Market Trends of Europe Plastic Bottles And Containers Industry
The Beverages Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share
- The beverage industry is driving significant growth in the market under study. Plastic containers and bottles are gaining popularity within this sector, prompting manufacturers to cater not only to beverages but also to other end-user industries. Lightweight packaging has emerged as a pivotal force in the packaging industry, owing to its dual benefits: economic efficiency and environmental friendliness. Given their lightweight nature, plastic bottles and containers reduce energy consumption during transportation, leading to lower fuel usage, reduced carbon emissions, and decreased costs for distributors and retailers.
- As per the 2024 Annual Report by the British Soft Drink Association, the United Kingdom consumed 3,027 million liters of bottled water in 2023, with plastic bottles representing a dominant 95.2% share. With bottled water consumption on the rise, the demand for rigid plastic bottles in the beverage sector is set to surge.
- Plastic bottles, due to their cost-effectiveness and barrier properties, hold a lion's share in the United Kingdom's beverage landscape. They make up 68% of soft drink consumption, 53% of carbonated drinks, 95% of dilutables, and 42% of sports and energy drinks, as highlighted in the British Soft Drink Association's findings.
- Across the European plastic bottles and containers market, there's a notable uptick in sustainability initiatives. These include a shift towards sustainable raw materials like bioplastics and integrating recycled content into product lines, all aimed at fostering innovation. The ambitious targets set by the Single-Use-Plastic Directive - 25% recycled content by 2025 and 30% by 2030 - are poised to revolutionize the industry. Manufacturers are thus compelled to invest in recycling technologies, signaling a steadfast commitment to sustainability.
- With beverage consumption on the rise, the demand for plastic bottles and containers for bottled water, carbonated drinks, or milk is surging. Germany, for instance, saw its per capita soft drink consumption climb from 114.7 liters in 2020 to a projected 124.9 liters in 2023, underscoring the country's robust appetite for plastic packaging.
Germany is Expected to Witness Significant Growth
- Germany is increasingly embracing plastic packaging solutions, driven by advancements from both solution providers and end users. The renowned consumer perception of “Made in Germany” products has notably favored the region's flexible packaging companies.
- The German government has implemented stringent regulations for the plastic packaging industry. While PET bottles are prevalent across various sectors, polyethylene (PE) bottles dominate sales in beverages, cosmetics, sanitary, and detergent segments.
- With a surge in cosmetic consumption and continuous innovation in plastic packaging technology, the market is poised for growth. Plastic, known for its lightweight, cost-effectiveness, and hygienic properties, is particularly well-suited for cosmetics, especially those with shorter shelf lives. Transparent, airtight, and easily moldable with good compressive strength, PET plastic bottles are enhancing the visual appeal of high-end cosmetics, indicating a promising future for this segment.
- PET finds common use in both bottles and jars, especially favored for aggressive cosmetics. On the other hand, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is generally shunned due to its potential to react with and distort materials, not to mention its association with hazardous components. The study covers a range of applications, including skincare, haircare, oral care, makeup, deodorants, fragrances, and more.
- Germany boasts a robust beauty and personal care market, witnessing rapid growth. According to the Personal Care and Detergent Industry Association e. V., the market value surged from USD 14,722.9 million in 2021 to USD 17,156.9 million in 2023. This expanding personal care market underscores Germany's significance in the growth of plastic bottles and containers.