Market Overview

The Latin America Single-use Packaging Market plays a critical role in the region’s packaging landscape, supporting a wide range of industries such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and e-commerce. Single-use packaging—typically designed for one-time use before disposal or recycling—includes products like plastic bottles, sachets, wrappers, blister packs, and pouches. These formats are favored for their convenience, cost-effectiveness, hygiene, and ability to preserve product integrity.

In Latin America, urbanization, changing lifestyles, rising disposable incomes, and increased demand for packaged goods are driving the widespread use of single-use packaging. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic heightened the use of disposable packaging to ensure safety, particularly in food delivery and medical applications.

However, environmental concerns around plastic pollution and sustainability are prompting governments, businesses, and consumers to rethink single-use materials. With growing awareness and stricter regulations in countries like Chile, Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico, the market is transitioning toward more eco-friendly alternatives and circular packaging models.

Meaning

Single-use packaging refers to packaging items that are used once and then discarded—typically not designed for reuse or long-term durability. These are commonly found in daily consumer products such as bottled water, takeout containers, snack wrappers, pharmaceutical blister packs, and cosmetic sachets.

In Latin America, single-use packaging has become a standard across multiple sectors due to its ability to:

• Preserve freshness and hygiene

• Extend product shelf life

• Enable portion control and portability

• Provide cost-efficient solutions for low-income consumers

• Support widespread distribution of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs)

The market includes a wide variety of materials—plastics, paper, aluminum, biodegradable composites—and is increasingly influenced by environmental policies and consumer expectations for sustainability.

Executive Summary

The Latin America Single-use Packaging Market was valued at approximately USD 17.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is driven by expanding retail, food delivery, and pharmaceutical sectors, alongside increasing demand for convenience and hygiene.

Key countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia are leading the region’s consumption of single-use packaging, especially for personal care products, ready-to-eat meals, bottled beverages, and over-the-counter medications. However, mounting pressure to reduce plastic waste is encouraging the adoption of recyclable, compostable, and paper-based alternatives.

Large-scale packaging companies, local converters, and startup innovators are all adjusting to the changing regulatory environment and shifting consumer preferences. The transition from traditional plastic to sustainable single-use formats represents both a challenge and a massive opportunity for industry stakeholders.

Key Market Insights

• Food and Beverage Dominates Usage: The segment accounts for over 60% of single-use packaging demand due to the growth in fast food, takeout, and packaged goods.

• Regulations Are Shaping Innovation: Plastic bans and waste reduction laws are influencing packaging redesigns and material choices.

• Biodegradable Materials Gaining Traction: Compostable films, paper-based pouches, and plant-based plastics are gaining market share.

• E-commerce Is Driving New Formats: Rise in online shopping and delivery services is accelerating the use of protective single-use packaging.

• Urbanization Increases Consumption: With more people living in cities, demand for portable, disposable packaging continues to rise.

Market Drivers

1. Growth in FMCG Sector: Expansion of food, beverage, and personal care product consumption fuels demand for disposable packaging formats.

2. Rising Food Delivery and Takeout: Post-pandemic shifts in consumer behavior have led to a permanent increase in food-on-the-go.

3. Convenience and Hygiene: Single-use packaging ensures minimal contact and contamination, which is especially vital in healthcare and foodservice.

4. Low-Cost Packaging Solutions: Affordable single-use options allow small brands and retailers to serve low-income markets efficiently.

5. Retail and E-commerce Boom: Protective, lightweight, and easily customizable packaging formats are ideal for fast-moving e-commerce logistics.

Market Restraints

1. Environmental Regulations: Increasing restrictions on plastic and non-recyclable packaging are limiting market options and increasing compliance costs.

2. Public Backlash Against Plastics: Growing consumer activism and awareness about pollution impact demand for traditional single-use materials.

3. Limited Recycling Infrastructure: In many Latin American countries, inadequate recycling systems reduce the recyclability of single-use packaging.

4. Volatile Raw Material Prices: Fluctuations in oil prices impact plastic packaging costs, creating uncertainties for manufacturers.

5. Competition from Reusable Packaging Models: The rise of refillable and reusable packaging systems in niche markets may limit single-use expansion.

Market Opportunities

1. Innovation in Sustainable Materials: Development of compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable alternatives to conventional plastics.

2. Expansion in Rural and Low-Income Markets: Affordable single-use sachets and pouches are ideal for reaching underserved consumers.

3. Private Label Growth in Retail: Supermarkets and local brands are adopting single-use packaging for cost-effective product differentiation.

4. Export-Oriented Food Processing Industry: Countries like Chile and Brazil export processed goods, fueling demand for hygienic, single-use formats.

5. Smart Packaging Integration: QR codes, anti-counterfeiting features, and sensors can be embedded into disposable packaging for added value.

Market Dynamics

Supply-Side Factors:

• Dominance of Plastic Packaging Producers: Regional players manufacture a large share of PET, LDPE, HDPE, and PP-based single-use packaging.

• Increased Investment in Bio-Based Materials: Companies are investing in R&D and facilities for bioplastics, paper, and molded fiber packaging.

• Converting Industry Growth: Latin America has a vibrant network of converters and contract packaging firms serving local and export markets.

Demand-Side Factors:

• Rising Urban Middle-Class Consumption: Drives demand for convenience foods, personal care products, and over-the-counter medicine.

• Retail Modernization: Supermarkets, convenience stores, and e-commerce platforms require flexible packaging formats for diverse product lines.

• Healthcare Access: Increased access to medication and vaccines in the region supports growth in medical single-use packaging (e.g., blister packs, sachets).

Economic Factors:

• Inflation and Purchasing Power: Economic instability in some countries affects packaging affordability and material sourcing.

• Trade Agreements and Imports: Regional trade agreements impact pricing, competition, and market access for packaging materials and products.

Regional Analysis

1. Brazil:

   • The largest packaging market in Latin America.

   • High demand across food, beverage, healthcare, and cosmetics.

   • Movement toward eco-friendly legislation such as São Paulo’s plastic bag ban.

2. Mexico:

   • Strong growth in retail and food delivery sectors.

   • Leading market for PET bottles and flexible packaging formats.

   • Government push toward sustainable alternatives through plastic reduction laws.

3. Chile:

   • First country in the region to implement an extended producer responsibility (EPR) law for packaging waste.

   • Increasing adoption of paper and compostable formats in foodservice.

4. Argentina:

   • A growing processed food industry boosts demand for sachets, pouches, and blister packs.

   • Inflation poses challenges for packaging affordability and material imports.

5. Colombia and Peru:

   • Rising middle class and e-commerce trends support growth in single-use packaging.

   • Gradual movement toward sustainability with pilot programs in plastic waste reduction.

Competitive Landscape

The Latin America single-use packaging market is highly fragmented with a mix of international packaging giants and local manufacturers. Key players include:

• Amcor Plc: A global leader offering recyclable and flexible single-use packaging solutions.

• Bemis Latin America (Amcor): Strong regional presence in Brazil and Mexico.

• Alpla Group: Specializes in PET bottles and caps, with sustainability initiatives in recycling.

• Tetra Pak: Offers single-use beverage cartons with increasing focus on renewable materials.

• Grupo Phoenix: A Latin American leader in rigid single-use packaging for foodservice and CPGs.

• Empaques Modernos, Carvajal Empaques, and others: Regional players providing cost-effective, scalable single-use packaging.

Competition is based on cost, sustainability, packaging performance, and brand customization capabilities.

Segmentation

By Material Type:

• Plastic (PET, LDPE, HDPE, PP, PS)

• Paper & Paperboard

• Aluminum

• Biodegradable/Bio-based Polymers

By Packaging Type:

• Bottles

• Sachets

• Pouches

• Blister Packs

• Wrappers

• Cups and Trays

• Containers and Tubs

By End-Use Industry:

• Food & Beverage

• Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

• Cosmetics & Personal Care

• Retail & E-commerce

• Industrial & Chemical

By Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

• Convenience Stores

• Online Retailers

• Foodservice Outlets

• Pharmacies

Category-wise Insights

• Food & Beverage: Dominates the market with single-use packaging used for snacks, ready meals, bottled drinks, and sauces.

• Pharmaceuticals: Blister packs, sachets, and vials ensure dosage control, hygiene, and regulatory compliance.

• Cosmetics & Personal Care: Sachets and tubes for shampoos, creams, and lotions serve both premium and affordable segments.

• E-commerce and Delivery: Protective pouches and tamper-proof wraps help protect goods in transit and improve customer experience.

Key Benefits for Industry Participants and Stakeholders

1. Fast Scalability and Customization: Single-use packaging is cost-efficient and easily adapted to changing product lines.

2. Improved Hygiene and Safety: Vital for pharmaceuticals and food, especially in post-pandemic consumer preferences.

3. Brand Visibility and Differentiation: High-quality graphics and custom formats allow CPGs to stand out on retail shelves.

4. Low Per-Unit Cost: Ideal for volume-driven markets and budget-conscious consumers.

5. Circular Economy Integration Potential: Opportunities exist to incorporate recycled content and develop take-back programs.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths:

• Strong demand across essential industries

• Low-cost, scalable production

• Wide consumer acceptance

Weaknesses:

• Environmental footprint and negative public perception

• Reliance on fossil-fuel-based materials

• Limited post-consumer collection and recycling systems

Opportunities:

• Growth in sustainable material innovations

• Legislative push for eco-friendly transitions

• Expanding food delivery and on-the-go consumption

Threats:

• Regulatory bans on plastic packaging

• Volatility in raw material pricing

• Disruption from reusable packaging models

Market Key Trends

1. Sustainable Packaging Innovation: Compostable films, recyclable mono-materials, and paper-based alternatives are growing.

2. Smart Packaging Features: Integration of scannable codes for authentication and customer engagement.

3. Shift to Paper and Molded Fiber: Replacing plastic in some foodservice and cosmetics applications.

4. Decentralized Packaging Models: On-demand and localized packaging for delivery services and cloud kitchens.

5. Consumer Education Campaigns: Brands and governments are working to improve awareness around waste disposal and recycling.

Key Industry Developments

1. Plastic Ban Legislation in Chile and Mexico: Encouraging alternative material investment and packaging redesign.

2. Recyclable Packaging Launches: Global brands like Nestlé and Coca-Cola introducing new eco-friendly formats in Latin America.

3. New Bioplastic Production Facilities: Local investments to develop PHA, PLA, and other bio-based materials.

4. Supermarket Private Label Expansion: Growing use of single-use formats in cost-effective in-house products.

5. Startup Ecosystem for Sustainable Packaging: Emerging companies developing innovative, biodegradable single-use solutions.

Analyst Suggestions

1. Invest in R&D for Sustainable Alternatives: Bio-based and recyclable options offer long-term viability amid regulatory pressure.

2. Form Recycling Partnerships: Collaborate with local governments and NGOs to improve collection and sorting.

3. Target Niche and Export Markets: Focus on clean-label and eco-friendly packaging for premium segments and international customers.

4. Educate Consumers and Retailers: Transparent labeling and sustainability messaging can drive informed purchasing.

5. Scale Smart Packaging Pilots: Use digital tools to track usage, recycling rates, and engage consumers.

Future Outlook

The Latin America Single-use Packaging Market is expected to reach approximately USD 24.3 billion by 2030, driven by continued urbanization, the growth of convenience-focused lifestyles, and expansion in food, healthcare, and e-commerce sectors. However, the market’s future is deeply intertwined with the success of sustainability initiatives.

With increasing environmental scrutiny, companies that innovate in compostable, recyclable, and bio-based single-use formats will have the competitive advantage. Partnerships, policy alignment, and consumer engagement will be critical to shaping the next chapter of single-use packaging in Latin America.

Conclusion

The Latin America Single-use Packaging Market stands at a crossroads between convenience and sustainability. While single-use formats remain indispensable across industries due to cost and functionality, growing pressure to reduce environmental impact is pushing manufacturers and brands to innovate responsibly.

Industry players that anticipate regulatory changes, invest in green technologies, and align with consumer expectations will be best positioned to thrive in this evolving landscape. As Latin America moves toward a circular economy, the future of single-use packaging will depend on how effectively the industry balances economic growth with environmental responsibility.