The garbage bags market globally is anticipated to reach up to USD 9.8 billion by the year 2025 and will reach USD 14.8 billion for the market by the year 2035. The sales will be growing at a CAGR of 4.4% in the forecast period from the year 2025 to the year 2035. The global garbage bags market valued for USD 9.5 billion in the year 2024.
Garbage bags find major application in households because they are essential for daily waste disposal, including food scraps, packaging, and yard waste. Every household generates consistent waste, making garbage bags indispensable. Their convenience, affordability, and variety in sizes ensure suitability for diverse needs, driving their widespread use compared to other sectors. Thus, compared to other end users of garbage bags, household use will dominate the market with a share above 37% in the upcoming years.
Garbage Bags Industry Forecast
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Historical Size, 2024 | USD 9.5 billion |
| Estimated Size, 2025 | USD 9.8 billion |
| Projected Size, 2035 | USD 14.8 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.4% |
Out of many materials used in the production of garbage bags, polyethylene will lead the material segment with more than 78% market share during the forecast period. Polyethylene is the most widely used material for garbage bags as it provides high durability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Its lightweight nature, availability, and compatibility with mass production make it ideal for handling diverse waste types effectively.
The global garbage bags market is likely to grow in the forecast period with profitability and carry a certain level of traction. At the same time, it will produce an incremental opportunity value of USD 5.3 billion as well as increase by 1.6 times the base year value for 2035.
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The below table presents the expected CAGR for the global garbage bags market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 1.5% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 3.6% (2024 to 2034) |
| H1 | 2.4% (2025 to 2035) |
| H2 | 4.4% (2025 to 2035) |
In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2023 to 2033, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 1.5%, followed by a slightly higher growth rate of 3.6% in the second half (H2) of the same decade. Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2024 to H2 2034, the CAGR is projected to decrease slightly to 2.4% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 4.4% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed a decrease of 90 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed an increase of 80 BPS.
Need for Proper Waste Segregation across Various Sectors Boosts Garbage Bags Demand
The main driving force for the global garbage bags market is the need for proper waste collection and segregation. Governments and organizations promote healthy practices about proper garbage management. The need to segregate waste into recyclable, organic, and non-recyclable bins increases demand for color-coded garbage bags. These bags make it easy to sort and comply with the set regulations of waste management, thus increasing recycling efficiency.
In homes, adopting an environmentally friendly lifestyle encourages different types of wastes to be collected into separate bags. Offices, restaurants, and public establishments follow waste segregation systems to conform to legal and environmental standards. As the trend of environmental sustainability increases, specialized, color-coded garbage bags have become a fast-rising demand within all sectors.
Healthcare Industry Pushes Demand for Medical Waste Disposal Bags for Hazardous Waste
The healthcare industry constitutes an important sector that drives the demand for global garbage bags, since specialized medical waste disposal solutions are a must for such institutions. The hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers produce quantities of waste concerning biohazardous materials, sharps, and contaminated products that require durable and sealed, safety, and hygiene-friendly garbage bags.
In addition, stringent regulation over the disposal of medical wastes improves the adoption of good-quality garbage bags to avoid leakages, contamination, and environmental hazards. These bags are also color-coded, which helps ensure proper segregation of waste according to waste management rules. A rise in healthcare infrastructure in emerging countries and better medical waste management systems further increases demand for such specially designed garbage bags across the world.
Availability of Reusable Waste Disposal Systems May Hamper Garbage Bag Growth
Reusable waste management systems like a washable liners within a trash can or as part of integrated waste management system provide a strong alternative to one-time use disposable garbage bags. Such systems tend to be developed in such a manner that minimizes dependency on single-use disposable products; therefore, a sustainable means of managing waste exists.
Through durable and washable liners, households and businesses reduce significantly the generation of waste and, in turn, reduce the replacement bags often used for collection. With increased concerns about the environment and user-friendliness, the need for single-use waste collection bags will face a stiff competition from the use of reusable waste collection methods.
The global garbage bags market recorded a CAGR of 3.1% during the historical period between 2020 and 2024. Market growth of garbage bags packaging globally was positive as it reached a value of USD 9.5 billion in 2024 from USD 8.4 billion in 2020.
Global garbage bag sales are constantly on the rise, and one of the reasons is urbanization, increased generation of waste, and awareness over environmental issues. Demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable options fuels the market under the pressure of regulations and demand from consumers seeking sustainable packaging solutions.
The global garbage bags sales outlook indicates that more sustainable options, such as compostable bags and recycled material bags, will be in demand. Biodegradable films and reinforced formulations are key drivers in offering environmental functionality, resulting in higher demand for these environmentally friendly options over the next years.
Tier 1 companies comprise market leaders capturing significant market share in global market. These market leaders are characterized by high production capacity and a wide product portfolio. These market leaders are distinguished by their extensive expertise in manufacturing across multiple packaging formats and a broad geographical reach, underpinned by a robust consumer base.
They provide a wide range of series including recycling and manufacturing utilizing the latest technology and meeting the regulatory standards providing the highest quality. Prominent companies within tier 1 include Berry Global Group, Inc., SC Johnson Professional, Reynolds Consumer Products and Novolex among others.
Tier 2 companies include mid-size players having presence in specific regions and highly influencing the local market. These are characterized by a strong presence overseas and strong market knowledge. These market players have good technology and ensure regulatory compliance but may not have advanced technology and wide global reach.
Prominent companies in tier 2 include EMIL DEISS KG (GmbH + Co.), Inteplast Group, Trash Cans Unlimited, OX Plastics, US Poly Pack, Poly-America, L.P., Singhal Industries Pvt. Ltd., Weldbank Plastics, Neoteric Packaging Pvt. Ltd., Polystar Plastics Ltd and Qingdao Huarey Industry Co., Ltd.
Tier 3 includes the majority of small-scale companies operating at the local presence and serving niche markets. These companies are notably oriented towards fulfilling local market demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment. They are small-scale players and have limited geographical reach.
Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized market, denoting a sector characterized by a lack of extensive structure and formalization when compared to organized competitors.
The section below covers the future forecast for the garbage bags market in terms of countries. Information on key countries in several parts of the globe, including North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and MEA is provided. USA is expected to account for a CAGR of 3.3% through 2035. In Europe, Germany is projected to witness a CAGR of 2.6% by 2035.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 3.3% |
| Germany | 2.6% |
| China | 5.2% |
| UK | 2.1% |
| Spain | 2.4% |
| India | 6.1% |
| Canada | 2.9% |
In the USA, strict environmental regulations emphasize proper waste disposal across various industries in this country. For example, in states like California, heavy regulations are implemented to ensure no form of harm reaches human health and the environment because of improper waste disposal. Regulation calls for segregation of waste types, which includes hazardous, recyclable, and organic waste to minimize contamination and raise recycling rates.
The various guidelines henceforth need to be followed by industries through the utilization of specially designed waste bags for specific waste generated from different industries. As a way of minimizing pollution, reducing landfill waste, and ensuring better public health, the government enforces such regulations. This regulatory pressure thus creates industry-specific requirements for specialized garbage bags for adequate disposal.
High tourism inflows in Spain contribute largely to a lot of waste material, especially in the popular destinations such as Barcelona, Madrid, and coastal regions. A high number of people visiting these destinations creates a high amount of packaging waste, food wrappers, and other disposable items that necessarily increase the demand for effective garbage bags.
Hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related businesses need a steady supply of bags to handle visitors' waste. There also is a large volume of wastes generated during peak seasons, thus requiring timely collections and proper waste management. Increased tourism activities result in an increased need for quality, disposable garbage bags, which will remain a primary driving force in the Spanish market.
The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. In terms of capacity, up to 30 liter garbage bags are estimated to account for a share over 40% by 2035. By material, polyethylene (PE) is are projected to dominate by holding a share of 78.2% by the end 2035.
| Capacity | Market Share (2035) |
|---|---|
| Up to 30 liters | 40.3% |
Garbage bags of up to 30 liters are more frequently used because they are suitable for household use, as small bins are used mostly. These bags are useful for handling daily household waste such as kitchen scraps, bathroom trash, or small office waste. Their compact size fits well into standard-sized bins, making them easy to store and manage.
For example, in a regular home kitchen, a 30-litre bag is ample for managing leftovers and packaging material, preventing overflow and making disposal more manageable. Due to its reasonable prices and practicality, most households prefer it over other capacity garbage bags.
| Material | Market Share (2035) |
|---|---|
| Polyethylene (PE) | 78.2% |
Polyethylene is the most popular material that is used around the world in the garbage bag market, with cost-effectiveness as one of the strong reasons, along with strength and versatility. Polyethylene is light in weight, flexible, and puncture-resistant, so it's suitable for carrying anything-from liquids to shreds.
In addition, it is moisture-resistant-so things don't leak out-and readily available for mass production at minimum prices. For instance, Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc manufactures polyethylene garbage bags that are strong enough for household and commercial use. It is also versatile in terms of the size and thickness of the bags, which explains its popularity.
Key players of global garbage bags packaging industry are developing and launching new products in the market. They are integrating with different firms and extending their geographical presence. Few of them are also collaborating and partnering with local brands and start-up companies
Key Developments
The global garbage bags industry is projected to witness CAGR of 4.4% between 2025 and 2035.
The global garbage bags industry stood at USD 9.5 billion in 2024.
Global garbage bags industry is anticipated to reach USD 14.8 billion by 2035 end.
East Asia is set to record a CAGR of 6.5% in assessment period.
The key players operating in the global garbage bags industry include Berry Global Group, Inc., SC Johnson Professional, Reynolds Consumer Products and Novolex among others.
Materials in the market for garbage bags include polyethylene (PE), PLA, PHA, sugarcane bagasse and compostable materials. Polyethylene is further sub-categorized into low density polyethylene (LDPE), liner low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE). And each of these low density polyethylene (LDPE), liner low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) further include virgin PE and recycled PE.
In terms of capacity, the market for garbage bags is divided into up to 30 liters, 30 to 90 liters, 90 to 150 liters and above 150 liters.
Sales channels in the industry include direct sales (manufacturers), distributors/wholesalers and online.
End users related to garbage bags are service, healthcare, building & construction, retail, hotel & restaurants, household, civil government and defense.
Key Countries of North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Middle East & Africa are covered.
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Garbage Bags Market
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