The global market for food containers is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.06%. Over the forecast period, this market is estimated to increase at a rapid pace and is anticipated to reach US$ 274.042 billion in 2028 from US$ 207.476 billion in 2021.

Food containers are predominately used for the preservation, storage and transportation of food products to increase their shelf life. They are durable and help in maintaining the quality of the food product by preventing it from getting spoiled so that it can be transported over long distances. They are available in various shapes, colours, designs, sizes and are composed of several materials such as glass plastic, paper, and cardboard. The global market for food containers is categorised into various segments which include – the type of product, the application and the geographical region.

The high demand for convenient packaging solutions will foster growth for the global food containers market during the analysis period.

Demanding work schedules, rising personal income and fast-paced lifestyles have significantly altered consumer preferences and spurred the adoption of convenient packaging and storage solutions. For many customers, the ease of packing, and transporting that these food containers offer has taken on significant importance which will drive demand for the global market. Expanding nuclear families, increasing female labour force involvement, and rising living standards, will further boost market prospects. In addition, it is anticipated that the growing demand for processed and packaged foods will fuel the global food container industry over the next few years.

The massive expansion in the world’s food production is what largely drives the global market for food storage containers. For instance, fruit output in India reached 107.10 million tonnes, up 4.5 percent from the 102.48 million tonnes produced in 2020, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation. It is expected that there will be an increase in demand for practical packaging that makes food easy to transport, store, and consume right away.

In order to keep up with the growing trend of rising environmental consciousness, several key manufacturers and companies are employing biodegradable materials that can be recycled, refurbished, and reused to create packaging and storage solutions that are better for the environment which will bode well for the food containers market in the future.

According to the research and analysis, out of all the material types, plastic food containers are expected to substantial market proportion, during the anticipated period.

Based on the type of container the market for food containers is categorized into glass containers, plastic containers, metal containers, paperboard containers and pouches & bags. Out of all these mentioned above plastic food containers are anticipated to account for a major share of the global market during the analysis period.

Many of us have a kitchen cabinet full of plastic containers that we use to keep our leftovers. Fast food chains and restaurants widely use plastic containers to pack food for takeaway or delivery orders. This is because plastic materials have a number of advantages over other types of food materials.  Most food packages and containers are primarily made of plastic as it is extremely lightweight and is manufactured with a lot less amount of energy. A study by the US Environmental Protection Agency found that plastic containers require 40 per cent less energy to manufacture than paper containers.

Additionally, it is economical compared to other types of containers such as metal and glass food containers. They can be used by any firm or business irrespective of the size of their operations. Small-scale manufacturers benefit most from the affordability of plastic food packaging since it gives them access to standardised packaging alternatives despite limited financial resources.

Plastic containers can withstand harsh conditions and don’t easily get corroded in cold and hot temperatures, protecting the quality of the food while keeping the container intact. Additionally, it shields food items from dust, bacteria, air, moisture, and light. They are highly versatile as they can be easily moulded into any shape and size. Some of the plastic resins used to manufacture food containers are PET, polypropylene, LDPE etc.

However, the negative impact of plastic materials on the environment and health will restrict the growth of this segment as manufacturers are shifting towards more sustainable and biodegradable food packaging and storage solutions.

During the analysis period, the negative impact of food containers on the environment is anticipated to obstruct the growth of the global food container market.

In the modern world of food packaging, food containers are used to keep the food safe, shelf-stable, and clean. Unfortunately, most packaging is single-use and is either thrown away or recycled instead of being reused. The US EPA estimates that about half of all municipal solid waste is made up of food and materials used in food packaging such as containers.

Most of the food containers available in the market are made out of plastic. As the knowledge of the health and environmental risks of plastic grows people are shifting towards more sustainable alternatives. According to the renowned industrial ecologist Roland Geyer, the amount of plastic that has ever been recycled stands at 9 per cent. The full cost of this low-priced material is starting to become more clear due to its effects on global warming and pollution, as well as the toxins and microplastics that enter our bodies, the food chain, and the environment.

Plastic containers are composed of various harmful chemicals such as phthalates and BPA which can adversely harm our health. Researchers acknowledge that there are still numerous knowledge gaps about the many other chemicals that are added to plastic during its manufacturing process.

Not just plastic but others materials also hurt the environment. For instance, in manufacturing glass containers, the raw materials used are burned using large amounts of fossil fuels which leads to the emission of greenhouse gases and fumes into the environment.

During the analysis period, out of all the geographical regions the market is segmented into the Asia Pacific region is likely to account for a rapid growth rate in the global Food containers market.  

The global fatty alcohol market has been divided into five regions: North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. During the projected period, the Asia Pacific food containers market is expected to grow significantly during the aforementioned period. Rising disposable income, rapid urbanization and the demand for western-style diets are supporting the growth of the food containers market in this region. The food packaging market in Asia pacific has grown positively and is expected to grow significantly over the projection period. The rapid expansion of the food processing sector and HoReCa industries in countries like India, Chain and Japan with help of government initiatives will also bolster the growth of food containers in this region. Prime markets in the Asia Pacific region include India, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand and Taiwan.

The hybrid seeds market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 09.19% from an initial evaluated value of US$20.16 billion in 2021 to reach US$37.302 billion in 2028.

A hybrid is created by crossing two different varieties of the same plant. The crossing is the process of moving pollen from one plant’s male flower to the female floral parts of another plant. When the female flower’s ovary is pollinated, it begins to enlarge and generate fruit. The seeds that develop inside the fruit are hybrid. Disease resistance, increased flavour or production, earlier maturation, and other characteristics are common in hybrid seeds. Different features are beneficial for various crops. In general, hybrid seeds can be expected to produce more than open-pollinated seeds. Hybrid seeds are widely used in commercial farming, particularly to boost crop yields. Flower and vegetable hybridization is quite popular. Roses, tomatoes, and sweet corn, in particular, are commonly cross-bred to create hybrid varieties.

The rising demand for fruits and vegetables is likely to boost the hybrid seed market forward.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, and other crops are in increased demand as the general public’s concern for personal health grows. Customers’ acceptance of healthy diet changes contributes to this demand. The United Nations (UN) General Assembly declared 2021 the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables to enhance awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of fruits and vegetables, as well as their contribution to a balanced and healthy diet and lifestyle. It also seeks to raise awareness of the need to reduce losses and waste in the fruit and vegetable sector (UN, 2020) while improving environmental results. Action is required at the national level to boost fruit and vegetable production and consumption, as well as make them more economically available to consumers while producing economic, social, and environmental benefits following the Sustainable Development Goals. Due to rising food supply demand, rising health awareness, and the desire to boost food supply yields, it is predicted that the hybrid seeds market would rise rapidly throughout the forecast period. For instance, the fourth annual Pragati Diwas was hosted by Bayer’s Vegetable Seeds division at its massive breeding facility in Chikaballapur, close to Bengaluru in January 2021. At the exhibition, 14 different fruit and vegetable crops including tomatoes, hot peppers, watermelon, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, and beans were represented by more than 120 high-yielding hybrid seeds. In-depth talks on issues like selecting the best hybrid seed based on regional growing circumstances, integrated crop management from seed to harvest, and the best procedures for disease and pest management were had with farmers by Bayer agronomists.

The increased demand for food items in India is attracting market participants.

The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) projects that the population of India will increase to 8.19 billion by 2025 and 8.55 billion by the end of 2030, highlighting the necessity of increasing productivity and production to satisfy the changing demands of consumers. Farmers are being forced to use hybrid seeds as a result of the rapid population growth to increase yield. Given the rising need for food items, the major players are concentrating more on India to keep their products on the market. For instance, four hybrid seeds were purchased from Bayer CropScience in November 2021 by Crystal Agricultural Protection Limited, an Indian R&D-based crop solution company. By making this purchase, Crystal Crop Protection and Bayer have entered into a contractual agreement for the purchase of hybrids of cotton, mustard, pearl millet, and grain sorghum in India. Crystal expects this acquisition to boost its field crops seed business since it delivers strong brands and R&D capabilities. The provision of high-performance seeds for the sustained growth of Indian agriculture is made possible by this acquisition.

Innovations and new product development will usher in a new era of market expansion.

In the hybrid seed market, new product improvements have emerged as a prominent trend. As the demand for food goods rises, the market’s top players are focusing more on innovation to keep their products competitive. Ankur Seeds has been working systematically to develop effective, need-based solutions, aiming for much-needed yield improvements of up to 50% while using fewer inputs, paving the door for farmers to achieve significant economic returns. In addition, okra, also known as Bhendi Moench, is presently the most important vegetable crop farmed in the Indian subcontinent. The crop is also gaining appeal among vegetable eaters worldwide. Keeping in mind that innovation is always crucial to driving the future, Advanta, India’s number one okra seed business, has released a new red okra hybrid named KUMKUM. Kumkum is high in nutrients and is used in traditional markets as a fortified okra. Kumkum has received a positive response from consumers in fresh produce marketplaces. Kumkum is an appealing value proposition for farmers and value chain partners because of its incremental return on investment. Many crops already use hybrids, but wheat and the manufacture of hybrid wheat seeds is complicated. To feed an expanding population, the wheat yield must be greatly increased. Both public and private breeding projects for hybrid wheat, such as the one at BASF, are required to achieve this. BASF will launch Ideltis, its new brand name for hybrid wheat seeds, in June 2021. It displays the company’s dedication to preparing wheat for long-term prosperity through inventive hybridization. BASF’s hybrid wheat is designed to provide farmers with higher and more consistent yield and quality performance to develop one of the world’s most important crops.