US Plastic Bags And Sacks Market

US Plastic Bags And Sacks Market Overview

• The US Plastic Bags and Sacks Market is valued at approximately USD 4.7 billion, based on a five-year analysis. This reflects steady demand across retail carryout, trash/liner, e?commerce mailers, and industrial sacks in the broader context of a global market estimated around USD 23–24 billion. Growth is supported by rising convenience packaging needs in retail, foodservice, and parcel logistics, with food delivery and e?commerce continuing to lift usage of mailers, carryout, and secondary bags/liners. Industry sources note strong demand from retail, packaging, and food service in North America alongside e?commerce growth and development of recycled and compostable solutions.
• Key players in this market include major metropolitan areas such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, which dominate due to their high population density and significant retail activities. These cities serve as major distribution hubs, leading to increased consumption of plastic bags and sacks in various applications, from grocery shopping to food delivery services.
• In recent years, several states have implemented regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste, such as California's statewide ban on single-use plastic bags. This regulation encourages the adoption of reusable bags and promotes environmental sustainability, impacting the production and consumption patterns within the plastic bags and sacks market.

US Plastic Bags And Sacks Market Segmentation

By Type:The market is segmented into various types of plastic bags and sacks, including T-shirt/Grocery Bags, Retail Carryout Bags, Trash/Can Liners, Heavy-Duty Sacks, Mailer and Courier Bags, Produce and Bread Bags, Biodegradable/Compostable Bags, Reusable Plastic Bags, and Others. Among these, T-shirt/Grocery Bags dominate the market in jurisdictions without bans due to their widespread use in retail environments; in regulated states, thicker-gauge reusable plastic and paper substitutes have partially displaced traditional thin HDPE bags, while trash/can liners and specialty retail/e?commerce mailers remain resilient. The convenience they offer for consumers and retailers alike has solidified their position as a staple in shopping practices, though policy-driven substitution is ongoing. Retail Carryout Bags also hold a significant share, driven by the foodservice industry's demand for takeout packaging and continued growth in food delivery. The growing trend towards sustainability has led to an increase in the adoption of Biodegradable/Compostable and recycled-content bags, although they currently represent a smaller segment of the overall market relative to conventional PE formats.

By End-User:The end-user segmentation includes Retail & Grocery, Foodservice & Takeout, Healthcare & Institutional, Industrial & Construction, E-commerce & Parcel, Municipal & Commercial Waste Management, and Others. The Retail & Grocery segment is the largest, supported by high-frequency consumer purchases; policy changes have shifted some volume to thicker-gauge reusable and paper alternatives in certain states, but plastic solutions remain prevalent in many markets. The Foodservice & Takeout segment is also significant as demand for takeout and delivery persists, sustaining carryout and liner needs. E-commerce & Parcel is a rapidly growing segment, reflecting online shopping’s continued expansion and the use of poly mailers and security bags. Sustainability commitments are influencing specifications across Healthcare & Institutional and Industrial & Construction, with increasing interest in recycled content and certified compostable options for defined use cases.

US Plastic Bags And Sacks Market Competitive Landscape

The US Plastic Bags And Sacks Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Novolex Holdings, LLC, Inteplast Group, Berry Global, Inc., Pactiv Evergreen Inc., Poly-America, L.P., AEP Industries Inc. (a Berry Global company), Reynolds Consumer Products (Hefty), Revolution Company (Revolution Plastics), Four Star Plastics, International Plastics, Inc., Crown Poly, Inc., Advance Polybag, Inc., Hilex Poly (a Novolex brand), Intertape Polymer Group Inc. (IPG), Roplast Industries, Inc. contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

US Plastic Bags And Sacks Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Demand for Convenience Packaging:The US plastic bags and sacks market is driven by a growing consumer preference for convenience packaging, which is projected to reach a value of $4.5 billion in future. This demand is fueled by the fast-paced lifestyle of consumers, with 70% of shoppers indicating a preference for easy-to-carry packaging solutions. Additionally, the rise in single-use plastic bags for groceries and retail shopping contributes significantly to this trend, as convenience remains a top priority for consumers.
• Growth in E-commerce and Retail Sectors:The e-commerce sector in the US is expected to surpass $1 trillion in sales in future, significantly boosting the demand for plastic bags and sacks. Retailers increasingly rely on plastic bags for packaging and shipping, with 60% of online retailers using plastic bags for their deliveries. This growth in online shopping is driving the need for efficient and cost-effective packaging solutions, further propelling the plastic bags market.
• Innovations in Biodegradable Materials:The market is witnessing a surge in innovations related to biodegradable plastic bags, with the segment projected to grow by 15% annually. Companies are investing in research and development to create eco-friendly alternatives that meet consumer demand for sustainability. In future, the biodegradable plastic market is expected to reach $1.2 billion, reflecting a significant shift towards environmentally responsible packaging solutions that align with consumer preferences.

Market Challenges

• Stringent Environmental Regulations:The US plastic bags and sacks market faces challenges due to increasing environmental regulations. In future, over 10 states are expected to implement bans on single-use plastic bags, impacting market dynamics. These regulations are driven by growing concerns over plastic waste, with an estimated 8 million tons of plastic entering oceans annually. Compliance with these regulations poses a significant challenge for manufacturers and retailers in the industry.
• Competition from Alternative Packaging Solutions:The rise of alternative packaging solutions, such as paper and reusable bags, presents a significant challenge to the plastic bags market. In future, the market for paper bags is projected to reach $3 billion, driven by consumer preferences for sustainable options. This shift towards alternatives is compounded by the increasing availability of eco-friendly products, making it essential for plastic bag manufacturers to innovate and adapt to changing consumer demands.

US Plastic Bags And Sacks Market Future Outlook

The US plastic bags and sacks market is poised for transformation as sustainability becomes a central focus. Innovations in biodegradable materials and the development of reusable bags are expected to reshape consumer preferences. Additionally, the growth of e-commerce will continue to drive demand for efficient packaging solutions. As regulations tighten, companies that adapt to these changes and invest in sustainable practices will likely thrive, positioning themselves favorably in a competitive landscape.

Market Opportunities

• Expansion into Biodegradable and Compostable Bags:The increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly products presents a significant opportunity for manufacturers to expand their offerings in biodegradable and compostable bags. With the biodegradable segment projected to grow by 15% annually, companies can capitalize on this trend by developing innovative products that meet environmental standards and consumer expectations.
• Development of Reusable Plastic Bags:The market for reusable plastic bags is gaining traction, with a projected growth rate of 10% in future. Manufacturers can explore this opportunity by creating durable, stylish, and functional reusable bags that appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. This shift not only addresses sustainability concerns but also aligns with the growing trend of reducing single-use plastics.