The global thermoformed shallow trays market is projected to witness steady expansion over the next decade, as demand for lightweight, transparent, and customizable packaging solutions continues to rise. Valued at US$ 5,676.3 million in 2023, the market is expected to reach US$ 8,856.7 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2024 to 2034. A strong shift toward sustainability, booming e-commerce, and rising demand in sectors like food, healthcare, and cosmetics are driving this growth trajectory.
Sustainable Materials Take Center Stage
A pivotal trend in the market is the transition toward sustainable materials. With regulatory bodies and consumers pushing for eco-friendly packaging, manufacturers are increasingly shifting from conventional plastics to biodegradable and bio-based alternatives. This move aligns with the global emphasis on circular economy practices and is reshaping production strategies in the thermoformed shallow trays industry.
Companies are investing heavily in advanced machinery and infrastructure to accommodate the use of recyclable materials. This trend not only helps reduce environmental footprints but also positions brands as responsible, future-ready players in a competitive market.
Food Industry: The Powerhouse of Demand
The food and food service sector remains the largest consumer of thermoformed shallow trays. The growing popularity of ready-to-eat meals, online food deliveries, and takeaway services has necessitated the need for secure, hygienic, and visually appealing packaging.
Thermoformed shallow trays meet all these demands—they are durable, lightweight, and transparent, allowing consumers to inspect food contents without opening the packaging. Their customization capabilities also let brands align packaging with their identity, boosting shelf appeal and consumer trust.
The South Asia & Pacific region—particularly countries like India—is witnessing a surge in packaged food consumption, further fueling demand for these trays. With consumers increasingly valuing convenience and safety, thermoformed shallow trays are becoming indispensable in food retail and foodservice channels.
Healthcare & Pharma Applications on the Rise
The healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors are rapidly adopting thermoformed shallow trays due to their tamper-evident features, strength, and compatibility with sterile products. These trays provide custom packaging solutions for diagnostic kits, medical devices, and pharmaceutical components. The aging global population and rising healthcare spending are contributing to robust growth in this segment.
Moreover, ongoing technological advancements in thermoforming are enabling the development of trays with enhanced barrier properties, essential for preserving sensitive medical products during transit and storage.
Customization Fuels Growth in Cosmetics & Personal Care
As brands across industries increasingly focus on product aesthetics and differentiation, thermoformed shallow trays offer significant advantages. Their ability to be custom-shaped, colored, and designed makes them an ideal solution for cosmetics, personal care products, and high-end retail packaging.
This trend of premium and customized packaging is especially prevalent in regions like Western Europe and North America, where branding plays a crucial role in purchasing decisions.
Challenges: Competition from Alternative Materials
Despite their versatility and widespread appeal, thermoformed shallow trays face competition from alternative materials such as molded fiber and paperboard trays. These materials are often preferred for their environmentally friendly profiles and are receiving strong support from government initiatives aimed at reducing plastic use.
The adoption of such alternatives could potentially restrain market growth, especially in regions with strict sustainability regulations. However, players that embrace innovation and sustainable practices can still gain a competitive edge.
Regional Outlook: East Asia and South Asia Lead the Way
Regionally, East Asia is forecast to dominate the market, supported by the presence of major electronics and food industries in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. The region is projected to grow from US$ 1,191.4 million in 2024 to US$ 1,866.3 million by 2034.
Meanwhile, South Asia & Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR of 5.5%, driven by a booming e-commerce sector and a growing preference for convenient and hygienic packaging. This presents vast opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers in these fast-growing economies.
In North America, the thermoformed shallow trays market benefits from the established presence of industries like healthcare, food processing, and electronics, which require high-quality packaging. The region is estimated to hold around 22.2% market share in 2024.
Innovation and Competitive Landscape
The market remains highly competitive, with both global and regional players investing in product innovation, capacity expansion, and sustainable solutions. According to TMR analysis, leading companies—Berry Global Group Inc., Winpak Ltd, Sealed Air Corporation, Amcor plc, Sonoco Products Company, and Pöppelmann GmbH & Co. KG—hold a combined share of around 10–15% of the global market.
Manufacturers are also exploring multifunctional designs—such as trays with modular configurations and built-in compartments—to enhance utility and user experience. These features are particularly appealing in the food and electronics sectors, where flexibility and protective packaging are paramount.
Conclusion
The thermoformed shallow trays market is on a steady upward trajectory, propelled by evolving consumer preferences, industry innovations, and sustainability goals. Players that invest in biodegradable materials, customization technologies, and region-specific strategies will be well-positioned to capture opportunities in this growing global market.
