Disposable Meal Box Market By Product Type (Compartmentalized Boxes, Non-compartmentalized Boxes, Hinged Boxes, Tray and Lid sets, Others) , By Material Type (Paper/Paperboard, Plastic, Foam, Others) By End Use (Food Service Industry, Retail, Institutiona

Disposable Meal Box Market By Product Type (Compartmentalized Boxes, Non-compartmentalized Boxes, Hinged Boxes, Tray and Lid sets, Others) , By Material Type (Paper/Paperboard, Plastic, Foam, Others) By End Use (Food Service Industry, Retail, Institutional, Others) By Distribution Channel (B2B, Supermarkets-Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Department Stores, Others) : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2034

Disposable Meal Box Market

The disposable meal box market was valued at $16.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $24.5 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2024 to 2034.

A disposable meal box is a single-use food container usually used for packaging and transportation purposes. The materials primarily used for creating the meal box include foam, paperboard, and plastic. To enhance the functionality & reliability of meal boxes, they are integrated with additional features such as resealable lids, tamper-evident lids, and transparent window for food display.

Fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyles are a key driver of the disposable meal box market as the boxes serve as a convenient takeout option for individuals. Furthermore, surge in the popularity of food delivery platforms and restaurant takeaways is boosting the demand for disposable meal boxes. The trend of sustainability is currently dominating the disposable meal box market, promoting the adoption of eco-friendly materials such as bamboo fiber for the formation of boxes. Bamboo fiber does not require chemicals for meal box formation and exhibits high water-resistance & tensile strength. Furthermore, the degradation of such boxes emits little to no carbon dioxide, hence contributing toward reduction of emissions.

Despite the sustainable options available, single-use plastic boxes remain highly prevalent in the market, resulting in waste generation and posing recycling challenges. These concerns hamper the development of the market. According to FoodPrint, a non-governmental organization, approximately 91% of plastic associated with disposable meal boxes remains unrecycled. Furthermore, the high cost of eco-friendly meal boxes as compared to other conventional meal boxes restrains the market growth. On the contrary, increase in investments in R&D to explore the formation of efficient meal boxes from biodegradable materials such as bioplastics, sugarcane bagasse, and recycled paperboard is poised to present new avenues for the disposable meal box market.

Segment Review

The disposable meal box market is segmented into product type, material type, end use, distribution channel, and region. On the basis of product type, the market is divided into compartmentalized boxes, non-compartmentalized boxes, hinged boxes, tray & lid sets, and others. As per material type, it is classified into paper/paperboard, plastic, foam, and others. By end use, it is classified into food service industry, retail, institutional, and others. According to distribution channel, it is categorized into B2B, supermarkets-hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, department stores, and others. Region wise, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Key Findings

On the basis of product type, the compartmentalized boxes segment dominated the market in 2023.

As per material type, the plastic segment held a high share of the market in 2023.

By end use, the food service industry acquired a high stake in the market in 2023.

According to distribution channel, the B2B segment accounted for a high share of the market in 2023.

Region wise, North America was the highest revenue generator in 2023.

Competition Analysis

The leading players operating in the global disposable meal box market include Graphic Packaging Holding Company, Xian Shangjia, Huhtamaki, TrueChoicePack (TCP), Dogguan Xinxie, Hefty, Guangdong Huasheng Meto., Natural Tableware, Letica, CKF Inc., and BioPak. T These major players have adopted various key development strategies such as business expansion, new product launches, and partnerships, to strengthen their foothold in the competitive market.

Key Market Segments

By Product Type

Compartmentalized Boxes
Non-compartmentalized Boxes
Hinged Boxes
Tray and Lid sets
Others

By Material Type

Paper/Paperboard
Plastic
Foam
Others

By End Use

Food Service Industry
Retail
Institutional
Others

By Distribution Channel

B2B
Supermarkets-Hypermarkets
Convenience Stores
Specialty Stores
Department Stores
Others

By Region

North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
France
Germany
Italy
Spain
UK
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
China
Japan
India
South Korea
Australia
Thailand
Malaysia
Indonesia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
LAMEA
Brazil
South Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Argentina
Rest of LAMEA

Key Market Players

Graphic Packaging Holding Company
Xian Shangjia
Huhtamaki
TrueChoicePack (TCP)
Dogguan Xinxie
Hefty
Guangdong Huasheng Meto.
Natural Tableware
Letica
CKF Inc.
BioPak