Europe holds a 28% share of the global trays market, driven by sustainability goals under the EU Plastics Strategy and Single-Use Plastics Directive. With a target for all packaging to be recyclable by 2030, demand for eco-friendly trays is rising, led by Germany, France, and the UK.
DELAWARE CITY, DE / ACCESS Newswire / February 24, 2025 / The global food tray market is set to experience significant expansion, with sales expected to reach USD 10,399.0 million in 2025 and projected to surge to USD 16,461.1 million by 2035. This growth reflects a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% between 2025 and 2035. The market has already demonstrated resilience and demand, recording a revenue of USD 10,105.9 million in 2024.
The global food trays market is experiencing significant growth as the demand for sustainable food packaging continues to rise. With increasing consumer awareness about eco-friendly alternatives, manufacturers are shifting towards biodegradable food packaging solutions, including compostable food trays for environmentally conscious restaurants and recyclable aluminum trays for bakery products.
According to industry experts, the expansion of quick-service restaurants (QSRs), the growing trend of ready-to-eat meals, and stringent regulations on plastic packaging are driving innovation in the food packaging industry. Companies are now offering heat-resistant disposable trays for hot meals, microwave-safe disposable meal trays for catering, and custom food packaging solutions that align with brand promotion efforts.
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Advancements in Food Packaging: A Game Changer for the Food Tray Market
Innovative breakthroughs in food packaging are reshaping the landscape of the food tray market. Cutting-edge material science is paving the way for developing microwave-safe, ovenable, and biodegradable trays, offering consumers both convenience and sustainability.
One of the most notable advancements is the introduction of active and intelligent packaging solutions. These include trays equipped with oxygen absorbers and temperature indicators, designed to enhance food freshness and safety. Additionally, the integration of nanotechnology has led to the creation of antimicrobial surfaces, significantly reducing contamination risks and extending the shelf life of food products.
"The food tray market is evolving with sustainability, convenience, and innovation driving demand. From eco-friendly materials to smart packaging solutions, the industry is adapting to consumer preferences and regulatory shifts."Says a Lead Consultant, Ismail Sutaria, in Packaging at Future Market Insights (FMI).
Key Market Trends Fueling Growth
Sustainability at the Forefront - The demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable food trays is increasing as businesses and consumers prioritize sustainability. The shift toward recyclable and compostable materials is influencing manufacturers to adopt greener alternatives.
Smart Packaging Solutions - Intelligent food trays that monitor temperature and freshness are gaining traction in the market, catering to evolving consumer preferences for food safety and quality.
Expansion of the Food Service Industry - The proliferation of food delivery services, online food platforms, and quick-service restaurants is driving the need for innovative and durable food tray solutions.
Regulatory Push for Safe Packaging - Governments worldwide are implementing stringent regulations to ensure food safety, compelling manufacturers to adopt compliant packaging solutions that meet industry standards.
Market Growth Fueled by Eco-Friendly Innovations
The rising adoption of sustainable packaging is a key factor propelling market expansion. Manufacturers are investing in advanced materials such as paperboard food trays, which are not only biodegradable but also lightweight and stackable, making them ideal for quick-service restaurants and food delivery services. Additionally, FDA-approved plastic food trays for school lunches and customizable eco-friendly food packaging solutions are gaining traction in institutional and retail sectors.
Leading players in the food trays market are focusing on innovation to meet consumer demand. For instance, companies are developing wholesale biodegradable food trays suppliers to cater to bulk purchasers such as catering companies and large-scale food distributors. With an emphasis on reducing carbon footprints, the industry is embracing recyclable and compostable materials to ensure sustainability in food packaging.
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Key Takeaways From the Food Tray Market
The global food tray industry recorded a CAGR of 2.9% from 2020 to 2024.
The industry reached a market value of USD 10,105.9 million in 2024.
The USA is expected to lead in North America with a projected CAGR of 3.7% through 2035.
India is anticipated to see significant growth in South Asia & Pacific, with a CAGR of 5.8% by 2035.
Plastic-based food trays are forecasted to grow at a remarkable CAGR of 52.4% from 2025 to 2035.
Distributor tray end uses are projected to expand at a CAGR of 39.7%.
Competitive Landscape
Key companies in the food tray industry are investing in the creation of innovative sustainable solutions, as well as forming collaborations. Key food tray providers have also been purchasing smaller players to expand their footprint and penetrate the food tray market in numerous regions.
Recent Industry Developments in the Food Tray Market
In January 2025, the Hartmann division will display fibre-based fresh food trays containing 70% less plastic.
In October 2024, Yangi unveils its latest packaging innovation, a fiber- based food tray designed to replace conventional plastic trays in the food sector tray Industry. The fiber tray is recyclable in existing paper streams worldwide.
In July 2024, Holmen launched Inverform PET 30, a 30-gsm version of its popular ready-made meal trays.
In April 2024, Klockner Pentaplast (kp) has announced the launch of what it describes as the first food packaging trays comprising 100% recycled PET (rPET) deriving exclusively from trays.
Regional Insights and Future Prospects
The food trays market is witnessing remarkable growth across regions, with North America and Europe leading the way due to stringent environmental regulations. The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a lucrative market, driven by the increasing adoption of eco-friendly food packaging solutions and the rapid expansion of the foodservice industry.
Looking ahead, advancements in technology and material innovation will continue to shape the market. Companies investing in lightweight stackable food trays for quick-service restaurants and affordable custom-printed food trays for brand promotion will have a competitive edge in the evolving landscape.
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Key Players of the Food Tray Market
Amcor
Sonoco Products Company
Huhtamaki Oyj
DS Smith Plc
Mondi Group PLC
Hitray
HSQY Plastic Group
Easy Green
BillerudKorsnas
International Paper Company
Quinn Packaging
Pactiv LLC
Tray-Pak Corporation
Brodrene Hartman A/S
ESCO Technologies Inc.
Novolex
Key Segments of the Food Tray Industry
By Material Type:
In terms of material type, the industry is divided into plastic, paper & paperboard, aluminium and others. Plastic is further divided into polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and others (HIPS, HDPE, etc.)
By Tray Type:
In terms of tray Type, the industry is divided into single-cavity and multi-cavity.
By Distribution Channel:
By distribution channel, the market is divided into direct sales, distributors, retailers, and E-retail.
By Capacity:
By capacity, the market is divided into standard and customized.
By End Use:
The market is classified by end-use, such as manufacturing, commercial, institutional, and household.
By Region:
Key countries of North America, Latin America, Europe, The Middle East and Africa, East Asia, South Asia, and Oceania have been covered in the report.
Have a Look at Related Research Reports on the Packaging Domain:
The thermoformed tray market is evaluated at USD 5.5 billion in 2024. The industry is expected to reach USD 7.6 billion by 2034.
The demand for rigid trays is increasing rapidly due to their superior durability, enhanced product protection, and versatility across industries such as food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and consumer electronics.
The sales of tray sealer machines are expected to nearly double between 2022 and 2032, from about USD 2.9 Billion in 2022 to around USD 5.2 Billion in 2032, at a CAGR of 6.0% over the course of ten years.
The growth of fresh produce trays is driven by rising demand for sustainable packaging, consumer preference for convenience, and the increasing focus on preserving freshness and reducing food waste in the supply chain.
The market size of paperboard trays is estimated to be worth USD 5075.0 million in 2025 and is anticipated to reach a value of USD 7731.8 million by 2035.
The global tray market is poised for significant growth, with projections estimating an increase from USD 12.8 billion in 2024 to USD 16.6 billion by 2034.
Assembly trays are essential tools in manufacturing, streamlining the organization of components, improving workflow efficiency, minimizing assembly errors, and enhancing productivity by providing a structured and easily accessible workspace for workers.
The Pharma Trays Market is expected to reach a market valuation of USD 6.5 billion by the end of the year 2023, accelerating at a CAGR of 7% over the forecast period (2023 to 2033).
In a recently updated edition, trends suggest a valuation of USD 80.6 billion for the rigid box market in 2024. Sales of rigid boxes hold the potential to touch the valuation and even go beyond USD 96.3 billion by 2034. This indicates a CAGR of 1.8% during the forecast period.
The rigid packaging container market is expanding at a 3% CAGR over the next ten years and lead the market to USD 275.2 billion by 2034.
About Future Market Insights (FMI)
Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer, Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries.
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