USD 2.04 billion
U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Market Size, Share, and Growth Analysis
U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Market By Material Type (Paper, Plastic), By Capacity (Less than 250 ml, 250 to 750 ml), By Application (Food, Beverages), By Sales Channel, By End Use, - Industry Forecast 2025-2032
Report ID:
SQMIR15G2098 |
Region:
Regional |
Published Date: January, 2025
Pages:
172
|Tables:
35
|Figures:
64
Format -
U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Market Insights
U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Market size was valued at USD 2.04 billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 2.07 billion in 2024 to USD 2.35 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 1.6% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
This growth has been attributed to increase in the consumption of disposable plastic cups in the food service industry, retail and hospitality industries. America is the largest consumer of fast food in the world, the US Census Bureau estimated that more than 225 million people in the country will use disposable cups by 2023. All products including plastic straws, cutlery, and cups that are generally used once before being disposed of are being phased out in the United States. Ironically not enough federal law banning single-use plastics currently exists, which is why mobile states and cities have had to step up themselves.
Beginning on the 1st of January in the year 2024, no plastic cups or containers or any item made partly or full of plastic shall be used for the on-site consumption of food or drinks served on the premises. However, they do not apply the same restriction to supermarket products, meaning that supermarkets may be able to use this argument to their advantage. So, supermarkets can continue using single-use packaging profusely from foods and beverages. If the additional cost does not significantly increase consumers’ awareness, they are likely not to detect the changes. Although there is a boost to about $1 in the cost of manufacturing a plastic cup, the overall expenses are nonetheless cheaper than that of paper cups. Hence, we project that there will always be the need for disposable plastic cups in different sectors and industries because of the convenience and the relatively low cost involved. While trends are slowly shifting with consumption site restrictions being implemented even more than ever, supermarkets remain to be off-limits from such bans, indeed, they will remain the chief drivers of the market growth. In conclusion, although certain constraints may be discerned in the market, continuous and stable growth is expected soon that can be explained by the steady demand and constant changes in consumers’ preferences.
Market snapshot - 2025-2032
Global Market Size
Largest Segment
Commercial
Fastest Growth
Household
Growth Rate
1.6% CAGR
US Disposable Plastic Cup Market ($ Bn)
Country Share for US (%)
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U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Market Segments Analysis
U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Market is segmented by Material Type, Capacity, Application, Sales Channel, and End Use. Based on Material Type, the market is segmented into Paper, Plastic, Foam, Bagasse and Others. Based on Capacity, the market is segmented into Less than 250 ml, 250 to 750 ml and Above 750 ml. Based on Application, the market is segmented into Food and Beverages. Based on Sales Channel, the market is segmented into Manufacturers (Direct Sales), Retail, Distributors and Online. Based on End Use, the market is segmented into Commercial Use, Institutional Use and Household Use.
Analysis By End User
Based on end user the market is segmented into commercial, institutional and household.
The dominance of commercial segment poised for significant growth from USD 1.6 million in 2023 to USD 1.43 million by 2031, reflecting a robust CAGR of 1.8%. In comparison with paper or foam cups, plastics cups are more reasonably priced per cup when bought in bulk, which is what many businesses prefer now a days. They are used in most events, from parties to weddings, conferences, festivals, and concerts. They thus come in handy materials for dispensing refreshments during these types of large gatherings, especially where huge numbers of cleaning up require. These plastic cups are a perfect choice as they are relatively cheap for the organizers.
However, the closest fast-moving segment is the household segment, which is projected at a CAGR of 1.3% during the forecasted period. The segment is also the fastest-growing consumer of the disposable plastic cup market in the US, since these cups offer cost-effectiveness and convenience for home use. Due to the growing trend of housewarming parties and other parties of this nature, these cups are much sought after, as they bring the advantages of portability and single-use hygiene for both outdoor and indoor events. During comparison with paper cups, these cups also provide added durability along with aesthetic designs and appeal. It is comfort or ease of disposal and hassle-free clean-up that, it could be said, plays a key role in driving demand from households.
US Disposable Plastic Cup Market By End User
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U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Market Regional Insights
However, the closest fast-moving segment is the household segment, which is projected at a CAGR of 1.3% during the forecasted period. The segment is also the fastest-growing consumer of the disposable plastic cup market in the US, since these cups offer cost-effectiveness and convenience for home use. Due to the growing trend of housewarming parties and other parties of this nature, these cups are much sought after, as they bring the advantages of portability and single-use hygiene for both outdoor and indoor events. During comparison with paper cups, these cups also provide added durability along with aesthetic designs and appeal. It is comfort or ease of disposal and hassle-free clean-up that, it could be said, plays a key role in driving demand from households.
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U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Market Dynamics
Drivers
Shift Towards Convenience & Cost-Effectiveness Drives the Disposable Plastic Cups in United States
- This growing demand for convenience-based solutions has found its -place in fast-paced urban life, where plastic cups come in handy by obviating the need to clean or undertake any kind of maintenance. Use and throw—gone would be the problem of storage, coupled with a saving of that most valuable resource called time, especially if resources are meager and space at a premium. Cups made of plastic also gain wide acceptance due to the low price at which they are sold. This is particularly true for large-scale events or business enterprises where a practical, inexpensive solution for effectively helping to dispense beverages to large numbers of people will not compromise on quality or convenience. Therefore, consumers seeking quicker and easier options in beverage consumption are increasingly embracing disposable plastic cups across various settings, including offices, outdoor functions, and social gatherings.
The Surge of Quick-Service Restaurants and Food Delivery Services Increase the Demand of Disposable Plastic Cups in the United States
- The current societal trend characterised as Quick-Service Restaurants (QSRs) and food delivery services has become the main reason for the growing need for disposable plastic cups in the United States. Consequently, their expansion and development as industries remain exponential, it is imperative that single-use products provide convenience and hygiene to cater to the general demands of their industries’ high turnovers and busy changing processes. Per a Survey, quick service restaurants in the United States were estimated at 198,000 in 2022, a rise of approximately 4,000 restaurants from the 194, 000 restaurants registered in the year before 2022. Heading these industries and they're ever emerging and developing nature, disposable cups prove to be an ideal option for the effective and sanitary consumption we witness in current dining.
Restraints
Rising Environmental Consciousness and Demand for Sustainable Alternatives Challenges the Disposable Plastic Cups
- Based on SkyQuest's in-depth study, awareness about plastic pollution and its associated environmental risks is diffusing at a high rate among the general public. As sustainability movements are gaining momentum, consumer behavior is slowly moving toward replacements, such as reusable cups or compostable cups for disposable plastic cups. Such changing consumer behavior away from disposable plastic cups is likely to act as a restraining factor for the market growth.
Stringent Regulatory Compliances Contribute to Extended Timelines, Increased Cost, And Restricted Innovation for Players
- One of the threats that post a big challenge to the growth of US disposable plastic cups include the regulatory considerations whereby governments of different level implement even more stringent measures to stem the use of single-use plastics. Tactics such as prohibition of certain types of plastic cups, regulation of information labeling, and enhancement of activity of responsibility programs are gaining popularity. These regulations affect the business of the manufacturers as well as the distributors of disposable plastic cups in many ways. For instance, SB 1167 suggests commands swapping a single-use plastic or paper cup with a non-hazardous reusable one which will probably disrupt the current supply chains and require capital to bias changes in supplies and processes. Such measures also show a growing recognition of the social and governmental concern for the accomplishment of environmental stewardship and the reduction of waste and pollution.
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U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Market Competitive Landscape
Based on Skyquest's in-depth analysis of the market's landscape of the U.S. disposable plastic cup market remains rather fragmented and competitive given a few key players, such as Berry Global, Pactiv Evergreen, and Dart Container, headlining the industry. Companies like these would easily maintain their dominant positions through strategic partnerships, product innovation, and effective distribution networks. Some of those that have participated in this market have been looking for the new ways through which they will be able to outcompete one another in this industry and respond to the new developments in the consumption patterns. New product development is one of the most highlighted strategies among the firms in the best practice study. It essentially entails the launch of new, innovative products into the market which, more often, are developed in anticipation of new trends that may be likely to occur in the market or a certain unsatisfied market need. On the same note, one of the defining market strategies that the key players of the US disposable plastic cups industry will embrace moving forward is partnership and collaboration to strike a green economy that caters to ever rising regulations coupled with the growing demands of conscience consumers who are now very selective of the type of packaging material they use. Two good examples of this strategy include the partnership that Koninklijke Paardekooper has taken with CircularPET and the partnership that Wendy's, Berry Global, and LyondellBasell have made.
Top Players in U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Market
- Churchill Container (US)
- Pactiv Evergreen (New York)
- Sirius Plastics (US)
- Berry Global Group Inc (US)
- Dart Container Corp (US)
- Georgia-Pacific LLC(US)
- Fuling Global, Inc. (US)
- Lika Cup Company (US)
- Morrison Cup Solutions (US)
- Karat Packaging Inc. (US)
Recent Developments
- In October 2023, Berry Global launched a premium range of reusable plastic cups tailored for the foodservice industry, responding to the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to single-use packaging. These cups, available in various sizes for both hot and cold beverages including soups, offer durability alongside a luxurious feel, providing ample branding opportunities for businesses.
- In September 2022, Packaging group Koninklijke Paardekooper partnered with CircularPET to ensure the circular recycling of plastic cups and trays at Dutch events. This initiative is a response to the European Commission’s Single Use Plastic Directive (SUPD), which came into effect on January 1, 2024, prohibiting the distribution of disposable cups and plastic meal containers at events without adequate recycling systems in place.
- In October 2021, Wendy's, a US-based fast-food chain, teamed up with packaging and plastic industry companies Berry Global and LyondellBasell to advance its sustainability objectives. As part of this collaboration, Wendy's will transition from its current plastic-lined paper cups to more recyclable single-substrate, clear plastic cups. These new cups will contain 20% recycled plastic certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC). Wendy's plans to introduce these cups in the US and Canada starting early next year, with the aim of implementing them across all its operations by 2023. This initiative is projected to divert nearly ten million pounds of waste from landfills over the next two years.
U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Key Market Trends
- Customization And Branding: A reaction to this demand is that producers offer clients make-to-order and branded options for individually personalized cups, imprinted with a client's logo, slogan, or design. Here, not only is it catering to the differentiated needs of all its customers, but it is also offering marvellous branding prospective: brand visibility and recognition. Custom printing and labelling allow companies to differentiate in the market, increase brand presence, and leave a lasting impression on consumers. The provision of customized plastic cups will enable companies to win a competitive advantage in the congested marketplace and bond better with their clientele. Moreover, a personified cup is an excellent marketing tool for creating brand awareness and loyalty among consumers.
U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Market SkyQuest Analysis
SkyQuest's ABIRAW (Advanced Business Intelligence, Research & Analysis Wing) is our Business Information Services team that Collects, Collates, Co-relates and Analyses the Data collected by means of Primary Exploratory Research backed by the robust Secondary Desk research.
According to our analysis, the U.S. disposable plastic cup market is witnessing rapid growth driven by several key factors. The US disposable plastic cups market shows a steady CAGR of 1.6% from 2024 to 2031. The U.S. disposable plastic cups market exhibits a steady growth trajectory, primarily driven by the demand across various sectors including food service, retail, and hospitality. Despite the increasing scrutiny and regulations on single-use plastics, the market continues to thrive due to its convenience, hygiene, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in high-volume settings such as large events and catering services. In the U.S Disposable Plastic Cups market segmented by End Use. The commercial dominance, poised for significant growth from reflecting a robust CAGR of 1.8%. However, the market's landscape remains relatively fragmented, with a few key players such as Berry Global, Pactiv Evergreen, and Dart Container leading the industry. These companies are expected to maintain their dominance through strategic partnerships, product innovation, and efficient distribution networks.
| Report Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Market size value in 2023 | USD 2.04 billion |
| Market size value in 2032 | USD 2.35 billion |
| Growth Rate | 1.6% |
| Base year | 2024 |
| Forecast period | 2025-2032 |
| Forecast Unit (Value) | USD Billion |
| Segments covered |
|
| Regions covered | North America (US, Canada), Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA) |
| Companies covered |
|
| Customization scope | Free report customization with purchase. Customization includes:-
|
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Table Of Content
Executive Summary
Market overview
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Overview
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Data Table on Market Overview
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Market Characteristics
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market by Geography
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Segmentation
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Incremental Growth
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Data Table on Incremental Growth
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Vendor Market Positioning
Parent Market Analysis
Market overview
Market size
- Market Dynamics
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- Drivers
- Opportunities
- Restraints
- Challenges
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- SWOT Analysis
KEY MARKET INSIGHTS
- Technology Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of technology and details)
- Pricing Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of technology and pricing details)
- Supply Chain Analysis
- (Exhibit: Detailed Supply Chain Presentation)
- Value Chain Analysis
- (Exhibit: Detailed Value Chain Presentation)
- Ecosystem Of the Market
- Exhibit: Parent Market Ecosystem Market Analysis
- Exhibit: Market Characteristics of Parent Market
- IP Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of product/technology, patents filed, inventor/company name, acquiring firm)
- Trade Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Import and Export data details)
- Startup Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Emerging startups details)
- Raw Material Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Mapping of key raw materials)
- Innovation Matrix
- (Exhibit: Positioning Matrix: Mapping of new and existing technologies)
- Pipeline product Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of companies and pipeline products, regional mapping)
- Macroeconomic Indicators
COVID IMPACT
- Introduction
- Impact On Economy—scenario Assessment
- Exhibit: Data on GDP - Year-over-year growth 2016-2022 (%)
- Revised Market Size
- Exhibit: Data Table on U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Impact Of COVID On Key Segments
- Exhibit: Data Table on Segment Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- COVID Strategies By Company
- Exhibit: Analysis on key strategies adopted by companies
MARKET DYNAMICS & OUTLOOK
- Market Dynamics
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- Drivers
- Opportunities
- Restraints
- Challenges
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- Regulatory Landscape
- Exhibit: Data Table on regulation from different region
- SWOT Analysis
- Porters Analysis
- Competitive rivalry
- Exhibit: Competitive rivalry Impact of key factors, 2021
- Threat of substitute products
- Exhibit: Threat of Substitute Products Impact of key factors, 2021
- Bargaining power of buyers
- Exhibit: buyers bargaining power Impact of key factors, 2021
- Threat of new entrants
- Exhibit: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors, 2021
- Bargaining power of suppliers
- Exhibit: Threat of suppliers bargaining power Impact of key factors, 2021
- Competitive rivalry
- Skyquest special insights on future disruptions
- Political Impact
- Economic impact
- Social Impact
- Technical Impact
- Environmental Impact
- Legal Impact
Market Size by Region
- Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2027(%)
- North America
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- USA
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Canada
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Europe
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- Germany
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Spain
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- France
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- UK
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of Europe
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Asia Pacific
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- China
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- India
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Japan
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- South Korea
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Latin America
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- Brazil
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of South America
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Middle East & Africa (MEA)
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- GCC Countries
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- South Africa
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of MEA
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
KEY COMPANY PROFILES
- Competitive Landscape
- Total number of companies covered
- Exhibit: companies covered in the report, 2021
- Top companies market positioning
- Exhibit: company positioning matrix, 2021
- Top companies market Share
- Exhibit: Pie chart analysis on company market share, 2021(%)
- Total number of companies covered
Methodology
For the U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Market, our research methodology involved a mixture of primary and secondary data sources. Key steps involved in the research process are listed below:
1. Information Procurement: This stage involved the procurement of Market data or related information via primary and secondary sources. The various secondary sources used included various company websites, annual reports, trade databases, and paid databases such as Hoover's, Bloomberg Business, Factiva, and Avention. Our team did 45 primary interactions Globally which included several stakeholders such as manufacturers, customers, key opinion leaders, etc. Overall, information procurement was one of the most extensive stages in our research process.
2. Information Analysis: This step involved triangulation of data through bottom-up and top-down approaches to estimate and validate the total size and future estimate of the U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Market.
3. Report Formulation: The final step entailed the placement of data points in appropriate Market spaces in an attempt to deduce viable conclusions.
4. Validation & Publishing: Validation is the most important step in the process. Validation & re-validation via an intricately designed process helped us finalize data points to be used for final calculations. The final Market estimates and forecasts were then aligned and sent to our panel of industry experts for validation of data. Once the validation was done the report was sent to our Quality Assurance team to ensure adherence to style guides, consistency & design.
Analyst Support
Customization Options
With the given market data, our dedicated team of analysts can offer you the following customization options are available for the U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Market:
Product Analysis: Product matrix, which offers a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of companies.
Regional Analysis: Further analysis of the U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Market for additional countries.
Competitive Analysis: Detailed analysis and profiling of additional Market players & comparative analysis of competitive products.
Go to Market Strategy: Find the high-growth channels to invest your marketing efforts and increase your customer base.
Innovation Mapping: Identify racial solutions and innovation, connected to deep ecosystems of innovators, start-ups, academics, and strategic partners.
Category Intelligence: Customized intelligence that is relevant to their supply Markets will enable them to make smarter sourcing decisions and improve their category management.
Public Company Transcript Analysis: To improve the investment performance by generating new alpha and making better-informed decisions.
Social Media Listening: To analyze the conversations and trends happening not just around your brand, but around your industry as a whole, and use those insights to make better Marketing decisions.
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