Key Insights

The European single-use packaging market, valued at €10.07 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by the rising demand for convenient and readily available food and beverages, particularly in the thriving e-commerce sector. The market's Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.76% from 2025 to 2033 signifies a steady expansion, fueled by increasing consumer preference for single-serve packaging and the growth of fast-casual dining and food delivery services. Key growth drivers include the expanding personal care and pharmaceutical sectors, which increasingly utilize single-use packaging for hygiene and safety reasons. Material-wise, paper and paperboard maintain a significant market share, though plastic remains prevalent due to its cost-effectiveness and versatility, presenting both opportunities and environmental concerns. Stringent environmental regulations across Europe are creating headwinds, pushing manufacturers toward sustainable alternatives like biodegradable and compostable materials. This shift towards eco-friendly packaging is anticipated to influence market segmentation, with a gradual increase in the adoption of sustainable options across various end-user industries. Germany, the United Kingdom, and France are the leading national markets within Europe, reflecting their larger populations and mature economies. Competition in the market is intense, with prominent players like Amcor, Berry Global, and Huhtamaki continuously innovating to meet evolving consumer demands and environmental regulations.

The competitive landscape is characterized by both established multinational corporations and regional players. Industry consolidation through mergers and acquisitions is likely, particularly among companies focused on developing sustainable packaging solutions. The market's future growth will be shaped by the ongoing balance between consumer convenience, cost-effectiveness, and the increasing pressure for environmentally responsible packaging choices. Significant opportunities lie in developing innovative, sustainable packaging materials and efficient recycling infrastructure to mitigate the environmental impact of single-use packaging. Furthermore, understanding and adapting to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes will be critical for sustained success in this dynamic and evolving market.

Europe Single-Use Packaging Market: A Comprehensive Market Report (2019-2033)

This in-depth report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Europe single-use packaging market, encompassing market dynamics, growth trends, regional dominance, product landscape, challenges, opportunities, and key players. The study period spans from 2019 to 2033, with 2025 serving as the base and estimated year. The report offers valuable insights for industry professionals, investors, and stakeholders seeking to understand and capitalize on the evolving landscape of single-use packaging in Europe. The market is segmented by material type (paper and paperboard, plastic, glass, other material types), end-user industry (food, beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical, others), and country (Germany, UK, France). The market size is valued in million units.

Europe Single-use Packaging Market Dynamics & Structure

The European single-use packaging market is characterized by a moderately concentrated landscape with several multinational players and a significant number of smaller regional players. Market dynamics are heavily influenced by technological innovation, stringent environmental regulations, the increasing consumer demand for sustainable alternatives, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity.

• Market Concentration: xx% market share held by the top 5 players in 2024.
• Technological Innovation: Focus on sustainable materials (e.g., biodegradable plastics, recycled content), improved barrier properties, and lightweighting technologies. Innovation barriers include high R&D costs and regulatory uncertainties.
• Regulatory Frameworks: The EU's Single-Use Plastics Directive and other regional regulations are driving the adoption of eco-friendly packaging solutions. This creates both opportunities and challenges for manufacturers.
• Competitive Product Substitutes: Growing competition from reusable packaging solutions and alternative materials poses a significant challenge to the single-use packaging market.
• End-User Demographics: Shifting consumer preferences towards sustainable and convenient packaging are influencing market demand.
• M&A Trends: Consolidation in the market through M&A activities is expected to continue, driven by the need for economies of scale and access to new technologies. xx M&A deals were recorded in the period 2019-2024.

Europe Single-use Packaging Market Growth Trends & Insights

The European single-use packaging market experienced steady growth during the historical period (2019-2024), driven by factors such as increasing consumption in the food and beverage sectors, population growth, and expanding e-commerce. However, stringent environmental regulations and growing consumer awareness of sustainability are influencing the market’s trajectory, leading to a shift towards sustainable packaging solutions. The market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033), with significant growth projected in segments focusing on eco-friendly materials. Market penetration of biodegradable and compostable packaging is expected to increase from xx% in 2024 to xx% in 2033. Technological disruptions, such as advancements in barrier technologies and lightweighting, are further shaping market growth. Consumer behavior is shifting toward sustainable products, influencing brand choices and purchase decisions.

Dominant Regions, Countries, or Segments in Europe Single-use Packaging Market

Germany, the United Kingdom, and France represent the largest national markets within the European single-use packaging sector. The plastic segment dominates by material type, driven by its versatility and cost-effectiveness. However, the paper and paperboard segment shows strong growth potential due to increased demand for sustainable packaging alternatives. The food and beverage end-user industry accounts for the largest share of market demand, followed by the personal care sector.

• Key Drivers in Germany: Strong industrial base, robust consumer spending, and proactive government policies promoting sustainability.
• Key Drivers in the UK: Large population, developed e-commerce sector, and increasing demand for convenience packaging.
• Key Drivers in France: Growing consumer awareness of environmental issues, government incentives for sustainable packaging, and a thriving food and beverage sector.
• Dominant Segment (Material): Plastic – owing to its cost-effectiveness and versatility. However, Paper and Paperboard is experiencing accelerated growth due to sustainability concerns.
• Dominant Segment (End-user): Food & Beverage sector - due to its high volume consumption and demand for convenient packaging.

Europe Single-use Packaging Market Product Landscape

Product innovation in the European single-use packaging market centers on developing sustainable and recyclable materials, improving barrier properties for extended shelf life, and designing lightweight and efficient packaging formats. Key innovations include mono-material packaging for easier recycling and the integration of recycled content. Recent product launches like Infinity TopSeal (a recyclable mono-material solution) illustrate the focus on sustainability and functionality. These innovations aim to meet the growing demands for environmentally friendly solutions without compromising product protection and shelf-life.

Key Drivers, Barriers & Challenges in Europe Single-use Packaging Market

Key Drivers:

• Growing food and beverage consumption.
• Increasing e-commerce activity.
• Advancements in packaging technologies.
• Government support for sustainable packaging.

Key Challenges:

• Stringent environmental regulations leading to increased production costs.
• Fluctuations in raw material prices.
• Competition from reusable packaging solutions.
• Supply chain disruptions impacting production and distribution. This resulted in a xx% increase in packaging costs in 2022.

Emerging Opportunities in Europe Single-use Packaging Market

• Growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging.
• Expansion into untapped markets within the region.
• Development of innovative packaging designs with enhanced functionalities.
• Customization of packaging for specific product requirements.
• Opportunities within the circular economy model (packaging-to-packaging recycling).

Growth Accelerators in the Europe Single-use Packaging Market Industry

Technological advancements, particularly in biodegradable and compostable materials, are accelerating growth. Strategic partnerships between packaging manufacturers and raw material suppliers are driving innovation and cost efficiencies. Expansion into emerging markets within Europe, focusing on countries with growing consumer spending, offers significant opportunities for market growth. Further, government initiatives to promote circular economy models create a favorable environment for expansion.

Key Players Shaping 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

Notable Milestones in Europe Single-use Packaging Sector

• August 2023: AMB Spa and Indorama Ventures partner to develop technology enhancing PET tray recycling.
• April 2023: Seal Packaging launches Infinity TopSeal, a recyclable mono-material packaging solution.

In-Depth Europe Single-use Packaging Market Outlook

The future of the European single-use packaging market is promising, driven by continuous innovation, growing consumer demand for sustainable solutions, and supportive government policies. Opportunities exist in developing bio-based materials, improving recycling infrastructure, and adopting circular economy models. Strategic partnerships and investment in R&D will be crucial for companies to thrive in this evolving landscape. The market is poised for significant growth, presenting attractive opportunities for businesses committed to sustainability and innovation.

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