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Add to CartGlobal Single-Use Plastic Bags Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Application;
Retail & Consumer and Industrial & Institutional.By End User;
Food & Beverages, Personal Care, Pharmaceutical, and Others.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Market was valued at USD 15,675.18 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 17,040.26 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 1.2%.
In recent years, the global single-use plastic bags market has emerged as a significant sector within the broader packaging industry. Single-use plastic bags, ubiquitous in retail environments worldwide, have faced increasing scrutiny due to their environmental impact. These lightweight, convenient carriers have become emblematic of the larger issue of plastic pollution, prompting governments, businesses, and consumers to reassess their usage and seek alternatives.
Growing awareness of environmental concerns, the global single-use plastic bags market continues to thrive, driven primarily by the convenience and cost-effectiveness they offer to both retailers and consumers. Their lightweight nature and durability make them ideal for transporting goods, particularly in industries such as retail, grocery, and food service. Additionally, their low production costs and widespread availability have contributed to their enduring popularity, especially in regions where alternatives are less readily accessible or affordable.
Mounting environmental pressures and increasing regulatory interventions are reshaping the landscape of the single-use plastic bags market. Governments around the world are implementing bans, levies, or restrictions on the production, distribution, and use of single-use plastics, including bags. These measures aim to curb plastic pollution, reduce landfill waste, and promote the adoption of more sustainable alternatives. As a result, market players are compelled to innovate and diversify their product offerings to align with evolving consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.
Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Market Recent Developments
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In 2023, Seal Package unveiled the Infinity Top Seal, a one-piece, recyclable packaging solution designed for food service and deliveries. Utilizing Klöckner Pentaplast’s monolithic technology, it features a heat-resistant polypropylene expandable lid and a sealable film. This innovation aligns with sustainability goals in the food packaging industry.
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In 2021, Interfor Corporation has entered an agreement to acquire four sawmill operations in Bay Springs, Miss., Fayette, Ala., DeQuincy, La., and Philomath, Ore., from Georgia-Pacific Wood Products LLC and GP Wood Products LLC. This strategic move enhances Interfor’s presence in the wood products industry across different regions.
Segment Analysis
The global single-use plastic bags market has emerged as a significant sector within the broader packaging industry. Single-use plastic bags, ubiquitous in retail environments worldwide, have faced increasing scrutiny due to their environmental impact. These lightweight, convenient carriers have become emblematic of the larger issue of plastic pollution, prompting governments, businesses, and consumers to reassess their usage and seek alternatives.
Growing awareness of environmental concerns, the global single-use plastic bags market continues to thrive, driven primarily by the convenience and cost-effectiveness they offer to both retailers and consumers. Their lightweight nature and durability make them ideal for transporting goods, particularly in industries such as retail, grocery, and food service. Additionally, their low production costs and widespread availability have contributed to their enduring popularity, especially in regions where alternatives are less readily accessible or affordable.
Mounting environmental pressures and increasing regulatory interventions are reshaping the landscape of the single-use plastic bags market. Governments around the world are implementing bans, levies, or restrictions on the production, distribution, and use of single-use plastics, including bags. These measures aim to curb plastic pollution, reduce landfill waste, and promote the adoption of more sustainable alternatives. As a result, market players are compelled to innovate and diversify their product offerings to align with evolving consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.
Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Segment Analysis
In this report, the Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Market has been segmented by Application, End User and Geography.
Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Market, Segmentation by Application
The Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Market has been segmented by Application into Retail and consumer and Industrial and institutional.
Within the Retail and Consumer segment, single-use plastic bags find extensive usage in supermarkets, convenience stores, and various retail outlets. These bags serve as a convenient and inexpensive packaging solution for carrying purchased goods, groceries, and other items. Despite growing environmental concerns, the convenience and affordability offered by single-use plastic bags continue to drive their demand in the retail sector.
On the other hand, the Industrial and Institutional segment represents a diverse range of industries and institutions where single-use plastic bags are utilized for packaging, storage, and transportation purposes. Industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, hospitality, and healthcare extensively rely on single-use plastic bags for packaging and handling products. Additionally, institutional sectors such as educational institutions, government organizations, and offices utilize these bags for waste disposal and storage needs. The versatility and durability of single-use plastic bags make them a preferred choice across various industrial and institutional applications.
Their widespread usage, single-use plastic bags have come under scrutiny due to their adverse environmental impact. The accumulation of plastic waste in landfills, oceans, and natural ecosystems has led to increased awareness regarding the need for sustainable alternatives. Governments, environmental organizations, and consumers are advocating for the reduction and eventual elimination of single-use plastics to mitigate environmental pollution and promote sustainability. Consequently, the global market for single-use plastic bags is witnessing a gradual shift towards eco-friendly alternatives such as biodegradable plastics, paper bags, and reusable bags.
Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Market, Segmentation by End User
The Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Market has been segmented by End User into Food & Beverages, Personal Care, Pharmaceutical, and Others.
The food & beverages sector is one of the largest end-users of single-use plastic bags, where these bags are primarily used for packaging, storage, and transportation of food items. Supermarkets, grocery stores, and food delivery services often rely on single-use plastic bags for carrying produce, snacks, frozen goods, and ready-to-eat meals. These bags are commonly used because of their convenience, cost-effectiveness, and ability to provide a lightweight solution for packaging food products. However, growing concerns over environmental sustainability have led to increased pressure on the food industry to explore alternatives to plastic bags, which has prompted some retailers to shift towards biodegradable or reusable options.
In the personal care industry, single-use plastic bags are often used for packaging personal care products such as cosmetics, toiletries, and hygiene items. These bags provide an affordable and efficient way to package a variety of products, offering protection from contaminants, moisture, and dust. They are commonly used in retail packaging, as well as for products sold in bulk, allowing customers to conveniently carry their personal care items. The market for personal care packaging continues to grow, with an increasing focus on improving the sustainability of single-use plastic bags, as environmental concerns push companies to adopt eco-friendly packaging solutions.
The pharmaceutical sector also utilizes single-use plastic bags, particularly for packaging and transporting medicines, medical devices, and over-the-counter products. These bags provide a safe and hygienic way to store pharmaceutical products, ensuring that they remain intact and uncontaminated during transit. Plastic bags are used in pharmacies, hospitals, and health-related businesses for both retail and bulk packaging. As the pharmaceutical industry increasingly focuses on patient safety and convenience, the need for secure, high-quality packaging solutions, including single-use plastic bags, remains high. However, there is a growing push to reduce the use of plastic in this sector as part of the broader movement towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging solutions.The others category includes various industries such as retail, electronics, and household goods, where single-use plastic bags are used for packaging and transportation of a wide variety of products.
Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
In 2023, the global single-use plastic bags market witnessed a significant geographical distribution in terms of market share. North America, comprising the United States and Canada, held a considerable portion of the market share. This can be attributed to the widespread usage of single-use plastic bags in retail stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores across the region. Despite growing environmental concerns, the convenience and affordability of single-use plastic bags continue to drive their demand in North America.
Europe accounted for another substantial share of the global single-use plastic bags market. However, compared to North America, European countries have been more proactive in implementing regulations and initiatives to reduce plastic waste. Many countries in Europe have either banned or imposed taxes on single-use plastic bags, leading to a gradual decline in their market share. Nevertheless, single-use plastic bags still hold a notable presence in the retail sector in Europe.
Asia Pacific emerged as a dominant player in the global single-use plastic bags market, primarily due to its large population and growing retail sector. Countries like China, India, and Japan are among the top consumers of single-use plastic bags in the region. Despite increasing awareness about environmental issues, the convenience and low cost of single-use plastic bags continue to drive their demand in Asia Pacific. However, governments and environmental organizations in the region are increasingly advocating for sustainable alternatives, which might impact the market share of single-use plastic bags in the coming years.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers:
- Environmental awareness
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Convenience and cost-effectiveness : The global single-use plastic bags market thrives on the twin pillars of convenience and cost-effectiveness. Convenience is a paramount factor that drives consumers' preference for single-use plastic bags. These bags are lightweight, durable, and readily available, making them an easy choice for carrying groceries, shopping items, or takeaway food. Their strength and flexibility allow for easy handling and transport, reducing the hassle for consumers. In a fast-paced world where time is of the essence, the convenience offered by single-use plastic bags cannot be overstated, contributing significantly to their market dominance.
Single-use plastic bags are highly cost-effective both for consumers and retailers alike. From the consumers' perspective, these bags are often provided free of charge by retailers, eliminating the need to purchase reusable alternatives or invest in more expensive packaging options. This cost savings is particularly appealing to budget-conscious shoppers. For retailers, single-use plastic bags represent a low-cost packaging solution that helps streamline operations and reduce expenses associated with providing alternative packaging options.
The affordability of single-use plastic bags ensures their widespread use across various industries, from grocery stores to restaurants, further solidifying their market presence. Growing awareness of environmental concerns associated with single-use plastics, the convenience and cost-effectiveness of plastic bags continue to drive market demand. While efforts to curb plastic usage through regulations and consumer education campaigns have gained momentum, the convenience and affordability offered by single-use plastic bags remain unmatched by alternative options.
Restraints:
- Growing consumer preference
- Negative environmental impact
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Restricting single-use plastics : The global single-use plastic bags market has been facing increasing scrutiny and regulation due to the growing awareness of environmental issues associated with single-use plastics. Governments, environmental organizations, and consumers alike are increasingly advocating for the reduction or outright ban of single-use plastics, including plastic bags. This shift in sentiment has spurred regulatory actions worldwide aimed at restricting the usage of these bags in order to mitigate environmental damage, particularly in oceans and landfills.
As a result of this global trend, the single-use plastic bags market is experiencing significant transformations. Many countries and regions have implemented bans or levies on single-use plastic bags, compelling manufacturers and consumers to seek alternatives such as reusable bags or biodegradable options. This has led to a decline in demand for traditional single-use plastic bags and an increased demand for eco-friendly alternatives, driving innovation and investment in sustainable packaging solutions.
The restrictions on single-use plastic bags have also prompted industry players to rethink their business models and supply chains. Companies are exploring new materials and production processes to comply with regulations and meet consumer preferences for environmentally friendly products. Additionally, retailers are adjusting their practices to accommodate the shift away from plastic bags, implementing strategies such as charging for bags or offering incentives for customers to bring their own reusable bags.
Opportunities:
- Innovation in biodegradable
- Expansion into emerging markets
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Manufacturing processes : The global single-use plastic bags market is characterized by a variety of manufacturing processes, each with its own advantages and environmental implications. One of the most common methods involves the extrusion of polyethylene resin pellets through a machine that forms the plastic into thin sheets. These sheets are then cut and sealed into bags of various sizes and shapes.
This process is relatively efficient and cost-effective, making it popular for mass production of single-use plastic bags. Another manufacturing process gaining traction is blown film extrusion. In this method, molten plastic is extruded through a circular die, forming a tube of plastic. Air is then blown into the tube, expanding it to the desired diameter. The tube is flattened and cooled, then cut and sealed into individual bags. Blown film extrusion offers flexibility in bag size and thickness, but it requires more energy compared to other methods. Injection molding is another technique used in the production of single-use plastic bags, particularly for thicker, more durable bags such as those used in retail packaging.
In this process, molten plastic is injected into a mold cavity, where it cools and solidifies into the desired shape. Injection molding allows for intricate designs and customization but tends to be more expensive and less efficient for large-scale production compared to extrusion methods.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Market include :
- Novolex Holdings
- Berry Global Inc.
- Mondi Group
- Reynolds Group Holdings
- Inteplast Group Ltd.
- Hilex Poly Company LLC
- Superbag Corporation
- Ampac Holdings LLC
- Command Packaging
- Starlinger & Co. GmbH
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By End User
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Market
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
- Environmental awareness
- Convenience and cost-effectiveness
- Restraints
- Growing consumer preference
- Negative environmental impact
- Restricting single-use plastics
- Opportunities
- Innovation in biodegradable
- Expansion into emerging markets
- Manufacturing processes
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Retail and consumer
- Industrial and institutional
- Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Market, By End User, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Food and Beverages
- Personal Care
- Pharmaceutical
- Others
- Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global Single-Use Plastic Bags Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Novolex Holdings
- Berry Global Inc.
- Mondi Group
- Reynolds Group Holdings
- Inteplast Group Ltd.
- Hilex Poly Company LLC
- Superbag Corporation
- Ampac Holdings LLC
- Command Packaging
- Starlinger & Co. GmbH
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market