Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Size
| Study Period | 2024 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Volume (2025) | 0.84 Million tonnes |
| Market Volume (2030) | 0.89 Million tonnes |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 1.11% |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Analysis
The Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Market size in terms of production volume is expected to grow from 0.84 million tonnes in 2025 to 0.89 million tonnes by 2030, at a CAGR of 1.11% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The Nordic region comprises countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and others. The dynamics of the packaging market in the Nordic region are influenced by several unique factors, setting them apart from trends observed in other areas.
• The Nordic region boasts a robust food and beverage industry, relying on plastic packaging to safeguard products during transportation and storage. Consumers in the Nordic region prioritize convenience in packaging, often viewing plastic as a convenient and affordable choice.
• Several unique factors drive the rigid packaging market in the Nordic region, setting it apart from other areas. Here are the primary influences renowned for prioritizing health and wellness. Nordic consumers increasingly seek packaged foods that are high-quality, natural, and free from excessive sugars, salt, and artificial additives.
• Sweden's food processing industry is vital for suppliers outside the EU. Local producers and domestic firms provide raw materials and food ingredients to manufacturers and the food service sector. Arla Foods, Scandi Standard, and HKScan Sweden are prominent players in Sweden's food landscape. With major food processing players in the country, rigid plastic packaging companies might gain opportunities in the food industry.
• According to the Nordic Council of Shopping Centers, traditionally, high distribution costs and the perception of the Nordic markets as small and disparate have posed significant barriers to entry. Prominent brands are increasingly establishing a foothold, especially in major urban centers. Most international retailers opt for entry via franchises, department store concessions, or partnerships. This approach mitigates risks tied to portfolio expansion, and leverages established franchisee distribution networks, thereby minimizing capital expenditure.
• The region also faces challenges due to plastic pollution, and various organizations and governments are focusing on eliminating plastic waste through initiatives. In 2017, the United Nations Environment Assembly set a long-term goal to eradicate all plastic litter discharge into the oceans. However, reports presented to the UN have highlighted significant areas for improvement in the current international legal and policy frameworks, indicating their inadequacy in addressing this issue. In light of this, the Nordic Ministers concur that a fresh global agreement is a potent solution to halt the worldwide leakage of plastics into the environment.
Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Trends
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) To Witness Growth
- Plastic bottles crafted from PET are increasingly replacing traditional glass bottles, known for their fragility and weight. This shift is mainly due to PET's ability to provide reusable packaging for mineral water and various beverages, streamlining the transportation process economically. PET, celebrated for its clarity and natural CO2 barrier properties, boasts versatility; it can be effortlessly molded into bottles or any desired shape.
- Manufacturers can enhance PET properties by incorporating colorants, UV blockers, oxygen barriers/scavengers, and other additives, tailoring bottles to meet specific brand requirements. Within the rigid packaging sector, PET is not limited to crafting bottles for soft drinks, water, and juices. Its applications extend to producing microwavable food trays, containers, and various food jars. This surge in demand is fueled by consumer preferences and the inherent advantages of PET, notably its lightweight nature and impressive recycling rate.
- In November 2023, Swedish Plastic Recycling is set to inaugurate its significant and sophisticated plastic sorting and recycling facility in Motala, Sweden. The facility, boasting an investment of USD 91.6 million, spans approximately 60,000 square meters. With an annual capacity of 200,000 tons, it adeptly sorts a diverse range of materials at 1,000 items per second. This includes rigid PP, rigid HDPE, flexible LDPE, PET trays, transparent and colored PET bottles, flexible PP, EPS, PS, PVC, two grades of mixed polyolefins, metals, and non-plastic materials.
- According to Eurostat, the revenue of the manufacture of plastic products in Sweden in 2020 was USD 4,483.9 million and is expected to reach USD 4,877.43 million in 2024. The rise in the manufacture of plastics is expected to create opportunities for rigid plastic packaging across various end-user industries such as food, beverage, cosmetics, healthcare, and others.
- Nordic consumers make intentional shopping choices, emphasizing health and personal needs while being vigilant about prices amid global inflation concerns. Nordic consumers consistently include carbonated beverages in their grocery purchases. The growth of these beverages in the Nordics stands out for primary reasons. Carbonated soft drinks have firmly established themselves, ranking as one of the top 20 products in the Nordic region. This would increase the demand for PET bottles in the region.
Food and Beverage Industries Drive Market Growth
- Driven by the rising demand for convenient solutions, the food industry's appetite for rigid plastic packaging is surging, especially with the growing trend of ready-to-eat meals. These meals, typically housed in various sealed trays from round containers to salad packs, are increasingly transitioning to sustainable and eco-friendly materials. This shift resonates with consumer preferences for environmentally conscious packaging and highlights the industry's dedication to market demands and environmental stewardship.
- In the global beverage industry, demand for PET containers is set to outpace other major beverage packaging types in the coming years. While beverage consumption by volume is crucial, another key metric is the number of units filled, encompassing packaging materials like plastic, glass, metal (cans), and cartons. As lifestyles evolve, so do consumer preferences, rapidly embracing innovations like frozen meals, on-the-go breakfasts, and beverages.
- Product safety is a top priority for manufacturers and consumers in the beverage industry. Rigid packaging is essential for safeguarding products, minimizing contamination risks, and adhering to strict hygiene standards. In addition, tamper-evident seals bolster consumer trust, signaling that the product remains untouched and safe for consumption.
- According to the Union of European Soft Drinks Association (UNESDA), the consumption volume of soft drinks in Norway in 2020 was 677.8 million liters and reached 723 million liters in 2023. By utilizing rigid plastic packaging solutions that offer these built-in safety features, beverage manufacturers can maintain consumer trust, protect their brand reputation, and prioritize product safety in the marketplace.
- Moreover, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Denmark's food sector, a testament to centuries of harnessing nature's and science's offerings, has evolved into a global powerhouse, extending its influence beyond Danish borders. Surveys indicate that Denmark boasts the EU's most innovative food sector. The nation is home to some of the world's leading companies across various food industry segments. The growing food sector will create opportunities for rigid plastic packaging in the region during the forecast period.
Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Industry Overview
The Nordic rigid plastic packaging market is fragmented with the presence of various players such as Sonoco Products Company, Berry Global Inc., Pharma-Tech A/S, Berling Packaging, Maro Fabriken AB, and others. Companies operating in the region are focused on expanding their business through partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, new launches, and more.
August 2024 - Berry Global Group Inc. partnered with Norwegian brand Aquafigure to launch a new line of reusable water bottles. These bottles feature a distinctive design and incorporate interchangeable 3D bottle cards to motivate the younger generation to increase their water intake. Marketed as a ‘bottle for life,’ this 330-millilitre vessel is crafted from BPA-free Tritan.
Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Leaders
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Sonoco Products Company
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Berry Global Inc.
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Pharma-Tech A/S
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Maro Fabriken AB
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Berling Packaging
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Market News
- July 2024 - Plast Nordic and Norner partnered to implement alkaline hydrolysis to recycle 97% of PET waste in the Nordics back into raw materials. Their target markets for the 'virgin-quality' rPET resin are the packaging and other industries. The partners are set to recycle around 97% of this waste into raw materials. It believes advanced recycling is the 'only' technology that can achieve circularity without compromising the quality of the recyclate. This initiative is poised to enhance access to recycled materials, reduce transportation needs, and generate new employment opportunities.
- June 2024 - Nordic Plast SIA (LTD), a subsidiary of Eco Baltia AS (JSC) - the foremost environmental resource management group and a prominent player in polymer recycling in the region - is set to invest EUR 1.7 million (USD 1.83 million) in its development. This capital infusion aims to enhance the production capacity of recycled pellets, setting the stage for the company's future expansion. In tandem with this strategic investment and development initiative, Nordic Plast is rolling out a new corporate identity. Such investments would drive the demand for rigid plastic packaging in the region.
Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Industry Segmentation
The scope of the study characterizes the rigid plastic packaging market based on the product's raw materials, including PP, PE, PET, and other raw materials used across various end-use industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, beverage, personal care, industrial and automotive, and more. The research also examines underlying growth influencers and significant industry vendors, all of which help to support market estimates and growth rates throughout the anticipated period. The market estimates and projections are based on the base year factors and arrive at top-down and bottom-up approaches.
The Nordic rigid plastic packaging market is segmented by product type (bottles and jars, trays and containers, caps and closures, intermediate bulk containers (IMCs), drums, pallets, and other product types), material type (polyethylene (PE) (LDPE & LLDPE and HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and other rigid plastic packaging materials), and by end-use industries (food (candy & confectionary, frozen foods, fresh produce, dairy products, dry foods, meat, poultry and seafood, pet food and other food products), foodservice (quick service restaurants, full-service restaurants, coffee and snack outlets, retail establishments, institutional, hospitality and other foodservice end users), beverage, healthcare, cosmetics and personal care, industrial, building and construction, automotive and other end-use industries (household products, and logistics)). The market sizing and forecasts are provided in terms of volume (tonnes) for all the above segments.
| By Product Type | Bottles and Jars | ||
| Trays and Containers | |||
| Caps and Closures | |||
| Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) | |||
| Drums | |||
| Pallets | |||
| Other Product Types | |||
| By Material | Polyethylene (PE) | LDPE & LLDPE | |
| HDPE | |||
| Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) | |||
| Polypropylene (PP) | |||
| Polystyrene (PS) and Expanded polystyrene (EPS | |||
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) | |||
| Other Rigid Plastic Packaging Materials | |||
| By End-Use Industries | Food** | Candy & Confectionery | |
| Frozen Foods | |||
| Fresh Produce | |||
| Dairy Products | |||
| Dry Foods | |||
| Meat, Poultry, And Seafood | |||
| Pet Food | |||
| Other Food Products | |||
| Foodservice** | Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) | ||
| Full-Service Restaurants (FSRs) | |||
| Coffee and Snack Outlets | |||
| Retail Establishments | |||
| Institutional | |||
| Hospitality | |||
| Other Foodservice End-uses | |||
| Beverage | |||
| Healthcare | |||
| Cosmetics and Personal Care | |||
| Industrial | |||
| Building and Construction | |||
| Automotive | |||
| Other End-Use Industries (Household Products, and Logistics, among Others) | |||
| Bottles and Jars |
| Trays and Containers |
| Caps and Closures |
| Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) |
| Drums |
| Pallets |
| Other Product Types |
| Polyethylene (PE) | LDPE & LLDPE |
| HDPE | |
| Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) | |
| Polypropylene (PP) | |
| Polystyrene (PS) and Expanded polystyrene (EPS | |
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) | |
| Other Rigid Plastic Packaging Materials |
| Food** | Candy & Confectionery |
| Frozen Foods | |
| Fresh Produce | |
| Dairy Products | |
| Dry Foods | |
| Meat, Poultry, And Seafood | |
| Pet Food | |
| Other Food Products | |
| Foodservice** | Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) |
| Full-Service Restaurants (FSRs) | |
| Coffee and Snack Outlets | |
| Retail Establishments | |
| Institutional | |
| Hospitality | |
| Other Foodservice End-uses | |
| Beverage | |
| Healthcare | |
| Cosmetics and Personal Care | |
| Industrial | |
| Building and Construction | |
| Automotive | |
| Other End-Use Industries (Household Products, and Logistics, among Others) |
Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Research FAQs
How big is the Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Market?
The Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Market size is expected to reach 0.84 million tonnes in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 1.11% to reach 0.89 million tonnes by 2030.
What is the current Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Market size?
In 2025, the Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Market size is expected to reach 0.84 million tonnes.
Who are the key players in Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Market?
Sonoco Products Company, Berry Global Inc., Pharma-Tech A/S, Maro Fabriken AB and Berling Packaging are the major companies operating in the Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Market.
What years does this Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Market size was estimated at 0.83 million tonnes. The report covers the Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Market historical market size for years: 2024. The report also forecasts the Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Page last updated on: September 26, 2024
Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Nordic Rigid Plastic Packaging analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
