U.S. Disposable Plastic Cup Market Size

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.

FAQs

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. '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) '

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.

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.

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.