Market Trends of United States Plastic Caps And Closures Industry
Polyethylene (PE) is expected to be the Fastest Growing Raw Material Segment
- Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most durable plastics available, exhibiting resistance to chemicals and boasting a low cost. Derived from petroleum polymers, PE can withstand various environmental hazards, typically categorized as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
- HDPE and LDPE represent the primary materials used in caps and closures. HDPE variants find extensive use in water, dairy, and juice bottles, favored for their excellent organoleptic properties, particularly in water bottle closures, due to their longstanding preference. Renowned for strength and durability, HDPE plastics can be color-matched and commonly found in white. Its adaptability and durability position HDPE as a top choice for cosmetic bottles.
- Borealis notes that the growth in HDPE caps and closures is largely attributed to the replacement of metal caps on glass bottles (by PET) and shifting consumption patterns favoring smaller bottles for refreshments.
- According to the American Chemistry Council, in 2023, the United States produced 7.05 billion pounds of polyethylene, including HDPE, LDPE, and LLDPE. Injection molding technology, particularly influential in the LDPE segment, contributes to the production of medical devices, caps, and closures.
- Due to its strength and cost-effectiveness, many industries in the United States prefer HDPE over LDPE. HDPE's rigidity makes it an ideal packaging choice for impact-resistant goods. The chemical industry emerges as a major consumer, propelling the market's growth.
- The US plastic caps and closures market is experiencing a notable increase, driven by a strategic emphasis on the polyethylene industry's export initiatives. Asia has emerged as a critical market for these exports. According to data from the US Commerce Department, US PE export shipments in the first quarter of 2023 increased by 30% compared to the previous year, totaling 3,196,437 million metric tons (mt) or 7.05 billion pounds.
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The Beverage Segment is expected to Hold Major Market Share
- Caps and closures are crucial in sealing containers, pouches, and bottles in the beverage industry, encompassing carbonated and non-carbonated drinks. They safeguard against foreign particles and preserve the flavor and taste of beverages. The beverage segment encompasses bottled water, fruit juices, ready-to-drink beverages, and energy drinks.
- The escalating demand for single-serve beverages, coupled with the hot fill process that extends the shelf life of packaged drinks, is set to propel growth in the US caps and closures market. Companies favor plastic bottles for hot fill processes as they eliminate the need for preservatives, enhancing the drink's health quotient. Notably, the advantages of hot-fill plastic bottles include extended product shelf life and preservative-free content, their lightweight composition, and their cost-effectiveness due to their plastic composition.
- Hot-fill plastic bottles are increasingly prevalent as various hot-fill processes become commonplace in the beverage industry. The rising prominence of hot-fill applications, particularly in the ready-to-drink segment, is anticipated to drive market growth.
- The market for sports caps is expanding alongside the increasing demand for bottled water and energy drinks. Despite their weight, sports closures offer tamper-evident features. Diverse sports closure designs vary in aesthetics, neck diameters, and tamper-evident solutions catering to cold, dry, or wet aseptic filling requirements. According to Beverage Digest, in 2023, Coca-Cola's retail volume share of the US carbonated soft drink (CSD) market exceeded 40%. North America accounted for nearly 37% of the Coca-Cola Company's total revenue during the same period. The company's global net operating revenue in 2023 was approximately USD 46 billion.
- Another influential trend impacting beverage closures is the rise of e-commerce. The convenience of online shopping presents an opportunity for companies to access new consumers and cater to the growing demand for at-home delivery. Consequently, more food and beverage sales are transitioning to direct-to-consumer e-commerce platforms.
