Despite the ever-increasing concerns about single-use plastic and waste management, rigid plastic packaging continues to be heavily used in Latin America, and is also seeing positive growth rates in this region. Attributes such as convenience, practicality, portability and storage efficiency remain relevant, trumping environmental concerns, especially as many economies in the region continue to grapple with economic or political instability as well as the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
This report comes in PPT.
The use of rigid plastic packaging in Latin America continues to increase. PET bottles in beverages is its main area of application, although thin wall plastic containers in food and HDPE bottles across a number of industries are also being heavily used in this region. The majority of packaging regulation is aimed at curbing plastic waste, particularly in single-use formats. However, the growing use of rPET or bioplastics is helping meet the rising sustainability concerns with regard to this type of packaging.
Chile implemented the most aggressive national packaging sustainability regulations in the Americas with a 2021 law that aims to eliminate single-use food and beverage packaging. However, it is strictest for foodservice players like takeaway outlets, and less so for retail outlets, which have a sliding target for recyclability of plastic bottles going from 15% in 2025 to 70% by 2060 and making returnable beverage bottles available and accepting used bottles.
The PET bottle remains a major feature of soft drinks packaging in Latin America, accounting for more than 80% of total retail unit volumes in bottled water and more than 60% in carbonates, with respective totals of more than 19,000 PET bottles and almost 27,000 used in each industry. PET bottles account for 54% of overall packaging unit volumes in Latin America, well ahead of HDPE bottles (16%) and thin wall plastic containers (11%).
Rigid plastic packaging unit volumes are expected to increase over the forecast period. Accounting for around a quarter of overall packaging used, its main areas of application will continue to be in beverages and packaged food, although it will also remain an important pack type in both home care and beauty and personal care.
If you purchase a report that is updated in the next 60 days, we will send you the new edition and data extraction Free!