Mexico Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

Mexico Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Analysis

The Mexico Rigid Plastic Packaging Market size in terms of shipment volume is expected to grow from 2.07 million tonnes in 2025 to 2.52 million tonnes by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.03% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The plastic packaging industry in Mexico is experiencing significant transformation driven by raw material price fluctuations and supply chain dynamics. According to the Bank of Mexico, the country's crude oil exports, a crucial feedstock for plastic packaging production, reached USD 104.4 per barrel in March 2022, marking the highest level in over three years. The industry structure remains highly fragmented, with established players like Amcor, Grupo Phoenix, Berry Group, and ALPLA competing alongside numerous regional Mexican contract packaging firms. This competitive landscape has fostered innovation and technological advancement in manufacturing processes, particularly in sustainable plastic packaging solutions and recycling capabilities.

The manufacturing sector has witnessed substantial investments in capacity expansion and technological upgrades. According to the International Trade Administration, packaging was the primary driver of Mexico's plastics industry in 2021, accounting for 47% of market demand. Major industry players are increasingly focusing on establishing recycling facilities and implementing sustainable practices. For instance, in November 2021, the ALPLA Group launched a new HDPE plastic container recycling plant in Toluca, Mexico, with plans to double its annual regrind material production capacity to 30,000 tons from the second half of 2022.

The construction and industrial sectors have emerged as significant growth catalysts for industrial plastic packaging applications. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), the construction production volume index demonstrated robust growth, with specialized construction works, building construction, and civil engineering work registering significant year-on-year growth. This growth has directly influenced the demand for industrial plastic packaging solutions, particularly in areas such as protective packaging, transportation containers, and bulk material handling systems.

The industry is witnessing a notable shift toward sustainable packaging solutions and circular economy principles. Leading manufacturers are investing in research and development to create eco-friendly alternatives and improve recycling capabilities. For example, in January 2022, ALPLA began constructing a recycling plant in Mexico capable of processing 50,000 tons of discarded PET bottles annually, representing an investment of around USD 60 million. This trend is further supported by increasing consumer awareness and regulatory pressure to reduce plastic waste, driving innovation in recyclable and biodegradable packaging solutions.

Mexico Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Trends

BOTTLED WATER AND CARBONATES-BASED PRODUCTS

The critical water security challenges faced by Mexico's metropolitan areas, particularly Mexico City with its population of over 22 million, have emerged as a significant driver for the plastic bottle and plastic packaging market. The region's heavy reliance on groundwater overdraft and imports from neighboring basins has led to widespread water quality and accessibility issues, especially in low-income peri-urban neighborhoods. This situation has created a robust demand for plastic bottle products, with the Autonomous Metropolitan University Iztapalapa Unit reporting that 80% of Mexicans are regular consumers due to a lack of confidence in public water service. The prevalence is even higher in Mexico City, where nine out of every ten residents regularly consume plastic bottle products, making the country the world's top per-capita consumer of bottled water products.

The carbonated beverages sector also plays a crucial role in driving the plastic packaging market in Mexico. The working population's increasingly urbanized lifestyle and demand for convenience have significantly influenced the carbonated soft drinks market. Mexico stands out as one of the largest consumers of soft drinks globally, with carbonated beverages dominating the Mexican soft drinks industry despite the growing popularity of packaged water and fruit-based drinks. The market's strength is particularly evident in the isotonic drinks segment, which is the largest in Latin America. The cultural significance of carbonated beverages in Mexico is notable, with soft drink consumption being deeply embedded in daily rituals, similar to wine consumption in French culture.

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR EXPECTED TO REBOUND STEADILY OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS

The industrial sector's robust recovery and evolution have become a significant driver for the rigid plastic packaging market in Mexico. The country has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its manufacturing capabilities, with a notable increase in the production of higher value-added products, including electronics, aerospace products, and medical devices. According to Trading Economics, Mexico's industrial production demonstrated strong performance with a 2.7% year-on-year increase in April 2022, surpassing market expectations of 1.8%. This growth was primarily driven by manufacturing (4.5%), utilities (3.2%), construction (2.1%), and mining (0.1%), indicating a broad-based industrial recovery.

The expansion of Mexico's trade relationships and industrial infrastructure has created substantial opportunities for the industrial plastic packaging market. The country's position as a major trading hub is evidenced by its contribution of 35% to Latin America's total trade, supported by 12 free trade agreements covering commercial affairs with 45 nations. These agreements, including the USMCA, Mexico-EU Free Trade Agreement, and Trans-Pacific Partnership, have significantly boosted the demand for industrial packaging solutions. The industrial packaging market has particularly benefited from the increased need for plastic container drums in heavy manufacturing industries and plastic container IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers) in logistics and short-distance transportation. This growth trajectory is further supported by economic projections positioning Mexico to become the world's fifth-largest economy by 2050, behind only China, the United States, India, and Brazil.

Segment Analysis: By Material Type

PE (HDPE & LDPE) Segment in Mexico Rigid Plastic Packaging Market

Polyethylene (PE), comprising both HDPE and LDPE variants, maintains its dominant position in Mexico's rigid plastic packaging market, commanding approximately 34% of the market share in 2024. This material's prominence is attributed to its exceptional durability, chemical resistance, and cost-effectiveness in packaging applications. PE's versatility allows it to be used across various applications, from food plastic packaging to industrial containers. The material's strength and durability make it particularly suitable for manufacturing milk cartons, garbage bins, and various types of plastic bottles and plastic containers. The growing food industry and increasing demand for processed and ready-to-eat foods in Mexico continue to drive the demand for PE-based packaging solutions.

PET Segment in Mexico Rigid Plastic Packaging Market

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) emerges as the fastest-growing segment in Mexico's rigid plastic packaging market, with an expected growth rate of approximately 3.5% during 2024-2029. The segment's growth is primarily driven by its superior rigidity, excellent moisture-resistance properties, and increasing adoption in PET packaging. PET's clarity and natural CO2 barrier properties make it ideal for bottled water and other beverages, while its recyclability aligns with growing environmental consciousness. The material's versatility in being easily blown into plastic bottles or formed into various shapes, combined with its ability to be enhanced with colorants and UV blockers, continues to expand its applications across different packaging needs.

Remaining Segments in Material Type

The other significant materials in Mexico's rigid plastic packaging market include Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and Polystyrene (PS & EPS). PP is valued for its high melting point and suitability for hot-fill liquids, while PVC offers excellent chemical resistance and is predominantly used in the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors. PS and EPS find extensive applications in food service packaging and protective packaging solutions. Each of these materials serves specific market niches, with their unique properties catering to different packaging requirements across various industries, from food service to industrial applications. The increasing use of PP packaging in these sectors highlights its growing importance.

Segment Analysis: By Product Type

Bottles and Jars Segment in Mexico Rigid Plastic Packaging Market

The plastic bottles and plastic jars segment has established itself as both the largest and fastest-growing segment in Mexico's rigid plastic packaging market, commanding approximately 37% market share in 2024. This dominance is primarily driven by the extensive use of PET and HDPE bottles in the beverage industry, particularly for water, carbonated drinks, and dairy products. The segment's growth is further bolstered by the increasing demand from the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors, where plastic bottles and plastic jars are preferred for their durability, cost-effectiveness, and consumer convenience. Major manufacturers in Mexico are increasingly focusing on sustainable and recyclable bottle solutions, with several companies investing in advanced recycling facilities and eco-friendly production methods. The segment's strong performance is also supported by the growing e-commerce sector and changing consumer preferences toward convenient, lightweight packaging solutions.

Remaining Segments in Mexico Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Product Types

The remaining segments in the market include plastic trays and containers, bulk grade products, and other product types, each serving distinct industrial and consumer needs. Plastic trays and containers play a crucial role in the food service industry and retail packaging, particularly for fresh produce, ready-to-eat meals, and dairy products. The bulk grade products segment, comprising IBCs, crates, and pallets, is essential for industrial transportation and storage applications, particularly in the automotive and chemical industries. Other product types, including caps, closures, and specialized packaging solutions, continue to evolve with technological advancements and changing market demands. These segments are witnessing increased adoption of sustainable materials and recyclable solutions, driven by growing environmental consciousness and regulatory requirements in Mexico.

Segment Analysis: By End-User Type

Food Segment in Mexico Rigid Plastic Packaging Market

The food plastic packaging segment maintains its dominant position in Mexico's rigid plastic packaging market, commanding approximately 32% market share in 2024. This leadership is driven by the increasing demand for packaged and processed foods, changing consumer lifestyles, and the growing preference for convenient food packaging solutions. The segment's strength is further reinforced by Mexico's robust food processing industry, which is one of the most dynamic sectors with significant contributions to the country's GDP. The expansion of modern retail formats, including supermarkets and convenience stores, has also fueled the demand for rigid plastic packaging in the food sector. Additionally, the rising focus on food safety and extended shelf life has made rigid plastic packaging an ideal choice for food manufacturers, particularly in categories such as dairy products, ready-to-eat meals, and processed foods.

Beverage Segment in Mexico Rigid Plastic Packaging Market

The beverage segment emerges as the fastest-growing category in Mexico's rigid plastic packaging market, projected to expand at approximately 4% from 2024 to 2029. This growth is primarily driven by the country's position as one of the world's largest consumers of bottled water and carbonated beverages. The segment's expansion is further supported by increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and growing health consciousness leading to higher consumption of packaged beverages. The beverage industry's continuous innovation in packaging designs, sizes, and formats, coupled with the increasing demand for convenience and on-the-go consumption, is expected to sustain this growth trajectory. Moreover, the sector's adoption of sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions aligns with evolving consumer preferences and regulatory requirements, further driving market expansion.

Remaining Segments in End-User Type

The industrial & construction, automotive, and other end-user segments collectively form a significant portion of Mexico's rigid plastic packaging market. The industrial & construction sector utilizes rigid plastic packaging for various applications including chemical storage, building materials, and industrial components. The automotive segment's demand is driven by the need for specialized packaging solutions for vehicle parts and components, supported by Mexico's strong automotive manufacturing base. Other end-user types, encompassing sectors such as healthcare, personal care, and household products, contribute to market diversity through their specific packaging requirements. These segments benefit from Mexico's growing manufacturing sector, increased industrial activity, and the expansion of various end-use industries, each requiring specialized rigid plastic packaging solutions tailored to their unique needs.