Japan Packaging Container Market – Forecast (2024-2029)

Overview

The Japan Packaging Container Market size is forecast to reach USD 45.57 Billion by 2029, after growing at a CAGR of 2.38% during the forecast period 2024-2029. Japan’s heightened awareness of environmental issues has driven significant changes in the packaging sector. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly options, leading manufacturers to develop products utilizing recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable materials. This shift is particularly visible in the food and cosmetics industries, where companies are replacing single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives. A key trend in the Japan Glass Packaging Market is the growing consumer awareness of the environmental benefits of glass bottles. According to the 2023 Consumer Awareness Survey on the Use of "Glass Bottles," conducted in December 2022, nearly 70% of respondents recognized that glass bottles align with all three Rs—reduce, reuse, and recycle. Furthermore, 59% of participants rated glass bottles as "reusable as is," positioning them as the second most environmentally friendly packaging option.

Report Coverage

The report “Japan Packaging Container Market – Forecast (2024-2029)”, by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the Japan Packaging Container market.

By Material: Paper &Board, Flexible Plastic, Rigid Plastic, Glass, Metal, Others

By Field of Application: Food, Beverages, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Others

By Size: Less than 150ml, 150ml-300ml

By Color: Transparent (Including flint/colorless bottles), Opaque (Plastic, Amber, Opaque Glass, Metal, Other) 

Key Takeaways

•    Japan's Glass Container Market is the increasing preference for glass bottles among consumers who prioritize food safety, particularly among older age groups. According to the 2023 Consumer Awareness Survey, glass bottles are highly rated for their safety and hygiene, as they are made primarily from inorganic materials and are the only sealed packaging that prevents food and beverages from coming into contact with organic substances. Their stability and ability to avoid leaching organic compounds, along with their odor-neutral properties, make them a popular choice for those seeking a safe, hygienic, and pleasant packaging option. This growing awareness is driving demand for glass containers, especially in the food and beverage sectors.

By Material - Segment Analysis

The Paper & Board segment dominated the Japan Packaging Container market in 2023. Japan is the world's third largest paper and paperboard producer after China and the United States. Japanese producers are driving up the market value of paper cartons with new product introductions, contributing to the segment's growth. For instance, in October 2024, Dai Japan Printing Co., Ltd. developed a paper liquid container that is resistant to acidic, alkaline, and other harsh contents. Also, in June 2024, Japan Paper Industries Co., Ltd. developed the world's first new-shaped container (mini with mouth plug), Pure-Pak(R) Sense MINI. This container is molded and filled with the best-selling filling machines UP-F07/UP-F14 manufactured by Shikoku Kakoki Co., Ltd. and sold by Shikoku Kakoki Co., Ltd..

By Field of Application - Segment Analysis

The Food segment dominated the Japan Packaging Container market in 2023. With Japan's growing urbanization and busy consumer lifestyles, there is a high need for packaging containers that support convenience foods. Japanese customers are turning to high-quality, health-conscious items. This transition has raised the demand for gourmet, organic, and functional foods that provide additional health benefits, such as improved nutrition or particular functional components. These premium products frequently necessitate specialized packaging that prioritizes freshness, protection, and presentation, leading to the expansion of the food packaging container market. In November 2023, the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) of Japan issued Notification No. 324, officially announcing the Positive List (PL) for food utensils, containers, and packaging, which will take effect on June 1, 2025. This is expected to drive innovation in the food packaging containers market as manufacturers look for approved, safe alternatives that align with the Positive List.

By Size - Segment Analysis

The 150ml-300ml dominated the Japan Packaging Container market in 2023. According to the Japan Franchise Association, single-person households account for 35.3% of all households, increasing the demand for compact and flexible packaging solutions. This demographic shift drives the need for smaller portions, easy-to-store packaging, and single-use convenience, particularly in personal care products. Consequently, various organizations are rolling out bespoke products and packaging alternatives to respond to this ever-changing landscape. In 2019, Yakult pledged to decrease its use of plastic containers and packaging by 30% compared to fiscal 2018 levels, to make them recyclable by 2030. This involves utilizing smaller shrink labels, recycling more PET, and promoting biomass products. The market expansion of this segment is also being supported by functional packaging, which includes features like easy opening, reclosability, and portion control. 

By Color - Segment Analysis

The Opaque dominated the Japan Packaging Container market in 2023.  Opaque containers, commonly used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, offer significant advantages in preserving product integrity by protecting contents from light, which can degrade sensitive materials like vitamins, essential oils, and active ingredients. In sectors like food and beverages, opaque packaging, such as cartons and opaque bottles, shields products from sunlight and temperature fluctuations, ensuring longer shelf life and preserving quality. Moreover, paper and paperboard packaging are becoming increasingly prominent due to their sustainability benefits and eco-conscious consumer demand. Japanese manufacturers are incorporating recyclable and biodegradable opaque plastics, and paper-based containers are gaining popularity in sectors like dairy, sauces, and prepared foods.

Drivers – Japan Packaging Container Market

•    Growing Demand for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Packaging

Sustainability is one of the most important drivers in the Japanese packaging container market. The Japanese government and consumers are increasingly prioritizing environmentally friendly solutions, in line with global trends toward sustainability. The government has implemented stringent regulations to reduce waste, such as the Containers and Packaging Recycling Law, which encourages the recycling and reuse of packaging materials. Additionally, Japan has been actively promoting the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials, such as bioplastics, recycled plastics, and paper-based packaging. The demand for sustainable packaging is not only driven by regulatory compliance but also by consumer preferences for eco-conscious products. Brands that adopt sustainable packaging solutions are more likely to attract environmentally aware consumers, giving them a competitive edge in the market.

•    E-Commerce Growth

The rapid expansion of e-commerce in Japan is significantly influencing the demand for packaging containers. With the increase in online shopping, packaging has become a critical element in ensuring that products are delivered safely, efficiently, and in good condition. In particular, the demand for corrugated boxes, protective packaging, and smaller-sized containers has surged as consumers seek efficient and reliable delivery solutions. According to a report by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), e-commerce is expected to continue growing, particularly for consumer goods, leading to an ongoing demand for innovative packaging that ensures product protection and convenience. Moreover, packaging companies are focusing on providing solutions that are easy to handle, compact, and suitable for a variety of product types sold online.

Challenges – Japan Packaging Container Market

•    Rising Raw Material Costs

One of the most significant challenges faced by packaging container manufacturers in Japan is the rising cost of raw materials. As global supply chains become increasingly strained due to geopolitical tensions, inflation, and natural resource shortages, the price of essential packaging materials, such as plastic resins, paper, and metals, continues to increase. For instance, the fluctuation of oil prices directly impacts the cost of plastic, a widely used material in packaging containers. These increased costs put pressure on packaging companies to find cost-effective solutions without compromising the quality and functionality of their packaging. As a result, manufacturers may struggle to maintain profit margins while balancing the need to invest in sustainable and technologically advanced packaging solutions.

•    Environmental Regulations and Compliance Costs

Japan is known for its stringent environmental regulations, which, while driving the demand for sustainable packaging solutions, also present challenges for manufacturers. The government’s initiatives to reduce plastic waste and promote recycling have led to the implementation of various rules and standards that packaging companies must comply with. For example, the Containers and Packaging Recycling Law mandates that companies in Japan are responsible for the collection and recycling of packaging materials. As a result, packaging manufacturers must invest in technology, processes, and systems to ensure compliance, which can incur significant costs. Additionally, as consumer expectations for sustainability rise, companies are under increasing pressure to adopt recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable packaging materials. Meeting these regulatory and sustainability demands often requires substantial investment in research, development, and infrastructure.

Market Landscape

Agreements, product launches, partnerships, contracts, expansions, and production capacities are key strategies adopted by players in the Japan Packaging Container market. In 2023, the Japan Packaging Container market share has been fragmented by the top ten players accounting for 28.01% of the share. Major players in the Japan Packaging Container market are Rengo Co Ltd, Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd., Toppan Inc., Oji Holdings Corp, Amcor Japan, Gunze Limited, Sealed Air Japan, Takemoto Yohki Co., Ltd., JSP Corporation Japan, Sonoco Japan, Sekisui Kasei Co. Ltd., Dong Nai Plastics, and others.
 

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