Packaging in 2025: the big picture
In 2025, the US packaging market remained on a path of steady, sustainability-led transformation, even as overall volume growth stayed modest across most consumer goods categories. Manufacturers continued to move away from conventional, virgin plastic towards lighter-weight formats, higher recycled content, fibre- and paper-based substrates and reusable or refillable systems, balancing cost discipline against tightening environmental expectations. The shift was propelled by an enduring consumer preference for environmentally responsible options and reinforced by a fast-expanding patchwork of state regulations mandating producer responsibility, recycled content and more circular design.
2025 key trends
The US packaging industry in 2025 was shaped above all by mounting regulatory pressure at state level. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws continued to expand, and by October 2025 seven states — Maine, Oregon, Colorado, California, Minnesota, Maryland and Washington — had enacted comprehensive packaging EPR laws requiring producers to fund and improve recycling systems. Oregon became the first state to bring its programme into force, launching on 1 July 2025 under the oversight of scheme administrator, Circular Action Alliance. Alongside EPR, stricter recycled content mandates — led by California's step up to a 25% post-consumer recycled content requirement for plastic beverage bottles under Assembly Bill 793 — pushed brand owners towards recycled resins, fibre-based packaging and recyclable mono-materials. This regulatory momentum is raising initial costs and reshaping supplier relationships, while creating clear opportunities for differentiation among businesses able to meet the new standards.
Food packaging lightweights rigid plastic as glass and recycled content advance
Food packaging in the US grew modestly in 2025, with total packaging retail volumes rising around 1% to some 249.4 billion units, and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 0.4% to 254.9 billion units over the forecast period. Dairy, one of the largest US food packaging categories, remains overwhelmingly a rigid plastic story, led by HDPE bottles for milk. The defining packaging theme of 2025 was lowering the environmental footprint of the HDPE bottle rather than replacing it. Suppliers advanced lightweighted milk bottles weighing roughly 20% less than the market average and capable of incorporating up to 30% recycled polyethylene, balancing material reduction with strength and recycled content.
Recycled content rules and paper-based formats reshape soft drinks packaging
PET bottles remained the dominant pack type for soft drinks in the US in 2025, but rigid plastic slipped marginally as the category mix shifted and material substitution accelerated. Total soft drinks packaging volumes were broadly flat, edging down by 0.2% to 181.3 billion units, as persistent cost pressures and cautious consumer spending capped demand. The standout was paper-based containers, as brand owners trialled fibre-based bottles and paperboard formats and shifted secondary packaging from plastic to paper in pursuit of recyclability. The most significant regulatory development for the category was California's step up in recycled content requirements. Under Assembly Bill 793, the minimum post-consumer recycled content in California Redemption Value plastic beverage bottles rose to 25%, resetting the economics of PET and reinforcing the move towards clear, single-material, high-recycled bottles. Aluminium cans, meanwhile, continued to benefit from being recyclable and suitable for on-the-go consumption, particularly in carbonates and energy drinks.
Aluminium cans extend their lead in alcoholic drinks packaging
The US alcoholic drinks packaging market continued to be dominated by metal and glass in 2025. Total volumes declined by 4% to 51 billion. Metal beverage cans was dominant, reflecting the entrenchment of aluminium in beer, hard seltzers and ready-to-drink cocktails, where cans offer lighter weight, easier transport, recyclability and suitability for on-the-go consumption. Glass continued to retreat, its decline closely tied to softening wine demand, though it retains relevance in premium spirits and wine, where it preserves symbolic and brand value.
Glass premiumisation, refill and state recycling laws reshape beauty and personal care packaging
Beauty and personal care packaging edged higher in 2025, with total volumes rising 1% to 17.4 billion units, supported by premiumisation, e-commerce growth and steady demand for skin care, hair care and hygiene products. Rigid plastic, led by HDPE and PET bottles, remained dominant. The clearest momentum was in glass, as premiumisation in fragrances and skin care lifted demand for higher-quality formats. Refillable systems also advanced, with Estée Lauder Companies continuing to expand refillable formats as a way to reduce rigid packaging waste, while flexible and paper-based formats slipped.
Concentrates, refills and recyclable triggers reshape home care packaging
Home care packaging dipped in 2025, with total volumes declining 1% to 8.1 billion units, as a mature, high-penetration market saw rigid plastic bottle volumes ease while glass and blister formats gained. Rigid plastic remained dominant, anchored by HDPE bottles across laundry, dishwashing and bleach, but the pack type declined as concentrates and continued compaction reduced the material required per use.
Humanisation and flexible pouches redefine pet food packaging
Pet humanisation remained the primary driver of dog and cat food packaging in 2025. As pets are increasingly viewed as valued family members, owners are choosing food and treats perceived as healthier — with fewer preservatives and artificial additives, and often positioned as organic or natural — and younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are leading the shift as they increasingly own multiple pets. Total dog and cat food packaging volumes increased by 3% to 15.4 billion units on the back of this growing emotional connection.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in USA with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of packaging types.
If you're in the Packaging industry in USA, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Packaging in USA report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Packaging in USA?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in USA?
- Have there been any packaging legislative changes in the past 12 months?
- How are consumption trends impacting the packaging landscape?
- What are the key trends and latest product developments in packaging?
- How important are sustainability and recycling to consumers in USA?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in the US
Packaging in 2025: the big picture
2025 key trends
Food packaging lightweights rigid plastic as glass and recycled content advance
Recycled content rules and paper-based formats reshape soft drinks packaging
Aluminium cans extend their lead in alcoholic drinks packaging
Glass premiumisation, refill and state recycling laws reshape beauty and personal care packaging
Concentrates, refills and recyclable triggers reshape home care packaging
Humanisation and flexible pouches redefine pet food packaging
Legislation shifts accountability
State EPR laws spread as Oregon is the first to implement a packaging programme
California's SB 54 and recycled content rules set the national benchmark
Deposit return schemes gain renewed momentum to lift recycling rates
Compostable and recyclable materials advance against single-use plastics
Country Reports Disclaimer
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Packaging
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- Baby and Child-specific Products Packaging
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- Bar Soap
- Bath Additives
- Body Powder
- Body Wash/Shower Gel
- Hand Sanitisers
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- Intimate Washes
- Intimate Wipes
- Liquid Soap
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- Eye Liner/Pencil
- Eye Shadow
- Mascara
- Other Lash and Brow Make-Up
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- BB/CC Creams
- Blusher/Bronzer/Highlighter
- Foundation/Concealer
- Powder
- Other Facial Make-Up
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- Lip Gloss
- Lip Liner/Pencil
- Lipstick
- Other Lip Products
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- Nail Polish
- Nail Treatments/Strengthener
- Polish Remover
- Other Nail Products
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- Deodorant Creams
- Deodorant Pumps
- Deodorant Roll-Ons
- Deodorant Sprays
- Deodorant Sticks
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- Hair Removers/Bleaches
- Women's Pre-Shave
- Women's Razors and Blades
- Fragrances Packaging
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- 2-in-1 Products
- Colourants
- Conditioners and Treatments
- Perms and Relaxants
- Salon Professional Hair Care
- Standard Shampoos
- Styling Agents
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- Men's Post-Shave
- Men's Pre-Shave
- Men's Razors and Blades
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- Men's Bath and Shower
- Men's Deodorants
- Men's Hair Care
- Men's Skin Care
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- Dental Floss
- Denture Care
- Mouth Fresheners
- Mouthwashes/Dental Rinses
- Tooth Whiteners
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
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- Body Care
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- Face Masks
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- Liquid/Cream/Gel/Bar Cleansers
- Facial Cleansing Wipes
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- Basic Moisturisers
- Anti-Agers
- Lip Care
- Toners
- Hand Care
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- Adult Sun Care
- Baby and Child-specific Sun Care
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- Dark Beer
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- Flavoured/Mixed Lager
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- Domestic Lager
- Imported Lager
- Non/Low Alcohol Beer
- Stout
- Cider/Perry
- RTDs
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- Brandy and Cognac
- Liqueurs
- Rum
- Tequila (and Mezcal)
- Whiskies
- White Spirits
- Other Spirits
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- Fortified Wine and Vermouth
- Non-Grape Wine
- Sparkling Wine
- Still Light Grape Wine
- Non Alcoholic Wine
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- Fresh Coffee Beans
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- Fresh Ground Coffee Pods
- Standard Fresh Ground Coffee
- Instant Coffee
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- Black Tea
- Green Tea
- Fruit/Herbal Tea
- Instant Tea
- Other Tea
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- Flavoured Powder Drinks
- Other Plant-based Hot Drinks
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- Asian Speciality Drinks
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- Carbonated Bottled Water
- Flavoured Bottled Water
- Functional Bottled Water
- Still Bottled Water
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- Cola Carbonates
- Non-Cola Carbonates
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- Liquid Concentrates
- Powder Concentrates
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- 100% Juice
- Juice Drinks (up to 24% Juice)
- Nectars
- Coconut and Other Plant Waters
- Energy Drinks
- Sports Drinks
- RTD Coffee
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- Carbonated RTD Tea and Kombucha
- Still RTD Tea
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- Cat Treats and Mixers
- Dry Cat Food
- Wet Cat Food
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- Dog Treats and Mixers
- Dry Dog Food
- Wet Dog Food
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- Dried Baby Food
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- Liquid Milk Formula
- Powder Milk Formula
- Prepared Baby Food
- Other Baby Food
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- Dessert Mixes
- Frozen Baked Goods
- Packaged Bread
- Packaged Cakes
- Packaged Pastries
- Dessert Pies and Tarts
- Breakfast Cereals Packaging
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- Chocolate Pouches and Bags
- Boxed Assortments
- Chocolate with Toys
- Countlines
- Seasonal Chocolate
- Tablets
- Other Chocolate Confectionery
- Gum
- Sugar Confectionery
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- Butter and Spreads
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- Processed Cheese
- Packaged Hard Cheese
- Soft Cheese
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- Flavoured Milk Drinks
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- Fresh Milk
- Shelf Stable Milk
- Goat Milk
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- Powder Milk
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- Sour Milk Products
- Yoghurt
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- Chilled and Shelf Stable Desserts
- Chilled Snacks
- Coffee Whiteners
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- Condensed Milk
- Cream
- Fromage Frais and Quark
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- Plant-based Milk
- Plant-based Yoghurt
- Plant-based Cheese
- Edible Oils Packaging
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- Frozen Yoghurt
- Impulse Ice Cream
- Plant-based Ice Cream
- Take-Home Ice Cream
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- Frozen Fruit
- Frozen Processed Potatoes
- Frozen Processed Vegetables
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- Shelf Stable Beans
- Shelf Stable Fruit
- Shelf Stable Tomatoes
- Shelf Stable Vegetables
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- Chilled Processed Meat
- Frozen Processed Meat
- Shelf Stable Meat
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- Chilled Processed Seafood
- Frozen Processed Seafood
- Shelf Stable Seafood
- Meat and Seafood Substitutes inc Tofu
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- Dried Ready Meals
- Shelf Stable Ready Meals
- Chilled Ready Meals
- Frozen Ready Meals
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- Chilled Pizza
- Frozen Pizza
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- Meal Kits
- Quick Recipe Kits
- Chilled Lunch Kits
- Prepared Salads
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- Dry Soup
- Shelf Stable Soup
- Chilled Soup
- Frozen Soup
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- Noodles
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- Chilled Pasta
- Dried Pasta
- Rice
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- Bouillon
- Gravy Cubes, Powders and Pots
- Herbs and Spices
- Monosodium Glutamate
- Tomato Pastes and Purées
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- Liquid Recipe Sauces (excl pasta sauces)
- Dry Recipe Sauces
- Pasta Sauces
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- Barbecue Sauces
- Chili Sauces
- Fish Sauces
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Oyster Sauces
- Salad Dressings
- Soy Sauces
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- Dips
- Pickled Products
- Other Sauces and Condiments
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- Nuts, Seeds and Trail Mixes
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Salty Snacks
- Savoury Biscuits
- Meat Snacks
- Seafood Snacks
- Other Savoury Snacks
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- Chocolate Spreads
- Honey
- Jams and Preserves
- Nut and Seed Based Spreads
- Yeast-based Spreads
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- Fruit Snacks
- Snack Bars
- Sweet Biscuits
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- Candle Air Fresheners
- Car Air Fresheners
- Electric Air Fresheners
- Gel Air Fresheners
- Liquid Air Fresheners
- Spray/Aerosol Air Fresheners
- Other Air Care
- Bleach
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- Automatic Dishwashing Liquids
- Automatic Dishwashing Powders
- Automatic Dishwashing Tablets
- Dishwashing Additives
- Hand Dishwashing
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- Electric Insecticides
- Insecticide Baits
- Insecticide Coils
- Spray/Aerosol Insecticides
- Other Home Insecticides
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- Carpet Cleaners
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- Dryer Sheets
- Liquid Fabric Softeners
- Laundry Aids
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- Powder Detergents
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- Compact Powder Tablet Detergents
- Liquid Tablet Detergents
- Liquid Detergents
- Other Detergents
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- Floor Polish
- Furniture Polish
- Metal Polish
- Shoe Polish
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- Cleaning Solution
- Starter Kits/Sweepers/Sticks (Excluding Wipes)
- Wipes (Excluding Starter Kits/Sweepers/Sticks)
- Bathroom Cleaners
- Descalers
- Drain Openers
- Floor Cleaners
- Home Care Disinfectants
- Kitchen Cleaners
- Multi-Purpose Cleaners
- Oven Cleaners
- Scouring Agents
- Window/Glass Cleaners
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- In-Cistern Devices
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- Rim Blocks
- Rim Liquids
- Toilet Care Tablets/Powders
- Toilet Cleaning Systems
- Toilet Liquids/Foam
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This report originates from Passport, our Packaging research and analysis database.
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