The UK packaging market is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 1.3% from 109.9 billion units in 2021 to 117.4 billion units in 2026, forecasts GlobalData. According to the data and analytics company, rigid plastics and rigid metal will be the winning packaging materials during the forecast period, with significant usage in the food industry. Their user-friendly features (convenience) and attractive shapes and labels will appeal to both comfort-seeking and experimental consumers.
GlobalData’s latest report on UK’s Packaging Market Size reveals that rigid plastics was the most consumed packaging material in the UK, accounting for a share of 34.9% in 2021. It was followed by flexible packaging and rigid metal, with shares of 32.3% and 16.4%, respectively. While rigid plastics’ growth is due to its lightweight, low cost and durability, rigid metals’ growth will be driven by consumers’ increasing awareness regarding plastic waste and its harmful effects on the environment.
“A large section of Brits are concerned about the environmental hazards and landfills caused by packaging waste and are therefore looking for sustainable packaging solutions. Simultaneously, packaging material is increasingly playing a crucial role in consumers’ purchasing decisions, as they are opting for innovative formats with bright and bold colors,” according to Srimoyee Nath, Consumer analyst at GlobalData.