Lightweight Packaging Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth 2034

Lightweight Packaging Industry Perspective:

The global lightweight packaging market size was worth around USD 107.85 billion in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 233.71 billion by 2034 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 8.00% between 2025 and 2034.

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Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global lightweight packaging market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 8.00% over the forecast period (2025-2034)
• In terms of revenue, the global lightweight packaging market size was valued at around USD 107.85 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 233.71 billion, by 2034.
• The market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the expansion of the e-commerce industry
• Based on the material type, the plastic segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projection
• Based on the end-user industry, the food & beverages segment is anticipated to command the largest market share
• Based on region, Europe is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period

Lightweight Packaging Market: Overview

Lightweight packaging refers to novel packaging solutions that are lighter in weight as compared to other traditionally used counterparts. The primary objective of developing lightweight packaging is to reduce weight without compromising the performance and integrity of the packaging material. Some of the common methods of lightweight packaging components include the use of novel materials during production, using thinner materials, or redesigning the packaging structure to improve the strength-to-weight ratio. In recent times, lightweight packaging has shown multiple applications across industries.

For instance, new packaging tools are used in growing industries such as packaging of consumer goods, shipping containers, and food & beverages. The key advantages associated with lightweight packaging include improved sustainability, cost savings, enhanced logistics, regulatory compliance, and improved convenience. The industry growth is expected to be driven by the growing expansion of the e-commerce sector and rising levels of consumerism. However, performance issues related to lightweight packaging can impede market expansion in the coming years.

Lightweight Packaging Market: Growth Drivers

Expansion of e-commerce industry to propel market demand rate in the future

The global lightweight packaging market is expected to be driven by the expansion of the e-commerce industry. The rising sale of products through e-commerce companies and online sales platforms such as Amazon, Alibaba, and other domestic players is influencing consumerism levels across the globe. According to industry analysis, the global e-commerce industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide.

In 2024, the e-commerce sector was valued at more than USD 27 trillion and may exceed more than USD 200 trillion by the end of the forecast period. The growth in the e-commerce sector has also influenced demand for packaging solutions. E-commerce companies are under heavy scrutiny worldwide to integrate sustainable practices in business operations.

E-commerce brands are expected to invest in developing novel lightweight packaging materials to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and improve business performance in the long run. As per official reports published by Amazon, one of the world’s largest e-commerce giants, the company avoided the use of over 446,000 metric tons of packaging in 2023. In the same year, Amazon also reduced its plastic packaging weight per shipment by 9% for global customers.

Government mandates and supportive regulatory framework to influence market expansion during the forecast period

The demand for lightweight packaging is expected to be further influenced by the intensifying mandates by regional governments promoting sustainable practices across industries. The global packaging industry is one of the world’s largest environmental polluters. According to official statistics, more than 39.95% of global plastic waste is generated from the packaging sector.

Governments worldwide have launched stringent regulatory frameworks holding packaging companies and end-users accountable for environmental damage caused by business operations. The solutions available in the global lightweight packaging market can help companies meet regulatory guidelines concerning the volume of packaging waste generated by each organization.

Lightweight Packaging Market: Restraints

Performance limitations of lighter packaging solutions to affect market revenue in the long run

The global lightweight packaging industry is projected to be restricted by the performance limitations associated with the solutions. As per industry research, lightweight packaging may not be effective in delivering protection against damage as compared to traditional packaging. Use of thinner materials can lead to product contamination or damage during storage and transportation.

In addition to this, lightweight packaging may not be ideal for a large range of products especially when handling high-value or fragile items. Limited product range may emerge as a crucial growth inhibitor in the long run for the market players.      

Lightweight Packaging Market: Opportunities

Ongoing innovations in lightweight packaging solutions to generate growth opportunities

The global lightweight packaging market is expected to generate growth opportunities due to the rising rate of innovations in the market. Industry analysis suggests that market players must invest in developing next-generation lightweight packaging that meets evolving consumer requirements. Ongoing research on novel sustainable materials along with automation in manufacturing processes and smart packaging solutions can open new doors for future growth in the industry.

In May 2025, Borealis, a leading chemicals & plastics company from Austria, announced an investment of EUR 100 million for the development of a new High Melt Strength polypropylene line. The company aims to triple its production capacity of lightweight polymer foam solutions, food packaging, and reusable cups. The facility is expected to become operational by 2026 and start producing Daploy High Melt Strength polypropylene foam solution.

In January 2025, Sidel, a specialist in liquid packaging machinery, launched StarLITE®-R STILL. The novel bottle is produced using patented technology by Sidel and delivers lightweight, 100% recycled PET (rPET) integration, and high-speed production for liquid solutions from 0.25L up to 2.5L.        

Lightweight Packaging Market: Challenges

Intense production complexity and consumer perception to challenge market growth trends

The global lightweight packaging industry is expected to be challenged by the high product complexity associated with the manufacturing of the final products. As compared to traditional packaging solutions, lightweight counterparts demand expertise and complex manufacturing procedures. This can lead to increased time and cost of production.

Furthermore, the industry may be affected by poor consumer perception often associated with lightweight packaging. Companies will be required to invest in effective marketing & branding activities to generate higher awareness among potential users of lightweight packaging.

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Lightweight Packaging Market: Report Scope

Lightweight Packaging Market: Segmentation

The global lightweight packaging market is segmented based on material type, product type, end-user industry, and region.

Based on material type, the global market segments are glass, metal, paper, plastic, and others. In 2024, the highest demand was registered in the plastic segment holding prominence over 40.05% of the total revenue. Plastic-based lightweight packaging is used across industries for a wide range of products. It offers excellent protection against external contaminants. Moreover, the introduction of superior-grade biodegradable plastics for packaging may affect final revenue in the market.

Based on product type, the global lightweight packaging industry is divided into semi-rigid packaging, flexible packaging, and rigid packaging.

Based on the end-user industry, the global market divisions are retail & consumer goods, food & beverages, industrial goods, healthcare & pharmaceuticals, e-commerce packaging, and others. In 2024, around 52% of the total market share was led by the food & beverages sector. The growing demand for non-toxic and high-grade lightweight packaging for food & beverages will fuel segmental revenue in the future. The e-commerce sector held prominence over 25% of the total results and will follow similar growth trends in the future.

Lightweight Packaging Market: Regional Analysis

Europe to take the lead during the forecast period

The global lightweight packaging market is expected to be led by Europe during the forecast period. Countries such as the UK, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, and others may fuel regional market expansion trends according to industry analysis. European countries have been the frontrunners in terms of advocating for sustainable practices across businesses. The region aims to become carbon-neutral by 2050. Switching to lightweight packaging solutions can help accelerate the region to reach its goal in the coming years.

Furthermore, the presence of several lightweight packaging solution providers across Europe may further instill improved revenue across the region. In December 2024, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland announced a partnership with the regional industrial partners and Aalto University to develop a new engineering solution for cardboard shaping. The researchers at the university are working on generating origami-inspired reel-to-reel structures for producing fiber-based packaging materials.

Additionally, the regional governments and favorable regulatory policies have helped lightweight packaging companies produce more solutions and reach a broader consumer group. During the forecast period, the regional market is expected to register higher demand for biodegradable lightweight packaging as applications in consumer goods and food & beverages sector continues to grow steadily.

Lightweight Packaging Market: Competitive Analysis

The global lightweight packaging market is led by players like:

• Berry Global Inc.
• Amcor plc
• Huhtamaki Oyj
• Sealed Air Corporation
• Coveris Holdings S.A.
• Mondi Group
• DS Smith plc
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Tetra Pak
• Sonoco Products Company
• Reynolds Group Holdings
• Coveris Holdings S.A.
• Sidel Group
• Constantia Flexibles
• Albea Group
• Ball Corporation

The global lightweight packaging market is segmented as follows:

By Material Type

• Glass
• Metal
• Paper
• Plastic
• Others

By Product Type

• Semi-Rigid Packaging
• Flexible Packaging
• Rigid Packaging

By End-User

• Industry Retail & Consumer Goods
• Food & Beverages
• Industrial Goods
• Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
• E-commerce Packaging
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa