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

United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Report is Segmented by Product Type (Bottles and Jars, Trays and Containers, Caps and Closures, Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), Drums, Pallets and Other Product Types), Material Type (Polyethylene (PE) (LDPE & LLDPE and HDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS) and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and Other Rigid Plastic Packaging Materials), and by End-Use Industries (Food (Candy & Confectionary, Frozen Foods, Fresh Produce, Dairy Products, Dry Foods, Meat, Poultry and Seafood, Pet Food and Other Food Products), Foodservice (Quick Service Restaurants, Full Service Restaurants, Coffee and Snack Outlets, Retail Establishments, Institutional, Hospitality and Other Foodservice End-Uses), Beverage, Healthcare, Cosmetics and Personal Care, Industrial (Chemical, Agriculture, and Oil & Lubricants, Among Others), Building and Construction, Automotive and Other End-Use Industries (Household Products, and Logistics)). The Market Sizing and Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Volume (Tons) for all the Above Segments.

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

United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Size

United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2030
Base Year For Estimation 2024
Forecast Data Period 2025 - 2030
Market Volume (2025) 3.28 Million metric tons
Market Volume (2030) 3.81 Million metric tons
CAGR 3.04 %
Market Concentration Medium

Major Players

United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Compare market size and growth of United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market with other markets in Packaging Industry

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United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Analysis

The United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market size in terms of production volume is expected to grow from 3.28 million metric tons in 2025 to 3.81 million metric tons by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.04% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

  • Rigid plastic packaging plays a significant role in the United Kingdom's packaging industry. It is widely used across various sectors, including food and beverages, personal care, and household products. The durability and versatility of rigid plastic packaging make it a preferred choice for manufacturers and consumers. This type of packaging offers excellent protection for products, ensuring they remain intact during transportation and storage. Additionally, rigid plastic packaging is often lightweight, reducing shipping costs and improving logistical efficiency. Products that come under rigid plastic packaging include bottles, containers, tubs, trays, drums, crates, pallets, and so on.
  • The environmental impact of rigid plastic packaging has become a growing concern. The UK government and industry stakeholders actively seek ways to mitigate these effects. Initiatives such as improving recycling infrastructure and promoting using recycled materials in packaging are gaining traction. The government has also introduced regulations to limit the use of single-use plastics and encourage the adoption of more sustainable alternatives. These measures aim to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans, thereby protecting the environment and wildlife.
  • InSinkErator reports that the United Kingdom consumes a staggering 7.7 billion water bottles each year. A recent study reveals that Londoners contribute to nearly one-seventh of this plastic pollution. This equates to about 1.54 billion bottles annually, averaging 175 per person. Birmingham, the country's second-largest city, sees its residents purchasing over 120 million bottles yearly.
  • Concerns about the environmental impact of plastic bottles are intensifying in the United Kingdom. Many of the nation's plastic waste, predominantly from single-use bottles, is causing alarm. In response to these sustainability challenges, the UK has implemented several initiatives to reduce plastic waste. A key measure is the introduction of deposit return schemes (DRS), which encourage recycling by providing refunds on returned bottles. There's also a focus on increasing recycled content in plastic bottles and developing biodegradable and compostable alternatives. These efforts are part of a larger strategy to promote a circular economy, prioritizing material reuse and recycling to lessen environmental damage.
  • Technological advancements are also contributing to the evolution of rigid plastic packaging. Innovations in material science are leading to the development of more sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. These advancements aim to reduce the carbon footprint and enhance the recyclability of rigid plastic packaging. For instance, researchers are exploring the use of bio-based plastics derived from renewable resources, which can decompose more easily than traditional plastics. New manufacturing techniques are also being developed to create lighter and stronger packaging materials, further reducing environmental impact.

United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Industry Overview

In the United Kingdom, the rigid plastic packaging sector is fragmented. It is spearheaded by prominent domestic entities like P. Wilkinson Containers Ltd and Robinosn PLC, alongside global players such as Amcor Group GmbH, Berry Global, and Aptar Group. These frontrunners actively pursue strategies like mergers, acquisitions, and product launches to fortify their foothold in the region.

  • March 2024: Greif, a key player in industrial packaging products and services, teamed up with CDF Corporation to unveil an advanced redesign of its GCUBE intermediate bulk container (IBC) Flex. This redesign is tailored to transport susceptible liquid products, ensuring they remain under sterile conditions. The next-generation GCUBE IBC Flex, available across the United Kingdom, Europe, and Scandinavia, boasts an upgraded aseptic liner, a product of CDF Corporation's innovation. This advanced Form-Fit liner surpasses traditional IBC liners in evacuation efficiency and features a distinctive square opening design. This design seamlessly aligns with the IBC's internal shape and ensures automatic filling, positioned to serve markets such as food and beverage, flavors and fragrances, lubricants, and pharmaceuticals.
  • October 2023: Berry Global introduced a lightweight tube closure solution that combines contemporary design and material adaptability while curbing greenhouse gas emissions simultaneously. Expanding its already vast portfolio of tube closures, Berry's new Slimline range boasts a modern, lightweight, and low-profile design, leading to significant greenhouse gas reductions compared to conventional caps. The closures come in 35mm and 50mm diameters, with options for matte or glossy finishes and orifices of 3mm and 5mm. These closures can be produced using virgin polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) or with food-safe post-consumer recycled plastics (rPE and rPP) sourced from CleanStream, Berry's proprietary closed-loop recycling initiative.

United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Leaders

  1. Amcor Group Gmbh

  2. Berry Global Inc.

  3. Aptar Group Inc.

  4. Coda Plastics Ltd.

  5. Berlin Packaging UK

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Concentration
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United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market News

  • April 2024: Aldi emerged as the pioneering supermarket in the United Kingdom, transitioning to 100% recycled PET for its own-brand soft drinks and bottled water range, except caps and labels. This initiative is projected to conserve approximately 10,000 tonnes of virgin plastic annually. Furthermore, it aligns with Aldi's ambition to incorporate 50% recycled content into its plastic packaging across all business segments by 2025.
  • October 2023: Abel & Cole, a dairy company based in Wroughton, Wiltshire, introduced the United Kingdom's inaugural washable and refillable plastic milk bottle. Designed for multiple refills, these innovative bottles are free to consumers. Weighing an average of 40g, these bottles are significantly lighter than their 200g glass counterparts, reducing fuel consumption during transportation.

United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Report - Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET INSIGHTS

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Industry Value Chain Analysis
  • 4.3 Industry Regulations and Policies
  • 4.4 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.4.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers
    • 4.4.3 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.4.4 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
    • 4.4.5 Threat of Substitutes
  • 4.5 Current Trade Scenario - Import and Export Analysis

5. MARKET DYNAMICS

  • 5.1 Market Drivers
    • 5.1.1 Growing Adoption in Food and Beverage Sector
    • 5.1.2 Increasing Rigid Plastic Packaging Solutions Demand Across the Industrial Sector
  • 5.2 Market Challenges
    • 5.2.1 Price Volatility of Raw Material
    • 5.2.2 Rising Competition From Flexible Packaging Products
  • 5.3 Coverage on the Emerging Alternatives to Rigid Plastic and Their Current Demand
  • 5.4 Assessment of End-user Buying Patterns and Key Influencers

6. MARKET SEGMENTATION

  • 6.1 By Product
    • 6.1.1 Bottles and Jars
    • 6.1.2 Trays and Containers
    • 6.1.3 Caps and Closures
    • 6.1.4 Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)
    • 6.1.5 Drums
    • 6.1.6 Pallets
    • 6.1.7 Other Product Types (Blisters and Clamshell Packs, Rigid Plastic Tubes, and Pails among Others)
  • 6.2 By Material
    • 6.2.1 Polyethylene (PE)
    • 6.2.1.1 LDPE & LLDPE
    • 6.2.1.2 HDPE
    • 6.2.2 Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
    • 6.2.3 Polypropylene (PP)
    • 6.2.4 Polystyrene (PS) and Expanded polystyrene (EPS)
    • 6.2.5 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
    • 6.2.6 Other Rigid Plastic Packaging Materials (Bioplastics, Polyamide (PA), Polycarbonate (PC), and Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), among Others)
  • 6.3 By End-use Industry
    • 6.3.1 Food
    • 6.3.1.1 Candy & Confectionery
    • 6.3.1.2 Frozen Foods
    • 6.3.1.3 Fresh Produce
    • 6.3.1.4 Dairy Products
    • 6.3.1.5 Dry Foods
    • 6.3.1.6 Meat, Poultry, And Seafood
    • 6.3.1.7 Pet Food
    • 6.3.1.8 Other Food Products (Seasonings & Spices, Spreadables, Sauces, Condiments, etc.)
    • 6.3.2 Foodservice
    • 6.3.2.1 Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs)
    • 6.3.2.2 Full-Service Restaurants (FSRs)
    • 6.3.2.3 Coffee and Snack Outlets
    • 6.3.2.4 Retail Establishments
    • 6.3.2.5 Institutional
    • 6.3.2.6 Hospitality
    • 6.3.2.7 Other Foodservice End-uses
    • 6.3.3 Beverage
    • 6.3.4 Healthcare
    • 6.3.5 Cosmetics and Personal Care
    • 6.3.6 Industrial (Chemical, Agriculture, and Oil & Lubricants, among Others)
    • 6.3.7 Building and Construction
    • 6.3.8 Automotive
    • 6.3.9 Other End Use Industries (Household Products, and Logistics, among Others)

7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 7.1 Company Profiles
    • 7.1.1 Amcor Group Gmbh
    • 7.1.2 Berry Global Inc.
    • 7.1.3 Aptar Group Inc.
    • 7.1.4 Coda Plastics Ltd.
    • 7.1.5 Berlin Packaging UK
    • 7.1.6 Esterform Packaging
    • 7.1.7 Cambrian Packaging
    • 7.1.8 Fernhill Packaging Ltd.
    • 7.1.9 Robinson plc
    • 7.1.10 Bison IBC Ltd
    • 7.1.11 P. Wilkinson Containers Ltd
    • 7.1.12 Plastic Closures Ltd.
    • 7.1.13 Greif Inc.
  • *List Not Exhaustive
  • 7.2 Heat Map Analysis
  • 7.3 Competitor Analysis - Emerging vs. Established Players

8. RECYCLING & SUSTAINABILITY LANDSCAPE

9. FUTURE OF THE MARKET

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United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Industry Segmentation

Rigid plastic packaging refers to packaging materials that maintain their shape and structure without elastic deformation and exhibit only perfect plastic deformation. These plastics are typically derived from, but not limited to, PP, HDPE, and PET/PETE plastic polymers. The scope of the study characterizes the rigid plastic packaging market based on the product's raw materials, including PP, PE, PET, and other raw materials used across various end-user industries, such as food, pharmaceuticals, beverages, cosmetics, toiletries, and more across the country. The research also examines underlying growth influencers and significant industry vendors, all of which help to support market estimates and growth rates throughout the anticipated period. The market estimates and projections are based on the base year factors and arrived at top-down and bottom-up approaches.

United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market is segmented by Product Type (Bottles and Jars, Trays and Containers, Caps and Closures, Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), Drums, Pallets and Other Product Types), Material Type (Polyethylene (PE) (LDPE & LLDPE and HDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS) and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and Other Rigid Plastic Packaging Materials), and by End-Use Industries (Food (Candy & Confectionary, Frozen Foods, Fresh Produce, Dairy Products, Dry Foods, Meat, Poultry and Seafood, Pet Food and Other Food Products), Foodservice (Quick Service Restaurants, Full Service Restaurants, Coffee and Snack Outlets, Retail Establishments, Institutional, Hospitality and Other Foodservice End-Uses), Beverage, Healthcare, Cosmetics and Personal Care, Industrial (Chemical, Agriculture, and Oil & Lubricants, among Others), Building and Construction, Automotive and Other End-Use Industries (Household Products, and Logistics)). The Market Sizing and Forecasts are provided in terms of volume (Tons) for all the above segments.

By Product Bottles and Jars
Trays and Containers
Caps and Closures
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)
Drums
Pallets
Other Product Types (Blisters and Clamshell Packs, Rigid Plastic Tubes, and Pails among Others)
By Material Polyethylene (PE) LDPE & LLDPE
HDPE
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Polypropylene (PP)
Polystyrene (PS) and Expanded polystyrene (EPS)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Other Rigid Plastic Packaging Materials (Bioplastics, Polyamide (PA), Polycarbonate (PC), and Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), among Others)
By End-use Industry Food Candy & Confectionery
Frozen Foods
Fresh Produce
Dairy Products
Dry Foods
Meat, Poultry, And Seafood
Pet Food
Other Food Products (Seasonings & Spices, Spreadables, Sauces, Condiments, etc.)
Foodservice Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs)
Full-Service Restaurants (FSRs)
Coffee and Snack Outlets
Retail Establishments
Institutional
Hospitality
Other Foodservice End-uses
Beverage
Healthcare
Cosmetics and Personal Care
Industrial (Chemical, Agriculture, and Oil & Lubricants, among Others)
Building and Construction
Automotive
Other End Use Industries (Household Products, and Logistics, among Others)
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United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Research FAQs

How big is the United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market?

The United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market size is expected to reach 3.28 million metric tons in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 3.04% to reach 3.81 million metric tons by 2030.

What is the current United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market size?

In 2025, the United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market size is expected to reach 3.28 million metric tons.

Who are the key players in United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market?

Amcor Group Gmbh, Berry Global Inc., Aptar Group Inc., Coda Plastics Ltd. and Berlin Packaging UK are the major companies operating in the United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market.

What years does this United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?

In 2024, the United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market size was estimated at 3.18 million metric tons. The report covers the United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.

United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging Industry Report

Statistics for the 2025 United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. United Kingdom Rigid Plastic Packaging analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.