Thermoformed Shallow Trays Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Material Type (Plastic, Paperboard, Aluminum, Biodegradable Materials, and Other Material Types), Forming Type, Tray Type, Shape, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Thermoformed Shallow Trays Market is accounted for $6028.23 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $8648.42 million by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. Thermoformed shallow trays are manufactured by heating a plastic sheet until it becomes flexible and then shaping it in a mould to create lightweight, multipurpose containers. These trays are frequently utilized in a variety of industries, such as electronics, medical applications, and food packaging, and they are distinguished by their low profile. They may be customized in size and shape which makes them appropriate for certain applications like branding and compartmentalization.

According to SouthPack, about 52% of consumers make decisions regarding the purchase based on the eco-friendly nature of the packaging material. According to SouthPack, thermoformed packaging can cost up to 15% less than packaging made from plastic injection molding.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Rising demand for convenient packaging

A major factor propelling the thermoformed shallow tray market is the growing customer preference for pre-packaged goods, ready-to-eat meals, and on-the-go lifestyles, which in turn fuels the demand for easy packaging. Thermoformed shallow trays are perfect for foodservice and retail packaging because they are easy to handle, provide product visibility, and allow for portion control. Both manufacturers and consumers find their lightweight and stackable design appealing as it improves storage and transit efficiency. The market is expanding as a result of the growing need for simple packaging options that offer eco-friendly materials, durability, and freshness preservation due to urbanization and busy lives.

Restraint:

Cost-effective production

Manufacturers consider the Thermoformed Shallow Trays Market to be an appealing alternative due to its cost-effective production. Comparing thermoforming to other techniques like injection moulding, the former enables high-volume production at reduced prices. Reduced material waste and shortened production cycles make these efficiency possible, allowing producers to satisfy expanding market demands without sacrificing revenue. The cost-effectiveness of thermoformed shallow trays makes them a popular option in a variety of industries, especially food and pharmaceuticals, as businesses look to streamline operations and cut packaging costs.

Opportunity:

Expansion of the pharmaceutical and electronics sectors

The need for thermoformed shallow trays is being driven by the growth of the electronics and pharmaceutical industries. These trays are used in the pharmaceutical sector to package and store drugs, guaranteeing both product safety and adherence to legal requirements. Thermoformed shallow trays are used in the electronics industry to package components and keep them safe during storage and transit. Manufacturers of thermoformed shallow trays are finding new opportunities as a result of the expansion of these industries, especially in emerging economies.

Threat:

Complex recycling processes

In the thermoformed shallow tray market, complicated recycling procedures present a major obstacle that affects the sustainability of various options for packaging. As many thermoformed trays are composed of coated plastics or mixed materials, recycling them is challenging. Lower recycling rates are also a result of the absence of standardized recycling programs for thermoformed items. The industry is under pressure to create more readily recyclable substitutes and enhance waste management techniques as environmental restrictions get stricter and consumer awareness rises. This might raise production costs and make the supply chain more complex.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the thermoformed shallow trays market. As enterprises placed a higher priority on safety and sanitation, there was initially a spike in demand for these trays, especially for packaging need. But the market also has to contend with issues like supply chain interruptions and lower consumer spending during lockdowns. The demand for dependable and sanitary packaging solutions, especially in food and healthcare applications, spurred new growth in the industry as firms started to stabilize.

The plastic segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The plastic segment is estimated to be the largest, due to its affordability, robustness, and adaptability. Flexibility, stiffness, transparency, and resilience to moisture and chemicals are only a few of its many qualities. Plastic trays are widely utilized in a variety of applications, including consumer items, industrial products, and food packaging. Plastic trays have been a popular option in the market due to the availability of a large variety of plastic materials and advancements in thermoforming technology.

The pharmaceuticals segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The pharmaceuticals segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Medication safety and adherence to legal requirements are guaranteed by the use of these trays for packing and storage. Trays used in the pharmaceutical business must be able to withstand temperature changes, moisture, and chemicals without compromising the integrity of the product. The market for thermoformed shallow trays for this application is expanding because to the rising demand for pharmaceuticals, especially in emerging markets.

Region with largest share:

Asia Pacific is expected to have the largest market share during the forecast period due to rapid industrialization and urbanization in countries like China and India are significantly increasing the demand for efficient packaging solutions. Additional factors driving market growth include the rise of the food and beverage sector and consumers' increasing inclination for quick and prepared meals. Furthermore, producers are being forced to use eco-friendly materials due to increased consumer awareness of sustainability, which makes thermoformed shallow trays a more appealing packaging option for a variety of industries.

Region with highest CAGR:

North America is projected to witness the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to the growth of the food and beverage sector is primarily fuelled by the fact that these trays offer effective, secure, and practical packaging options for a range of goods. Additionally, businesses are being prompted to innovate and implement eco-friendly methods due to the growing customer preference for sustainable packaging materials. Strong manufacturing facilities in the area help produce high-quality trays that satisfy the various demands of sectors like electronics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, which improve market growth possibilities.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Thermoformed Shallow Trays Market include Berry Global, Amcor, Reynolds Consumer Products, Huhtamaki, Sonoco, Sealed Air, Linpac Packaging, RPC Group, Plastipak Packaging, Graham Packaging, WestRock, Graphic Packaging International, Schur Packaging, Smurfit Kappa Group, Mondi, Multivac, and Thermoform Engineering.

Key Developments:

In April 2024, Amcor introduced a range of thermoformed trays made from PETG and APET, focusing on healthcare applications to enhance safety and efficiency in packaging.

In March 2023, Sonoco Products Company launched innovative shallow trays designed for the food service industry, emphasizing sustainability and user convenience.

In April 2022, Amcor announced investments to expand its thermoforming capabilities in Ireland, primarily focusing on medical packaging. This expansion is expected to increase the company's capacity to meet the growing demand for thermoformed shallow trays in the healthcare sector.

Material Types Covered:

• Plastic
• Paperboard
• Aluminum
• Biodegradable Materials
• Other Material Types

Forming Types Covered:

• Vacuum Forming
• Pressure Forming
• Plug-Assist
• Mechanical Forming
• Twin Sheet Forming
• Other Forming Types

Tray Types Covered:

• Single-Compartment Tray
• Multi-Compartment Tray

Shapes Covered:

• Rectangular
• Square
• Oval
• Custom Shapes

End Users Covered:

• Food & Beverage
• Pharmaceuticals
• Electronics
• Automotive
• Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Industrial
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

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