The global stick packaging market size is set to be valued at US$ 1,358.4 million in 2023 and is projected to reach US$ 2,028.4 million by 2033. Sales of stick packaging solutions are expected to increase at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period.
The global market for stick packaging was valued at US$ 1,293.9 million in 2022 and is anticipated to exhibit Y-o-Y growth of 5.0% in 2023. This is attributable to rising usage of stick packaging solutions in diverse industries.
Stick packaging offers a convenient and portable format, making it ideal for on-the-go consumption. It is widely used across industries like food & beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Stick packaging has the ability to provide precise and controlled product dosing. This makes it particularly suitable for single serve products such as condiments, instant beverages, and pharmaceuticals. The sealed stick packs ensure product freshness and prevent contamination, ensuring a hygienic and reliable experience for consumers.
Stick packs offer exceptional advantages for consumers due to their shape, size, and other properties. They are easy to hold, open, and dispense, making them widely used for on-the-go applications.
Growing adoption of stick packs in the fitness and healthcare sectors is expected to boost the global stick packaging market. This is because they are often manufactured in small sizes with specific volumes.
Stick packaging has become increasingly popular due to the global trend toward convenient, on-the-go consumption. Stick packs for a variety of items are becoming ideal as consumers look for solutions that are portable and serve one person at a time.
Biodegradable films, compostable plastics, and recyclable paper-based laminates are becoming popular in the stick packaging market. Like traditional packing, they also perform identical functions but reduce carbon imprint on the environment.
As awareness regarding environment continues to surge in the consumer front, the restrictions on plastic waste disposal are tightening. This is prompting both stick packaging manufacturers and consumers to look for alternatives like paper-based stick packaging. Growing usage of eco-friendly stick packaging will boost the market.
Stick packaging is increasingly used in the food & beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. This is due to several benefits that this packaging type offers to these industries. For instance, the idea of the stick packaging unit dose has facilitated prescription adherence.
The personal care and cosmetics industry uses stick packaging for products such as lip balms, compact perfumes, and sunscreens. This is due to the convenience of having such a small portable package. Manufacturers are anticipated to keep up with the latest trends to remain up-to-date.
Stick packaging is also becoming popular in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries for packaging liquid, granule, and powder products. The format is appropriate for several industries due to its ease of use and precision dosing capabilities.
Stick packaging has evolved as a result of developments in manufacturing and packaging materials. Advancements in materials science, printing methods, and barrier qualities have enhanced the functionality and visual appeal of stick packs.
Key Dynamics
· Growing Adoption of Sustainable and Eco-friendly Materials Fostering Growth
Stick packaging companies are adopting biodegradable and compostable materials to have less negative impact on the environment and ease consumer worries about plastic waste. To further support a circular economy, brands are adopting stick–packets produced from recycled materials and emphasizing their recyclable nature.
Research and development funds are being spent by businesses to create substitute materials for stick packaging. These materials include compostable films, biodegradable polymers, and plant-based substances like cellulose or starch.
· Emergence of Bio-based Packaging is Expected to Amplify Opportunities
Development of bio-based stick packaging is transforming the global stick packaging industry. This is attributable to its ability to reduce dependency on conventional plastic materials and minimize environmental waste.
Bio-material stick packages are made from sugarcane waste, which offers significant environmental benefits such as reducing carbon footprint. The sugarcane-based biomaterials are the most sustainable and environment-friendly packaging solution.
Using renewable resources minimizes the reliance on fossil fuels such as oil during the production of plastic packaging. Biomaterial stick packages maintain excellent product clarity, decorated capabilities, softness, squeezing and recyclable properties.
Country-wise Insights
In the table below of the growth potential of the global stick packaging market, CAGRs of leading countries are provided. India will likely emerge as a highly lucrative market for stick packaging manufacturers, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.7% from 2023 to 2033. The country is set to be followed by Japan and China, with CAGRs of 5.9% and 5.2%, respectively, through 2033.
Rising Usage in Food & Beverage Sector Driving Sales in the United States
The United States stick packaging market value is projected to total US$ 407.4 million by 2033. Over the assessment period, sales of stick packs in the United States are predicted to soar at 3.2% CAGR.
Multiple factors are expected to drive stick packaging sales in the United States. These include rising usage of stick packaging in the thriving pharmaceutical and food & beverage industries, expanding e-commerce, and growing need for compact and lightweight packaging.
The increasing adoption of stick packaging in the food and beverage industry not only provides convenience and portability for consumers but also offers benefits for manufacturers and retailers. The airtight and sealed nature of stick packs helps maintain the freshness and potency of these products, ensuring that consumers get the desired nutritional benefits.
According to the United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census’s County Business Patterns, there are 41,080 food and beverage processing plants in 2021. This expansion of food & beverage processing plants will continue to elevate demand for stick packaging.
Rising Demand for Cost-effective Packaging Positions India at Forefront
India stick packaging market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 6.7% during the assessment period. It is predicted to attain a valuation of US$ 173.5 million by 2033. This is attributable to rising demand for cost-effective packaging in the pharmaceutical and food sectors.
In line with global trends, the market in India is pushed by the demand for lightweight and convenient packaging solutions. Stick packaging is ideal for single-serving products and consumers who are constantly on the go.
According to the Consulate General of India, Indian pharmaceutical industry is growing rapidly. India was the leading provider of generic drugs globally last year. The Indian pharmaceutical sector supplies over 50% of global vaccine demand. This is making the country a lucrative market for stick packaging.
Because stick packaging ensures precise dosing, it is used to package functional meals, nutritional supplements, and vitamins. Stick packaging is a common way to distribute traditional Indian condiments like soy sauce and miso as well as snacks. The format offers portion control and simplicity of dispensing.
Adoption of Eco-friendly Packaging to Drive Demand in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom stick packaging market is poised to exhibit a CAGR of 2.2% during the assessment period, reaching US$ 68.5 million by 2033. This is due to rising adoption of eco-friendly packaging in several sectors.
The United Kingdom has been emphasizing environmentally friendly packaging options, much like other countries. The sector has witnessed a rise in interest in recycling programs, environmentally friendly products, and a decrease in single-use plastics.
Packaging developments in the United Kingdom have been affected by the growth of e-commerce. In order to satisfy the demands of online shopping, businesses have been modifying their package designs to consider factors like effective delivery, less packaging waste, and enhanced customer experiences.
In order to decrease the use of single-use plastics and increase environmental sustainability generally, the United Kingdom government has put laws and programs into place. The kinds of packaging materials used may change as a result of the adaptations made by package manufacturers to comply with these rules.
In the United Kingdom, stick packaging can see expansion in several product categories, including snacks, sauces, and other consumer items. Adoption of stick packaging may be accelerated by diversification into new product categories.
Rising Demand for Health and Wellness Items to Fuel Sales in China
Stick packaging demand in China is anticipated to rise at a steady CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2033. Consumer tastes in China have been moving toward packaging options that are portable and easy, in line with worldwide trends. Stick packaging, which is renowned for its mobility and ease, may benefit from this.
There has been an increase in the market for health and wellness items, which includes containers for vitamins, functional foods, and nutritional supplements. Stick packaging can be useful in this industry because of its capacity to deliver accurate dosage.
Customization and branding are crucial in the cutthroat packaging industry. Stick packaging is a popular choice among China-based businesses due to its creative versatility, which enables the use of distinctive forms, colors, and branding possibilities.
Technological and material advancements in packaging have an impact on the sector. In order to improve stick packaging’s barrier qualities, freshness, and shelf life, China-based manufacturers may choose to engage in research and development.
Rise of E-commerce Platforms Impacting Sales Growth in Japan
Japan’s stick packaging market is poised to exhibit a CAGR of 5.9% during the assessment period. Japan is renowned for its technical innovations, and the packaging sector is no exception. Stick packaging is a growing and competitive business due in part to ongoing innovation in production processes and materials.
In Japan, like in several other markets, branding and personalization play a significant role. Stick packaging gives businesses the ability to distinguish their products on the shelves by offering distinctive forms, eye-catching colors, and branding possibilities.
Japan is not an exception to how the rise of e-commerce has affected packaging styles elsewhere. Stick packaging could be a good fit for online sales because of its ease of use and small size.
Competitive Landscape
Key manufacturers of stick packaging solutions are continuously innovating to develop novel solutions. They are focusing on using sustainable materials like paper and bioplastics to woo eco-conscious customers and cope with stringent government regulations.
Several stick packaging companies are also implementing strategies like mergers, partnerships, acquisitions, and collaborations. Adoption of these strategies will help them to expand their expertise and footprint.
Recent Developments in the Stick Packaging Market
· In April 2023, Huhtamaki Oyj launched sustainable, flexible packaging innovation. It provides a unique combination of best-in-class protection, full recyclability and affordability.
· In April 2022, Amcor Plc launched a line of sustainable high shield laminates for pharmaceutical sachets and stick pack and strip pack packaging, demonstrating its commitment to developing environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
· In June 2019, CKD Healthcare introduced MicrobiomeX BALAN CURE, a stick pack item for gut health.
These insights are based on a report by Ismail SutariaStick Packaging Market by Future Market Insights.