Mexico Single Use Packaging Market Overview, 2029

Mexico Single Use Packaging Market Overview, 2029

The single-use packaging market in Mexico has been experiencing significant growth, driven by various economic, social, and environmental factors. As Mexico continues to grow economically and urbanize, the demand for packaged goods has risen. Urban lifestyles, characterized by busy schedules and a preference for convenience, have boosted the consumption of single-use packaging. The food and beverage industry, in particular, has seen a surge in demand for takeout and ready-to-eat meals, which heavily rely on disposable packaging. The expansion of modern retail formats like supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online retailing has further propelled the single-use packaging market. E-commerce, which saw an exponential rise especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, requires substantial packaging materials for shipping and delivery, enhancing the market growth. Mexico generates a considerable amount of plastic waste, much of which comes from single-use items. This has led to growing environmental awareness and calls for more sustainable practices and materials. In response to environmental concerns, the Mexican government has implemented regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste. Several states like Durango, Quintana Roo, Zacatecas, Michoacán and municipalities have enacted bans on certain single-use plastics, such as bags, straws, and utensils. These regulations are pushing manufacturers to innovate and develop eco-friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable and recyclable packaging solutions. Innovations like biodegradable plastics, compostable materials, and reusable packaging options are becoming more prevalent in the market. Plastics have leaked into many Mexican waterways, attributed by scholars to a lack of comprehensive regulations or enforcement of existing laws. Around 8.5% of Mexico’s GDP comes from tourism, however, many Mexican beaches are polluted with macro- and microplastics. Mexico also has one of the lowest recycling rates in the world at 5% and only 40% of households practice sorting their trash. According to experts, there is a lack of awareness among consumers regarding the future of goods after they are disposed, and so purchasing decisions are not often made with environmental consequences in mind.

According to the research report ""Mexico Single Use Packaging Market Overview, 2029,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Mexico single use packaging market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 143 Million by 2029. The urbanization trend in Mexico, coupled with increasingly hectic lifestyles, is driving a surge in demand for convenient, single-use packaging. Single-use packaging offers the convenience required to cater to this lifestyle, providing easy-to-use, disposable solutions that save time and effort. The proliferation of e-commerce and food delivery services has further heightened the need for efficient, hygienic, and reliable single-use packaging. Single-use packaging solutions provide a layer of protection that is especially crucial for food and beverage products, pharmaceuticals, and personal care items. These packaging solutions help maintain the integrity of products from production to consumption, offering reassurance to consumers about the safety of their purchases. There is a growing interest in packaging that incorporates antimicrobial properties or tamper-evident features, further addressing health and safety concerns in the post-pandemic landscape. Despite the increasing focus on sustainability and advanced packaging solutions, cost remains a critical factor in the single-use packaging market. Both consumers and businesses demand affordable packaging options that do not compromise on quality or functionality. For businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, cost-effective packaging solutions are essential to maintain competitive pricing and profitability. Innovations in materials and manufacturing processes are helping to reduce the costs associated with producing single-use packaging. For instance, the development of mediocrity materials and efficient production techniques can lower production expenses, making single-use packaging more accessible to a broader market. Economies of scale in production and distribution can also contribute to cost reductions, benefiting both producers and consumers. Balancing cost-effectiveness with the demand for sustainability and quality is a key challenge and opportunity for companies operating in the single-use packaging market in Mexico.

Plastic is the most ubiquitous material in single-use packaging due to its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. It is extensively used in food and beverage packaging, healthcare, and personal care products. Plastics like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are favored for their mediocrity, water-resistant, and protective qualities. In response, there is growing regulatory pressure in Mexico to reduce plastic use, pushing industries towards recyclable and biodegradable plastic options. Paper and paperboard are increasingly popular in the single-use packaging market as environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic. They are used for products such as bags, boxes, cartons, and wrapping materials. The biodegradability and recyclability of paper-based packaging make it an attractive option amidst rising environmental concerns. Innovations in coating technologies have enhanced the barrier properties of paper, making it more resistant to moisture and suitable for a broader range of products. Glass packaging is synonymous with premium quality and safety, often used for beverages, food jars, and pharmaceuticals. Its non-reactive nature ensures the purity and taste of the contents are preserved, and it is infinitely recyclable without loss of quality. Despite these advantages, glass is heavier and more fragile than other materials, leading to higher transportation costs and a greater risk of breakage. Other materials, such as metals and wood, play niche roles in the single-use packaging market. Metals like aluminum are prized for their strength, mediocrity, and excellent barrier properties against light, oxygen, and moisture, making them ideal for cans, foil, and trays in the food and beverage industry. Aluminum is also highly recyclable, contributing to its sustainability profile. Wood, while less common, is used for specialty packaging, such as crates and high-end product boxes, valued for its robustness and aesthetic appeal. The environmental impact of deforestation and the higher costs associated with metal and wood packaging limit their widespread adoption compared to plastics and paper.

In Mexico, the food industry is a primary driver of the single-use packaging market. The rising trend of on-the-go lifestyles and increased consumption of ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and packaged foods necessitates reliable, convenient packaging solutions. The need for hygienic, tamper-evident packaging has also grown, driven by consumer concerns about food safety. As the popularity of food delivery services and online grocery shopping surges, the demand for sturdy, protective packaging that ensures food arrives fresh and undamaged is paramount. The beverage industry in Mexico is another significant consumer of single-use packaging. Bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages require packaging that is not only convenient and portable but also maintains the integrity and safety of the product. The emphasis on sustainability is pushing beverage companies to explore eco-friendly packaging options such as recyclable plastics and biodegradable materials. Single-use packaging in the personal care industry in Mexico caters to products like shampoos, lotions, cosmetics, and hygiene products. Single-use sachets, sample-sized containers, and disposable applicators are popular in this market. The growing awareness of health and hygiene, particularly post-pandemic, has increased demand for packaging that ensures product safety and minimizes contamination risks. The pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on single-use packaging to ensure the safety, efficacy, and integrity of medicines and medical devices. In Mexico, the demand for single-use packaging in pharmaceuticals is driven by stringent regulatory requirements and the need for precise dosing and contamination prevention. The convenience of single-use packaging in this sector also supports patient adherence to medication regimens, as it simplifies the use and disposal of pharmaceutical products. Other industries such as electronics, household products, and industrial goods also utilize single-use packaging. In electronics, single-use packaging protects delicate components during transportation and storage. Household products, including cleaning supplies and detergents, are often packaged in single-use containers for ease of use and disposal. Industrial applications require robust single-use packaging solutions to protect machinery parts, chemicals, and other materials. Across these diverse industries, the common demand is for packaging that provides convenience, protection, and cost-effectiveness while increasingly incorporating sustainable materials to meet environmental concerns.

E-commerce has played a transformative role in the single-use packaging market in Mexico, largely due to the exponential growth in online shopping and the consequent surge in demand for efficient and convenient packaging solutions. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a significant catalyst, pushing consumers towards online platforms for their shopping needs, which in turn created a substantial uptick in the use of single-use packaging materials. This shift is evident across a range of sectors, from electronics and fashion to groceries and pharmaceuticals, each requiring specific packaging types to ensure product safety and integrity during transit. The rapid growth of e-commerce has necessitated robust packaging solutions that not only protect goods but also facilitate efficient logistics and storage, leading to a heightened demand for single-use packaging items such as cardboard boxes, plastic wraps, and bubble mailers. The preference for convenience and quick delivery among consumers has further amplified the reliance on single-use packaging, as these materials are often favored for their cost-effectiveness and versatility. Regulatory frameworks are evolving to address the environmental concerns associated with single-use packaging, with initiatives aimed at promoting recycling and the use of biodegradable materials. As a result, while e-commerce continues to drive significant growth in the single-use packaging market in Mexico, it also presents challenges and opportunities for innovation in sustainable packaging solutions that meet the dual demands of convenience and environmental responsibility.
Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Single Use Packaging market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Material Type
• Plastic
• Paper and Paperboard
• Glass
• Other Material Types (Metals and Wood)

By End-user Industry
• Food
• Beverage
• Personal Care
• Pharmaceutical
• Other End-user Industries

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Single Use Packaging industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.