Global Thermoformed Packaging Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In February 2024, Greiner Packaging introduced a new line of thermoformed packaging that uses upcycled plastics, aimed at reducing environmental impact in the food packaging sector.

• In July 2022, Sealed Air expanded its thermoformed packaging solutions to include high-performance packaging for the medical industry, focusing on sterilization and safety in product transport.

The global thermoformed packaging market is segmented by type, raw materials, and end-use industries, reflecting the diverse applications and requirements of thermoformed packaging solutions across various sectors.

One key segmentation is by type, which includes blister packaging, clamshell packaging, skin packaging, and others. Blister packaging is widely used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and consumer goods for its ability to provide tamper-evident protection and product visibility. Clamshell packaging, characterized by its hinged design, offers secure containment and easy access to products, making it popular for food packaging, electronics, and retail merchandise. Skin packaging involves sealing the product to a backing card using heat and vacuum, providing a tight, transparent covering that conforms to the shape of the product, commonly used for meat and seafood packaging. Additionally, other types of thermoformed packaging may include trays, cups, and tubs, offering versatile solutions for various packaging needs across industries.

Another segmentation criterion is by raw materials, which include PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), and others. PET thermoformed packaging is valued for its clarity, lightweight, and recyclability, making it suitable for food and beverage packaging, electronics, and consumer goods. PVC thermoformed packaging offers excellent clarity, chemical resistance, and formability, commonly used in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and retail packaging. ABS thermoformed packaging provides durability, impact resistance, and heat resistance, making it ideal for automotive parts, electronics, and industrial applications. Other materials such as PP (Polypropylene), PS (Polystyrene), and bioplastics are also used in thermoformed packaging, offering specific properties and benefits to meet different packaging requirements.

The segmentation by end-use industry highlights the diverse applications of thermoformed packaging across sectors such as food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, electronics, home & personal care goods, and others. In the food and beverage industry, thermoformed packaging is used for packaging fresh produce, dairy products, ready-to-eat meals, and beverages, offering protection, convenience, and shelf appeal. In pharmaceuticals, thermoformed packaging ensures product integrity, compliance, and safety, providing tamper-evident seals and barrier protection for medications and healthcare products. Thermoformed packaging also finds applications in electronics, where it offers protection against static electricity, moisture, and impact during transportation and storage. Moreover, in the home and personal care goods industry, thermoformed packaging provides convenience, durability, and branding opportunities for products such as cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and toiletries.

The segmentation of the global thermoformed packaging market by type, raw materials, and end-use industries underscores the versatility, customization, and functionality of thermoformed packaging solutions, catering to the diverse needs and requirements of different sectors. As industries continue to evolve and consumer preferences shift, thermoformed packaging manufacturers innovate and adapt, providing packaging solutions that offer protection, sustainability, and brand differentiation in today's dynamic market landscape.

Global Thermoformed Packaging Segement Analysis

In this report, the Global Thermoformed Packaging Market has been segmented by Type, Raw Materials, End-Use Industry and Geography.

Global Thermoformed Packaging Market, Segmentation by Type

The Global Thermoformed Packaging Market has been segmented by Type into Blister packaging, Clamshell packaging, Skin packaging and Others.

One prominent segment within this classification is blister packaging, known for its ability to provide secure containment and product visibility. Blister packaging finds extensive use in industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and retail merchandise. It offers tamper-evident protection and enables consumers to inspect products before purchase, enhancing product integrity and consumer trust. The versatility of blister packaging allows for customization to meet specific product requirements, making it a popular choice across multiple sectors.

Clamshell packaging represents another significant segment in the thermoformed packaging market. Characterized by its hinged design, clamshell packaging offers easy access to products while providing robust protection during transportation and display. This type of packaging is widely used in food packaging, electronics, and consumer goods, where product presentation and security are essential. The transparent nature of clamshell packaging allows for product visibility, enabling consumers to assess product quality and make informed purchasing decisions.

Skin packaging is another type of thermoformed packaging that involves sealing the product to a backing card using heat and vacuum. This packaging method provides a tight, transparent covering that conforms to the shape of the product, offering protection against contamination and moisture. Skin packaging is commonly used for meat, seafood, and deli products, providing extended shelf life and preserving product freshness. It enhances product visibility and shelf appeal, making products stand out in retail environments.

The segmentation by type may include other forms of thermoformed packaging, such as trays, cups, and tubs. These packaging solutions offer versatility and customization options for various applications across industries. Thermoformed trays are used for packaging fresh produce, baked goods, and ready-to-eat meals, providing protection and convenience for consumers. Thermoformed cups and tubs are commonly used for packaging dairy products, desserts, and snacks, offering portion control and on-the-go consumption options.

The segmentation by type in the global thermoformed packaging market highlights the diverse range of packaging solutions available to meet the specific needs and requirements of different industries and products. Whether it's blister packaging for pharmaceuticals, clamshell packaging for electronics, skin packaging for meat products, or other forms of thermoformed packaging for various applications, thermoformed packaging solutions offer versatility, protection, and convenience in today's competitive market landscape.

Global Thermoformed Packaging Market, Segmentation by Raw Materials

The Global Thermoformed Packaging Market has been segmented by Raw Materials into PET, PVC, ABS and Others.

One significant segment within this classification is PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) thermoformed packaging. PET is valued for its clarity, lightweight nature, and recyclability, making it suitable for packaging applications in industries such as food and beverage, cosmetics, and consumer goods. PET thermoformed packaging offers excellent barrier properties, ensuring product freshness and integrity while enhancing product visibility and shelf appeal. Its recyclability also aligns with sustainability goals, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and businesses.

Another prominent raw material in thermoformed packaging is PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). PVC thermoformed packaging provides excellent clarity, chemical resistance, and formability, making it ideal for packaging electronics, pharmaceuticals, and retail merchandise. PVC packaging solutions offer tamper-evident protection, product visibility, and branding opportunities, enhancing product presentation and consumer engagement. However, environmental concerns surrounding PVC's production and disposal have led to increased scrutiny and the exploration of alternative materials in some regions.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is another commonly used raw material in thermoformed packaging. ABS thermoformed packaging offers durability, impact resistance, and heat resistance, making it suitable for applications in industries such as automotive, electronics, and industrial goods. ABS packaging solutions provide protection against physical damage, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, ensuring product integrity throughout the supply chain. Its versatility and customization options make it a preferred choice for packaging products with complex shapes and requirements.

Thermoformed packaging may utilize other raw materials such as PP (Polypropylene), PS (Polystyrene), and bioplastics. PP thermoformed packaging offers versatility, heat resistance, and recyclability, making it suitable for food packaging, medical devices, and household products. PS thermoformed packaging is valued for its lightweight nature, insulation properties, and affordability, commonly used in food service packaging, electronics, and consumer goods. Bioplastics offer environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastics, derived from renewable sources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or cellulose. Thermoformed packaging made from bioplastics provides biodegradability or compostability, addressing concerns about plastic pollution and promoting sustainability in the packaging industry.

The segmentation by raw materials in the global thermoformed packaging market reflects the diverse options available to meet the specific packaging requirements of different products and industries. Whether it's PET for its clarity and recyclability, PVC for its chemical resistance and formability, ABS for its durability and impact resistance, or other materials offering unique properties and benefits, thermoformed packaging solutions provide versatile and customizable packaging options for today's dynamic market landscape.

Global Thermoformed Packaging Market, Segmentation by End-Use Industry

The Global Thermoformed Packaging Market has been segmented by End-Use Industry into Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Electronics, Home & Personal care goods and Others.

One significant segment within this classification is the food and beverage industry. Thermoformed packaging plays a crucial role in preserving the freshness, safety, and shelf life of food and beverage products, catering to the packaging needs of items ranging from fresh produce and dairy products to ready-to-eat meals and beverages. Thermoformed trays, cups, and containers provide protection against contamination, tampering, and spoilage, ensuring product integrity throughout the supply chain. Additionally, thermoformed packaging solutions offer convenience, portion control, and branding opportunities, enhancing the appeal of food and beverage products on store shelves and in consumers' homes.

Another prominent end-use industry for thermoformed packaging is the pharmaceuticals sector. Thermoformed packaging solutions are essential for packaging medications, medical devices, and healthcare products, providing protection, compliance, and safety for pharmaceutical products. Thermoformed blister packs, clamshells, and trays offer tamper-evident seals, child-resistant features, and barrier protection against moisture, light, and oxygen, ensuring the efficacy and integrity of pharmaceutical products. Thermoformed packaging also facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards, addressing the stringent packaging needs of the pharmaceutical sector.

The electronics industry represents another significant end-use industry for thermoformed packaging. Thermoformed packaging solutions are utilized for packaging electronic components, accessories, and devices, offering protection against static electricity, moisture, and physical damage during transportation and storage. Thermoformed trays, clamshells, and blister packs provide cushioning, shock absorption, and anti-static properties, ensuring the safe and secure delivery of electronic products to consumers. Additionally, thermoformed packaging offers branding opportunities, customization options, and product visibility, enhancing the presentation and marketability of electronic products in retail environments.

Thermoformed packaging finds applications in industries such as home and personal care goods, where it is used for packaging cleaning supplies, detergents, toiletries, and cosmetics. Thermoformed packaging solutions provide durability, convenience, and branding opportunities for home care and personal care products, offering protection against leakage, breakage, and contamination. Thermoformed containers, bottles, and tubs enhance product visibility, shelf appeal, and consumer convenience, driving sales and consumer engagement in the home and personal care market.

The segmentation by end-use industry in the global thermoformed packaging market highlights the diverse applications and benefits of thermoformed packaging solutions across sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics, home, and personal care goods. As industries continue to evolve and consumer preferences change, thermoformed packaging manufacturers innovate and adapt, providing packaging solutions that meet the specific needs and requirements of different industries, products, and market segments.

Global Thermoformed Packaging Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Thermoformed Packaging Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Thermoformed Packaging Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

Asia-Pacific continued to lead the thermoformed packaging market in 2022 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This remarkable growth is propelled by a combination of compelling factors. Firstly, the region benefits from a burgeoning population and increasing disposable incomes, resulting in heightened demand for packaged goods across various sectors such as food, healthcare, and consumer products. Secondly, the rapid pace of urbanization and industrialization, particularly in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia, fuels a surge in manufacturing activities, thereby amplifying the necessity for effective packaging solutions. Lastly, the exponential growth of e-commerce in the region underscores the urgent need for efficient and protective packaging solutions, further amplifying the market's expansion.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Thermoformed Packaging Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers :

• Rising Demand for Sustainable Packaging Solutions
• Advancements in Material Science and Technology
• Growth of End-Use Industries

• E-commerce Revolution - The e-commerce revolution has fundamentally transformed the way people shop and businesses operate, reshaping the global retail landscape and driving significant changes in packaging practices.

  One of the most notable impacts of the e-commerce revolution is the exponential growth of online shopping. With the convenience of shopping from anywhere, at any time, consumers are increasingly turning to e-commerce platforms to fulfill their purchasing needs. This surge in online retail has led to a corresponding increase in demand for packaging solutions that can effectively protect products during transit, withstand the rigors of the supply chain, and provide a positive unboxing experience for consumers.

  The rise of e-commerce has introduced new challenges and opportunities for packaging manufacturers and retailers alike. Traditional retail packaging, designed primarily for display on store shelves, may not always be suitable for the demands of online retail, where products need to withstand handling, stacking, and shipping without damage. As a result, there is a growing need for packaging solutions that are specifically tailored to the unique requirements of e-commerce logistics.

  Thermoformed packaging plays a critical role in meeting these challenges by providing robust, protective packaging solutions that are well-suited for the e-commerce environment. Thermoformed packaging, with its versatility, durability, and customization capabilities, can be engineered to withstand the challenges of shipping and handling while ensuring product integrity and presentation. Whether it's blister packs for electronics, clamshell packaging for consumer goods, or trays for food products, thermoformed packaging offers solutions that meet the stringent requirements of e-commerce retailing.

  The e-commerce revolution has also led to an increased focus on sustainability in packaging. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, there is a growing demand for packaging solutions that minimize waste and environmental impact. Thermoformed packaging manufacturers are responding to this trend by exploring eco-friendly materials, optimizing packaging designs for resource efficiency, and investing in recycling initiatives.

  The e-commerce revolution presents both challenges and opportunities for the packaging industry, with thermoformed packaging playing a pivotal role in meeting the evolving needs of online retailers and consumers. By providing protective, sustainable, and customizable packaging solutions, thermoformed packaging manufacturers are well-positioned to capitalize on the continued growth of e-commerce and drive innovation in the packaging sector.

Restraints :

• Environmental Concerns and Regulation
• Cost Pressures
• Limited Recycling Infrastructure

• Perception of Poor Recyclability - The perception of poor recyclability surrounding thermoformed packaging is a challenge that the industry continues to address. While thermoformed packaging offers various benefits such as durability, customization, and product protection, its perceived poor recyclability has been a concern for consumers, policymakers, and environmental advocates.

  One contributing factor to this perception is the complexity of thermoformed packaging materials. Thermoformed packaging often involves multiple layers of different plastics, making it challenging to separate and recycle efficiently. Additionally, some thermoformed packaging materials, such as certain types of polystyrene (PS), may not be accepted by all recycling facilities due to technical limitations or market demand for recycled materials.

  It's important to note that advancements in recycling technologies and infrastructure are improving the recyclability of thermoformed packaging. Innovations such as mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and advanced sorting technologies are making it easier to recover and recycle thermoformed materials, including PET, PP, and PE. Furthermore, collaborations between packaging manufacturers, recycling companies, and policymakers are driving efforts to increase the recycling rates of thermoformed packaging and promote a circular economy.

  Another approach to addressing the perception of poor recyclability is through the development of sustainable packaging alternatives. Thermoformed packaging manufacturers are exploring eco-friendly materials, such as bioplastics, compostable plastics, and recycled content, to reduce environmental impact and meet consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions. By investing in research and development, thermoformed packaging manufacturers can innovate and introduce packaging solutions that offer improved recyclability and environmental performance.

  Education and awareness initiatives also play a crucial role in changing perceptions surrounding the recyclability of thermoformed packaging. By providing consumers with information about recycling options, proper disposal methods, and the environmental benefits of thermoformed packaging, manufacturers can help alleviate concerns and encourage responsible consumption and recycling practices.

  While the perception of poor recyclability presents a challenge for the thermoformed packaging industry, ongoing efforts in technology, innovation, collaboration, and education offer opportunities to improve recyclability, address environmental concerns, and meet the evolving needs of consumers and regulators. Through a concerted effort from all stakeholders, thermoformed packaging can continue to evolve as a sustainable and environmentally responsible packaging solution in the global market.

Opportunities :

• Demand for Sustainable Packaging Solutions
• Advancements in Material Science and Technology
• Customization and Branding Opportunities

• Expansion into Emerging Markets - Expansion into emerging markets presents a significant opportunity for thermoformed packaging manufacturers to tap into new growth avenues and broaden their global footprint. Emerging markets, characterized by rapid economic development, urbanization, and changing consumer preferences, offer immense potential for the packaging industry.

  One of the key drivers behind the expansion into emerging markets is the rising middle class and increasing disposable incomes in these regions. As more consumers in emerging markets transition to urban lifestyles and adopt Western consumption patterns, there is a growing demand for packaged goods across various sectors, including food and beverage, healthcare, personal care, and consumer electronics. Thermoformed packaging manufacturers can capitalize on this trend by offering innovative, cost-effective packaging solutions that cater to the specific needs and preferences of consumers in emerging markets.

  The industrialization and infrastructure development underway in many emerging markets create opportunities for packaging manufacturers to support the growth of local industries and supply chains. Thermoformed packaging solutions play a crucial role in protecting products, optimizing logistics, and enhancing the shelf life of goods, thereby contributing to the efficiency and competitiveness of emerging market economies.

  The expansion of e-commerce in emerging markets presents new opportunities for thermoformed packaging manufacturers. As more consumers in these regions embrace online shopping, there is a growing need for packaging solutions that can withstand the rigors of e-commerce logistics while ensuring product integrity and presentation. Thermoformed packaging, with its durability, customization options, and protective properties, is well-suited for the challenges of e-commerce, making it an attractive choice for retailers and manufacturers operating in emerging markets.

  Expansion into emerging markets allows thermoformed packaging manufacturers to diversify their customer base and reduce reliance on mature markets that may experience slower growth or market saturation. By establishing a presence in emerging markets, manufacturers can access new sources of revenue, mitigate risks associated with economic fluctuations in mature markets, and position themselves for long-term growth and sustainability.

  Expansion into emerging markets offers thermoformed packaging manufacturers the opportunity to capitalize on demographic and economic trends, support local industries, and drive innovation in packaging solutions. By understanding the unique needs and challenges of emerging markets and adapting their strategies accordingly, manufacturers can successfully penetrate and thrive in these dynamic and rapidly growing regions.

Key players in Global Thermoformed Packaging Market include :

• Sonoco Plastics
• Silgan
• Sealed Air
• RPC

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