Market Trends of Europe Single-use Packaging Industry
Rising number of QSRs in the region
- The Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) and European restaurant industry is characterized by high competition, with various international and domestic brands competing for customers. A few of the most prominent QSR chains in Europe are McDonald's, KFC, and Subway, as well as Burger King and Domino's Pizza. The European QSR market is projected to expand in the coming years due to various factors, including evolving consumer preferences, a heightened need for convenience, and the introduction of new products and services, which will significantly impact the single-use packaging market.
- Single-use packaging in QSRs has become vital to a globally fast-paced life. With less time for meal preparation at home, more people rely on fast food for meals. Single-use packaging allows food service establishments to package meals in a sensible, safe, and cost-effective manner while providing customers with a convenient and efficient way to transport meals.
- Further, operators of quick service services have a strong presence throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, allowing them to generate sales throughout the day and thus significantly increase the demand for packaging. In addition, the key growth drivers for single-use packaging in the forecasted period are continued consumer adoption of technology, such as delivery apps and digital ordering solutions, and improved home working opportunities for delivered breakfast and lunch occasions.
- Most menu items available in QSRs are consumed directly from containers or packages. Consumers choose to eat fast food because it is convenient, prepared quickly, a good value, and inexpensive. Therefore, single-use packaging is an integral part of the food product and, from a consumer's perspective, must be consistent with their motives and expectations for eating fast food. With the growing demand for ready-to-go and fast food, the number of QSRs is also increasing. For instance, fast food chain McDonald's has increased the number of stores in the United Kingdom due to the ongoing demand. In 2022, McDonald's had 1397 stores, which increased significantly from 1285 stores in 2017.
- According to McDonald's In 2023, the European country in which McDonald’s operated and franchised the majority of its establishments was France (including Monaco). The United Kingdom accounted for the second largest number of McDonald’s restaurants in 2023 with 1,436 units.
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Beverage Segment is Expected to Witness Significant Growth
- One of the major factors driving the market growth is the rising demand for single-use paper cups in the increasing trend of consumption of on-the-go beverages. Consumption on the go has continuously increased alongside rising urbanization, associated with frenetic habits. A rise in consumer demand for paper cup packaged beverage products has been witnessed in countries such as Italy, the United Kingdom, and France.
- Paper-based disposable cups can be divided into two categories: hot and cold. Hot paper cups are mainly used in packaging hot drinks such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. The hot paper cups are lightweight, partly coated with a PE resin lining, and have heat seal-ability, anti-blocking, and thermal insulation properties. Some hot paper cups have sleeves, others don't, and some are constructed with lids. Hot paper cups are ideal for coffee shops and other places where hot drinks are served. Due to the high demand for hot drinks, many companies are developing new marketing strategies using single-use paper cups in the region.
- Further, single-use cold paper cups are commonly used to serve beverages such as juices, water, and non-alcoholic soft drinks. These disposable cups are equipped with moisture barrier bags. They are designed with a wax-coated layer of paper to provide rigidity, protection from leaks and absorption, and an additional insulation layer. Many cups in various patterns and sizes feature tightly rolled rims to ensure a leak-free and leak-proof drinking experience, similar to that of poly-coated cup holders. These cups are specifically designed to store cold beverages and are suitable for serving sodas, liqueurs, lemonades, and milkshakes.
- As coffee shops and food service establishments were required to use disposable cups to reduce the danger of reusable cups' infection during the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for paper cups increased. Disposable cups were in great need during the pandemic due to a rise in online meal delivery, and their use was encouraged to ensure good sanitation and contact-free delivery.
- The growing tendency of missing breakfast or eating it quickly on the go in the United Kingdom presents potential, particularly 'grab and go' foods and drinks that give flavor, convenience, and nutrition to both the young and the elderly. In this growing demand for on-the-go drinks, many well-established companies are increasing their presence in the United Kingdom and other European regions. According to Population Reference Bureau In 2023, the degree of urbanization acorss the europe was at 75 percent.
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