Reusable Foodservice Packaging Market Size (2024 - 2029)

Reusable Foodservice Packaging Market Analysis

The Reusable Foodservice Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 24.96 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 32.27 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.27% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The global reusable packaging market is set for significant growth, fueled by a rising need for durable and sustainable material handling solutions. Returnable packaging stands out for its pivotal role in sustainability, curbing the volume of packaging waste that typically ends up in landfills.

• A diverse urban landscape drives the country's demand for convenient, on-the-go, lightweight foods. In recent years, ready-to-eat and convenient food has evolved into one of the most diverse segments of the global food service, with rising concern about the environment and the escalation in packaging landfills, reusable food service packaging in hotels, full-service restaurants (FSRs), and quick-service restaurants (QSRs).
• Several government bodies worldwide impose strict guidelines for using reusable packaging across sectors. For instance, the SUP Directive mandates that EU Member States actively reduce single-use plastic waste, setting specific reduction targets at local and national levels. In tandem with restrictions, these states are advocating for reusable food packaging to achieve these goals.
• In France, recent legislation mandates that all on-site meals or snacks be consumed using reusable packaging or crockery.
• Over the past few years, the online food ordering and restaurant delivery sector has grown by 20%. As the online food delivery system gains traction, there is a corresponding surge in demand for sustainable food service packaging. As per the China Internet Network Information Center publication in March 2024, the number of online food delivery users in China rose from 418.83 million in 2020 to a whopping 544.54 million in 2023. This uptick is prompting manufacturers to pivot toward eco-friendly reusable packaging solutions.
• However, transitioning from a single-use to a reuse model for plastic packaging in industrial food applications can introduce unforeseen challenges, particularly in hygiene and sensory perception. Reusing plastic packaging carries the risk of heightening chemical contamination and the presence of microplastic particles in food products. Additionally, it may compromise the packaged goods' hygienic standards and sensory consistency.
• Globally, large companies are shifting from the traditional 'catch, fill, and waste' model to a zero-waste lifestyle. They achieve this by making foodservice packaging reusable, thus extending its lifecycle sustainably. This shift not only cuts down on operational costs tied to packaging but also eliminates the need for continual new packaging purchases.

Reusable Foodservice Packaging Industry Segmentation

Reusable packaging denotes containers and packaging materials crafted for multiple uses. This approach not only curtails waste but also offers a circular economy. Such solutions, known for their durability and efficiency, present an eco-friendly and sustainable substitute for conventional single-use packaging. Based on current trends and market dynamics, the study tracks and analyzes the demand for reusable packaging within the food service industry. The market numbers are derived by tracking the revenue generated by players providing reusable packaging products across the end-user industries. The study provides a detailed breakdown of the various types of material across different geographies.

The reusable foodservice market is segmented by material type (metal, plastic, glass, and other material types), product type (corrugated boxes and cartons, bottles and glasses, trays, plates, food containers, and bowls, cups and lids, clamshells, and other product types), end-user industry (quick-service restaurants {QSR}, full-service restaurants {FSR}, institutional, hospitality, and other end-user industries), geography (North America {United States, Canada}, Europe {United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Rest of Europe}, Asia-Pacific {China, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, and Rest of Asia-Pacific}, Latin America {Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Rest of Latin America}, Middle East and Africa {United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East and Africa}). The report offers market sizes and forecasts in value (USD) for all the above segments.