In 2024, global use of corrugated and plastic shelf/retail-ready packaging (RRP) was 33.8 million metric tonnes, valued at $54.6 billion, according to Smithers.
Its latest report, The Future of Retail-Ready Packaging to 2029, Smithers forecasts demand will reach 42.7 million tonnes in 2029, with value rising to $69.2 billion at constant 2023 prices – representing a CAGR of five per cent.
Overall, the report found that population growth and greater demand for flexible primary packaging is raising the need for RRP to effectively display and promote a host of products.
Food items accounted for over three quarters of the total volume demand, with beverages contributing another 15 per cent to the overall figure.
Over the medium-term to 2029, these market shares are predicted to remain mostly unchanged, with a slight increase anticipated in the market share of non-food goods.
Over 75 per cent of RRP used in 2024 was found to be made from corrugated board, and this share is forecast to increase to 80 per cent by 2029.
Die-cut containers are expected to experience above-average growth, whereas shrink-wrapped trays and plastic RRP will see growth significantly below the market average, resulting in a decline in their market share.
The report found that the Asia-Pacific region, North America and Western Europe accounted for almost three quarters of the volume demand for RRP in 2024. The highest growth for 2025-2029 will be in Africa, India, China, and other less mature markets in Asia. Consumption here will increase at over eight per cent year-on-year to the end of the decade.
The Future of Retail-Ready Packaging to 2029 segments the sector by format, end-use application, geographic region, and leading national markets. This is supported by detailed analysis of market dynamics, including demographic trends, global economic developments, evolving retailer and brand owner priorities, and design innovations in RRP.
The full report is available to purchase now from the Smithers website, priced $6750.
