Food Service Packaging Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Material Type (Plastic (Polyamide, Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol, Polyethylene) Metals, Others), By Packaging Type (Paper & Paperboard, Flexible, Rigid, Others), By Application (Beverages, Fruits & Vegetables, Bakery & Confectionery, Dairy Products, Others) and Region Forecast 2020-2031

Food Service Packaging Market size was valued at US$ 130.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 186.5 billion by 2031, growing at a significant CAGR of 4.6% from 2025-2031. Moreover, the U.S. Food Service Packaging Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% over the forecast period. The market encompasses a wide range of materials and products specifically designed to package, protect, and serve food and beverages in various foodservice establishments. This includes disposable containers, wraps, cups, lids, trays, and cutlery made from materials such as plastic, paper, aluminium, and biodegradable alternatives. These packaging solutions ensure food safety, maintain product freshness, enhance convenience for consumers, and support branding efforts for restaurants, cafes, fast-food chains, and catering services.

The market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for convenience food, the expansion of quick-service restaurants (QSRs), and evolving consumer preferences for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Rising urbanization, busy lifestyles, and the surge in online food delivery services have further fuelled the need for innovative and durable packaging materials. Additionally, regulatory measures promoting environmentally friendly alternatives have encouraged manufacturers to develop biodegradable and recyclable packaging solutions. The market continues to evolve with advancements in smart packaging technologies and increasing emphasis on food safety, sustainability, and efficient supply chain solutions.

Facts & Figures

• In fact, in recent years, food delivery and takeout orders have surged, with online food delivery alone surpassing $150 billion globally in 2023, significantly increasing the demand for disposable and sustainable packaging solutions.
• The rise of online food delivery platforms (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Deliveroo, etc.) has significantly increased demand for durable and insulated food packaging to maintain food quality.

List of Instances

• In April 2024, FoodChain ID introduced Sustainable Packaging Services, a suite of products and expert-guided solutions designed to help food and cosmetics brands meet the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging. This service integrates digital tools and regulatory insights, enabling manufacturers to track and adapt to evolving global sustainability regulations.
• In August 2024, Restaurantware launched the Sustain collection, a new line of fully compostable foodservice packaging. The collection offers eco-friendly alternatives for over 40 commonly used packaging items, including window boxes and sandwich boxes, which are typically unavailable in compostable options.

 Key Developments:

• In January 2025, Genpak introduced a new line of polypropylene foodservice packaging, designed to meet the needs of the food industry. The range is available in multiple sizes, offering versatility to accommodate the diverse requirements of restaurant operators.
• In October 2024, Eco-Products® introduced Veda, a new line of durable, reusable foodservice containers designed for easy return and reuse. Developed in collaboration with OZZI®, the containers feature proprietary tracking and collection technology and are primarily intended for closed-system foodservice environments such as colleges, corporate campuses, military bases, and hospitals.
• In September 2024, Colpac introduced a new paperboard packaging line designed for foodservice and retail. The sustainable packaging solution aims to provide eco-friendly, recyclable alternatives for businesses seeking environmentally responsible options.

Food Service Packaging Market Segmentation:

Based on the material:

• Plastic
• Metals
• Others

Plastic is expected to lead material in the foodservice packaging market, primarily due to its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and superior protective properties. Among plastic types, polyethylene (PE) leads the segment, driven by its widespread application in food containers, wraps, and beverage packaging. The growing demand for lightweight, durable, and moisture-resistant packaging solutions has reinforced polyethylene’s position as a preferred material for foodservice applications. Its ability to provide a strong barrier against contaminants, extend shelf life, and ensure food safety has made it indispensable, especially in the booming quick-service restaurant (QSR) and online food delivery industries.

Additionally, polyethylene-based packaging is easy to manufacture at scale, making it a cost-efficient solution for foodservice providers. However, rising environmental concerns have led to innovations in recyclable and biodegradable polyethylene variants, further fuelling its adoption. Governments and manufacturers are increasingly investing in sustainable plastic alternatives, such as recycled polyethylene and bio-based PE, to comply with stringent regulations and evolving consumer preferences. Despite the push for eco-friendly materials, polyethylene remains the most widely used due to its balance of affordability, functionality, and adaptability, ensuring its continued dominance in the foodservice packaging market.

Based on the packaging:

• Paper & Paperboard
• Flexible
• Rigid
• Others

Rigid packaging is emerging as the largest segment in the foodservice packaging market due to its superior durability, structural integrity, and ability to protect food during storage and transportation. The increased demand for high-quality, spill-proof, and tamper-resistant packaging has driven the adoption of rigid containers, particularly in the fast-growing online food delivery and takeaway sectors. Rigid packaging, including clamshell containers, trays, and plastic food boxes, is widely used in quick-service restaurants (QSRs), cloud kitchens, and premium foodservice establishments to ensure food safety and maintain temperature control.

The rising trend of premium and sustainable packaging solutions has also contributed to the segment’s growth, with manufacturers investing in eco-friendly rigid alternatives such as biodegradable moulded fibre containers and reusable plastic packaging. Additionally, regulatory measures restricting single-use plastics have accelerated the shift toward recyclable and compostable rigid packaging materials. Consumers prefer sturdy, leak-proof containers that enhance the dining experience, further boosting the segment’s demand. As food delivery and takeout services continue to expand globally, rigid packaging remains the preferred choice for foodservice operators, reinforcing its strong position in the market.

Based on the application:

• Beverages
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Bakery & Confectionery
• Dairy Products
• Others

The beverages segment leads the foodservice packaging market, driven by the increasing consumption of ready-to-drink (RTD) products, the growing café culture, and the rapid expansion of on-the-go beverage consumption. The surge in demand for coffee, tea, smoothies, soft drinks, and functional beverages has significantly contributed to the rise in specialized packaging solutions such as paper cups, PET bottles, aluminium cans, and compostable lids. Quick-service restaurants (QSRs), coffee chains, and food delivery services heavily rely on innovative, leak-proof, and insulated beverage packaging to maintain product quality and enhance consumer convenience.

Moreover, sustainability concerns have fuelled the shift toward biodegradable and recyclable beverage packaging, with brands increasingly adopting paper-based straws, plant-based plastics, and reusable cups. Governments worldwide have imposed stringent regulations on single-use plastics, encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives in the beverage packaging segment. Advanced packaging technologies, including smart lids, tamper-evident seals, and temperature retention materials, have further revolutionized beverage packaging to cater to evolving consumer expectations. As urbanization and busy lifestyles continue to drive the consumption of on-the-go drinks, the beverage segment remains the largest and fastest-growing application in the foodservice packaging market.