Players Combined Market Share: xx%
  • M&A Deal Value (2024): €xx Million
  • Average Deal Size: €xx Million

• Innovation Drivers:

  • Sustainable Materials
  • Enhanced Recycling Technologies
  • Automation and Efficiency Improvements
  • Consumer Demand for Eco-Friendly Packaging

Europe Single-use Packaging Market Dynamics & Trends

The European single-use packaging market is experiencing robust growth, driven by factors such as increasing consumption across various end-user industries, population growth, and rising disposable incomes. Technological advancements in packaging materials and manufacturing processes are further propelling market expansion. However, fluctuating raw material prices and increasing environmental concerns present challenges. The market's Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2025 to 2033 is projected to be xx%, with significant penetration into the food and beverage sectors. The shift in consumer preferences towards convenience and on-the-go consumption fuels demand for single-use packaging, while simultaneously driving the need for sustainable alternatives. Intense competition among established players and emerging companies necessitates continuous innovation and strategic partnerships to maintain market share.

Dominant Regions & Segments in Europe Single-use Packaging Market

The German, UK, and French markets represent the largest segments within Europe. This dominance is driven by factors such as robust economies, developed infrastructure, and high consumption levels.

• Germany: High manufacturing output, strong consumer spending, and a significant presence of key packaging manufacturers contribute to Germany's leadership.
• United Kingdom: Large population, established retail infrastructure, and high demand across various end-user industries fuel the UK market's growth.
• France: Similar to the UK, France benefits from a large consumer base and strong demand in food and beverage.

By Material Type: Plastic currently dominates the market due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness. However, growing environmental concerns are driving a shift towards sustainable alternatives, such as paper and paperboard, which is experiencing faster growth.

• Key Drivers (Plastic): Cost-effectiveness, versatility, ease of manufacturing.
• Key Drivers (Paper & Paperboard): Growing demand for sustainable packaging, eco-friendly image.

By End-user Industry: The Food and Beverage segment holds the largest market share, driven by high consumption levels and the need for convenient and safe packaging solutions.

Europe Single-use Packaging Market Product Innovations

Recent innovations focus on sustainable and recyclable materials, improved barrier properties, and enhanced convenience features. Seal Packaging's Infinity TopSeal, a recyclable mono-material solution, exemplifies this trend, catering to the growing demand for eco-friendly options within the food service sector. The development of new recycling technologies, as showcased by AMB Spa and Indorama Ventures' collaboration, is further accelerating the adoption of sustainable practices within the industry. These innovations improve market fit by addressing both consumer and regulatory demands for sustainable packaging solutions.

Report Scope & Segmentation Analysis

This report segments the European single-use packaging market by material type (Paper and Paperboard, Plastic, Glass, Other Material Types), end-user industry (Food, Beverage, Personal Care, Pharmaceutical, Other), and country (Germany, United Kingdom, France). Each segment is analyzed for growth projections, market size, and competitive dynamics, offering a granular understanding of market opportunities. The report projects significant growth across all segments, with specific growth rates varying according to material type and end-user demand, reflecting changing consumer and regulatory preferences.

Key Drivers of Europe Single-use Packaging Market Growth

The market's growth is propelled by factors such as rising consumer spending, the expansion of the food and beverage sector, technological advancements in packaging materials, and increasing demand for convenient packaging solutions. Stringent environmental regulations incentivize the adoption of sustainable packaging materials, further accelerating growth within the specific segments related to eco-friendly solutions.

Challenges in the Europe Single-use Packaging Market Sector

The industry faces challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices, stringent environmental regulations, increasing waste management costs, and growing consumer awareness about plastic pollution. These factors impact profitability and require companies to invest in sustainable alternatives and efficient waste management strategies, adding costs and complexity to supply chains.

Emerging Opportunities in Europe Single-use Packaging Market

Opportunities arise from the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging options, along with the adoption of innovative technologies such as active and intelligent packaging. Expanding into new markets within emerging economies in Europe presents additional potential. Meeting the demands of evolving consumer expectations requires investing in materials and technologies that minimize environmental impact.

Leading Players in the Europe Single-use Packaging Market Market

• Hotpack Packaging Industries LLC
• Nutripack SAS
• Celebration Packaging Limited
• Amcor Group GmbH
• Caterline Limited
• Graphic Packaging International LLC
• Novolex
• Berry Global Inc
• Huhtamaki Oyj
• Dart Container Corporation

Key Developments in Europe Single-use Packaging Market Industry

• August 2023: AMB Spa and Indorama Ventures partner to develop technology for enhanced PET tray recycling. This collaboration signifies a significant step toward improving the sustainability of plastic packaging within the food industry.
• April 2023: Seal Packaging launches Infinity TopSeal, a recyclable mono-material packaging solution for food service applications. This reflects the market shift towards more sustainable and convenient packaging options.

Future Outlook for Europe Single-use Packaging Market Market

The European single-use packaging market is poised for continued growth, driven by a confluence of factors including increasing consumer demand, technological advancements, and the growing emphasis on sustainability. Strategic investments in innovation and sustainable materials will be crucial for companies to capitalize on the market's potential and maintain competitiveness. The focus on creating a circular economy for packaging will shape future market developments and create new opportunities.

Europe Single-use Packaging Market Segmentation

• 1. Material Type
  • 1.1. Paper and Paperboard
  • 1.2. Plastic
  • 1.3. Glass
  • 1.4. Other Material Types (Metals and Wood)
• 2. End-user Industry
  • 2.1. Food
  • 2.2. Beverage
  • 2.3. Personal Care
  • 2.4. Pharmaceutical
  • 2.5. Other End-user Industries

Europe Single-use Packaging Market Segmentation By Geography

• 1. Europe
  • 1.1. United Kingdom
  • 1.2. Germany
  • 1.3. France
  • 1.4. Italy
  • 1.5. Spain
  • 1.6. Netherlands
  • 1.7. Belgium
  • 1.8. Sweden
  • 1.9. Norway
  • 1.10. Poland
  • 1.11. Denmark