Polyethylene (PE) Thermoform Packaging Market Size - By Product Type, By Polyethylene (PE) Type, By End Use Industry– Global Forecast, 2025 – 2034

Polyethylene Thermoform Packaging Market Size

The global polyethylene thermoform packaging market size was valued at USD 10.4 billion in 2024, with a volume of 6,102 kilotons and is estimated to grow at 4.8% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. The demand for Polyethylene (PE) thermoform packaging is increasing significantly due to the rising e-commerce sector which generates demand for the PE thermoform packaging.
 

The tariff imposition through Trump’s administration has impacted the packaging industry. The tariff has led to the increase in cost structures for the import of raw materials which could escalate the expense of the production of the packages in the near future. The tariff has led to the disruption of the supply chain which results in delays in the delivery of the materials to produce the packages. To cater for this trade disruption the companies transitioning to new materials would require investment in research and development and also adjustment in the making process of the packages.
 

The growing e-commerce sector is leading to a rise in demand for PE thermoform packaging. According to the International Trade Administration (ITA), B2C e-commerce revenue is expected to be USD 5.5 trillion by the year 2027. This depicts the rise in e-commerce which in turn reflects the growing requirement of PE thermoform packaging. As e-commerce involves multiple touch shipping processes, the PE thermoform packaging ensures high impact resistance, dimensional stability, and cushioning.
 

The rise in adoption of the ready-to-eat meals by the consumers is leading to the expansion of the PE thermoform packaging market. According to Statista, the ready-to-eat meals generated a revenue of USD 374.2 billion in the year 2024 and is projected to increase and reach a value of USD 531.5 billion by the year 2030. As the requirement of ready-to-eat meals has surged, the PE thermoform packaging market witnesses increase in demand. PE thermoform packaging offers durability, saleability and visibility for such food items.
 

With the growing transition towards mono-material packaging, the demand for PE thermoform packaging is increasing. As consumers are seeking sustainable options of packaging, the recyclable PE-based thermoform packaging with 95% PE content offers excellent barrier properties as well as formability. The modern packaging needs have increased the demand for such sustainable as well as commercially viable options in the form of thermoform packaging. With the government’s rising push for simplified packaging structures, the demand for mono material solutions is preferred as compared to complex ones which have multi-layer laminates and are difficult to recycle.
 

Polyethylene Thermoform Packaging Market Trends

• The increasing inclination towards sustainable packaging options has shifted the market towards the development of eco-friendly PE thermoformed packaging solutions. Organizations are setting targets to achieve 100% recyclable packaging for the purpose of reducing packaging waste and encouraging the reuse system. For instance, the European Union (EU) took the initiative to reduce packaging waste and formed regulations with the aim of achieving 100% recyclable packaging by 2030. This reflects the growing need for PE thermoform packaging in the market as it offers a range of applications which caters to the different industries.
   
• The ongoing technological advancement in the packaging industry acts as a catalyst for the growth of the PE thermoform packaging. The growing need for different sizes of packaging has led to the development and adjustment of the system used by the companies to produce the packages. For instance, in February 2025, ULMA Packaging introduced its width-flex technology for thermoforming machines which reduce film waste by up to 80%, ensuring efficiency and minimizing operational downtime.
   

Polyethylene Thermoform Packaging Market Analysis

Based on material, the market is divided into blister packs, clamshells, bottles, trays & containers, lidding films and others.
 

• The blister packs is anticipated to reach USD 3.8 billion by 2034. The growing demand for the durable packages has led to the rise in requirement of the blister packs formed through PE thermoform. The blisters packs witnesses growth due to its excellent product protection and transparency for visual inspection. The packs meet the requirement of fast-growing sectors of pharmaceutical, personal care, etc.
   
• The trays and containers market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 4.5% by 2034. The trays & containers are gaining traction owing to their wider uses in the industries. With the introduction of the e-commerce and food delivery applications, the trays and containers witnesses increase in demand as trays and containers offers durability, stability and comes with leak-proof design.
   

Based on Polyethylene (PE), the polyethylene (PE) thermoform packaging market is divided into Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).
 

• The Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) segment held a market share of 61.4% in 2024. The LDPE is gaining momentum with the rise in pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, food sectors, etc. which are creating demand for the LDPE as it has high flexibility and possess low stiffness allowing it to easily be thermoformed in trays, lids and blisters. With its inherent transparency it is widely adopted for the packaging of the fresh produce.
   
• The High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) market is projected to reach USD 6.7 billion by 2034. With the increasing requirement of rigid trays, blister packs or containers, HDPE is gaining momentum in PE thermoform packaging market. To protect the items from getting damaged during the transportation, the HDPE toughness ensures the items protections and with its high barrier potential it serves the purpose of packaging of dairy products and other industrial products.
   

Based on end use industry, the polyethylene thermoform packaging market is divided into food & beverage, pharmaceuticals & healthcare, consumer goods & retail, automotive, and others.
 

• Food & beverages market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% by 2034. The food & beverages companies are shifting towards mono-material PE-based thermoform packaging for the purpose of fulfilling the sustainable goals. These packaging becomes beneficial for the fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products which ensures moisture resistance as well as providing transparency.
   
• Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare accounted for 22% market share in 2024. The demand of PE thermoform packaging is gaining popularity in the healthcare sectors as the need for reducing the contamination is becoming important. Companies are actively participating to develop the film packaging for medical packaging. For instance, in November 2023, the Coveris launched new thermoforming film for the medical packaging, known as Formpeel P. It ensures product from any contamination. This reflects the growing need of the PE thermoform packaging.
   

North America held a market share of 26.3% in 2024. North America is experiencing growth in the PE thermoform packaging market due to the expansion of e-commerce, changing consumer preferences and growing sustainability regulations. The consumers are increasingly seeking options such as single-serve, grab-and-go meals. The region with busy lifestyle generates demand for such type of packaging which offers high clarity in visibility, and durability for the products.
 

• The U.S. polyethylene thermoform packaging market is projected to reach USD 3.5 billion by 2034. The U.S. country is rapidly adopting PE thermoform packaging as the consumption of ready-to-eat meal in the country is growing significantly. U.S. retailers are transitioning towards PE thermoform solutions for packaging that complies with recyclable factors. This reflects the rising focus towards such packaging options.
   

• Canada PE thermoform packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% by 2034. The healthcare sector in Canada has increased the use of PE thermoform packaging for protecting the medical devices and pharmaceutical products from contamination. The change of consumers pattern of consuming food items has also increased the packaging solution demand which provides product transparency and ensuring leak-proof of the product items.
   

Europe held a significant market share of 22.2% in 2024. Europe has actively participated in forming regulations and policies for the sustainable packaging of the products. According to EU, by 2040 the regulation would be more stringent to achieve the recyclability and sustainability goals. The region thus provides an opportunity for the PE thermoform packaging which can cater the needs of the consumers and provide hygiene and transparency of the product.
 

• Germany polyethylene thermoform packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% by 2034. The German government’s pushes for the adoption packaging options of PE thermoform owing to its wider application in various growing sectors such as industrial, healthcare, food & beverages, etc. The country aims to reduce carbon footprint and thus thermoform packaging with 95% PE content offers advantage of recyclability.
   

• The UK polyethylene thermoform packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% by 2034. The United Kingdom’s government has enforced stringent policies such as the Plastic Packaging Tax, which applies to the plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content. These factor pushes the manufacturers to adopt recyclable mono-material solutions such as PE thermoform packaging which aligns with the changing regulation of the packaging industry.
   
• France market is expected grow at a CAGR of 4.3% by 2034. The growing requirements. Due to the increasing regulation from the French government, the demand of mono-material recyclable packaging solutions is gaining momentum in the country. The stricter laws such as Anti-Waste Law for a circular economy aims to shift to recyclable packaging solutions. This showcases the growth of the PE thermoform packaging in the country.
   
• Italy polyethylene thermoform packaging market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% in the forecast period. Italy’s rising requirement of fresh food, vegetable and dairy packaging has led to the growing requirement of the PE thermoform packaging within the country. As the packaging solutions offers barrier to the moisture and provides good stability during transportation, the PE thermoform packaging is increasingly adopted in Italy.
   

Asia Pacific is projected to grow at a strong pace at a CAGR of 5.1% by 2034. The rapid surge in online shopping has increased the requirement of protective and lightweight packaging solutions in Asia Pacific. This provides opportunities for the PE thermoform packaging makers to support and meet the increasing demand of the consumers in the Asia Pacific region
 

• China polyethylene thermoform packaging market accounted for 37.7% of the market share in 2024. With the large population of China, the food industry is significantly growing as according to Statista the revenue generated in China from food was around USD 284.2 billion in the year 2024 and is expected to grow and reach a value of USD 457.4 billion by the year 2029. This rise in food consumption increases the demand for the PE thermoform packaging as hygiene food protection from any unwanted contamination is a major factor.
   
• The PE thermoform packaging market in India is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% by 2034. India’s expanding e-commerce sector along with plastic waste management policies is encouraging the shift in the country’s towards PE thermoform packaging. Also, the growing consumer preferences for the convenience foods has led to the increase in demand for such packaging solutions which are durable, lightweight in nature and provides visibility of the product.    
   
• Japan PE thermoform packaging market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% in the forecast period. Japan is significantly shifting towards eco-friendly packaging solutions which increases the popularity of PE thermoform packaging within the country. The country’s commitment towards recyclability is a key factor for the growth of the PE thermoform packaging.
   

Latin America held a share of 6.2% of the polyethylene thermoform packaging market in 2024. The region’s expanding food & beverages sector is generating the demand for the PE thermoform packaging. The growing requirements of lightweight sustainable packaging across other sectors such as healthcare, consumer goods also push the growth of PE thermoform packaging.
 

Middle East & Africa is projected to grow at a strong pace with a CAGR of 2.8% by 2034. The rising retail chains format has led to the increase in usage of PE thermoform packaging. In the MEA region PE thermoform packages such as blister packs are used by consumers for consuming pre-packaged foods, dairy, and ready meals.
 

Polyethylene Thermoform Packaging Market Share

The polyethylene (PE) thermoform packaging industry is highly competitive. The top 5 players in the market are Amcor plc, Berry Global Inc., Sealed Air, Sonoco Products Company, and Constantia Flexibles accounting for a significant share of over 37.9% in the market. Polyethylene (PE) thermoform Packaging companies are implementing different strategies to enhance their market position through launching lidding films, trays & containers, etc. and address the growing consumer needs. Major players are investing. Companies are also improving product lines by offering lightweight, durable and easy to stack packages so that the product items remain safe from contamination and is easily transported to various locations.
 

The companies are proactively collaborating with food & beverages, healthcare brands to offer the packaging solutions with potentially high barrier properties which increases the shelf appeal. The players in the market are forming strategic collaboration to leverage the expertise together and innovate packaging solutions which fulfils the consumer demand as well the sustainability goals.
 

Amcor plc has a strong focus on sustainability and produces range of thermoformed trays, cups, blisters of various sizes and shapes with varied thickness. The packages offered by the company are utilized for different applications areas such as ready-to-eat meals, fruits & vegetables, dairy products, etc. The packages offer high barrier to the moisture and other unwanted particles.
 

Sealed Air’s strategy is based on protective and sustainable packaging solutions. The company uses lightweight and recyclable solutions of packaging which serves the purpose of sustainability. The company focuses on reducing the packaging weight and has introduced thin films for the proceeds food packaging.
 

Polyethylene Thermoform Packaging Market Companies

Some of the prominent market participants operating in the Polyethylene (PE) thermoform packaging industry include:

• Amcor plc
• Berry Global Inc.
• Sealed Air
• Sonoco Products Company
• Constantia Flexibles
   

Polyethylene Thermoform Packaging Industry News

• In October 2024, ExxonMobil with the association with its key partners, developed a fully recyclable thermoformed packaging with PE content around 95%. The aim of the company was to meet the modern packaging needs serving without sacrificing performance and catering the sustainability factor.
   
• In January 2023, Amcor plc commercialized new Prime Seal and Dairy Seal recycled ready thermoforming films suitable for the packaging of fresh and processed food items. The film offers clear gloss to help demonstrate the quality of the product.
   

The polyethylene thermoform packaging market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, Product Type

• Blister packs
• Clamshells
• Bottles
• Trays & containers
• Lidding films
• Others

Market, By Polyethylene (PE) Type

• Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
• High-density polyethylene (HDPE)

Market, By End Use Industry

• Food & beverage
• Pharmaceuticals & healthcare
• Consumer goods & retail
• Automotive
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa 
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE