Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Process (Thin Gauge Thermoforming, Plug Assist Forming, Thick Gauge Thermoforming, and Vacuum Snapback), By Application, By Product, and Forecast, 2023 - 2030

The Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market size is expected to reach $3.0 Billion by 2030, rising at a market growth of 5.0% CAGR during the forecast period. In the year 2022, the market attained a volume of 1496.2 Kilo Tonnes, experiencing a growth of 4.2% (2019-2022).

The thermoformed plastics market in Japan is a dynamic sector driven by several factors, including technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and sustainability concerns. With the increasing emphasis on convenience, product differentiation, and sustainability, thermoformed plastics offer an attractive solution for packaging applications. From food packaging to electronics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, thermoformed plastic packaging provides excellent protection, shelf appeal, and customization options. Moreover, advancements in material science have led to the development of eco-friendly and recyclable thermoformed plastics, aligning with Japan's focus on environmental sustainability.

One significant driver of the thermoformed plastics market in Japan is the automotive industry. Japan is renowned for its automotive manufacturing prowess, with leading companies such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan dominating the global scene. Thermoformed plastics are extensively used in automotive interiors, exteriors, and components due to their lightweight nature, durability, and design flexibility. The demand for lightweight materials to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions has further propelled the adoption of thermoformed plastics in this sector.

According to the Japan Automobile Dealers Association (JADA), sales of new electric vehicles in 2020 reached close to 1.4 million. The robust demand for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in Japan has been evident since the introduction of the Toyota Prius in 1997, with HEVs claiming a staggering 97.8% share of the new electric vehicles sold in 2020. This growing industry for electric and hybrid vehicles presents significant opportunities for associated industries, such as the thermoformed plastics market in Japan, which plays a crucial role in providing lightweight and durable components for vehicle manufacturing.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the thermoformed plastics market in Japan. The pandemic highlighted the importance of thermoformed plastic packaging in ensuring the safety and hygiene of essential products, leading to increased demand for packaging solutions in the food, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors. Manufacturers in Japan adapted to the new industry dynamics by implementing stringent safety measures and adopting digital technologies to maintain business continuity. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of automation and robotics in manufacturing processes, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing reliance on manual labor.

Market Trends

Increasing utilization of bio-degradable polymers

The utilization of bio-degradable polymers in the thermoformed plastics market in Japan has been steadily increasing, driven by several factors, including environmental concerns, government regulations, and consumer demand for sustainable products. One of the primary drivers behind the rise of bio-degradable polymers in Japan's thermoformed plastics market is the growing awareness of environmental issues such as plastic pollution and climate change. With increasing concerns about the impact of conventional plastics on the environment, there has been a growing push towards more sustainable alternatives.

Government regulations and policies have also significantly promoted the adoption of bio-degradable polymers in Japan. The Japanese government has implemented various initiatives to encourage using environmentally friendly materials and reduce plastic waste. This includes incentives for companies to develop and use bio-degradable polymers and regulations aimed at phasing out single-use plastics.

Furthermore, consumer preferences shift towards eco-friendly products, driving manufacturers to seek more sustainable packaging solutions. As Japanese consumers become more educated about the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, there is a growing demand for products packaged in bio-degradable materials. Hence, the increasing awareness of environmental issues, coupled with government regulations and shifting consumer preferences, has propelled the adoption of bio-degradable polymers in Japan's thermoformed plastics market.

Growing adoption of plug assist forming in Japan

The thermoformed plastics market in Japan has witnessed a significant emergence of plug assist forming, a technique that enhances the efficiency and quality of thermoforming processes. One of the primary drivers behind the adoption of plug assist forming in Japan's thermoformed plastics market is the increasing demand for high-quality, aesthetically pleasing products across various industries such as packaging, automotive, electronics, and healthcare. Manufacturers are continually seeking ways to enhance their products' visual appeal and functionality and plug assist forming enables them to achieve intricate designs and complex shapes with greater accuracy.

Additionally, the drive towards sustainability and resource efficiency has also played a significant role in adopting plug assist forming in Japan. By optimizing material usage and minimizing waste, this technique helps companies reduce their environmental footprint and adhere to stringent regulations on recycling and waste management. As sustainability continues gaining traction as a key priority for businesses and consumers alike, plug assist forming offers a viable solution for achieving eco-friendly manufacturing practices without compromising product quality or performance.

Furthermore, advancements in technology and manufacturing processes have made plug assist forming more accessible and cost-effective for companies of all sizes in Japan. With sophisticated software tools and simulation techniques, manufacturers optimize their forming processes, minimize downtime, and maximize productivity. Therefore, the increasing demand for high-quality products, coupled with a focus on sustainability and technological advancements, are driving the widespread adoption of plug assist forming in Japan's thermoformed plastics market.

Competition Analysis

The thermoformed plastics market in Japan is a significant sector within the country's broader plastics industry, catering to diverse applications across sectors such as automotive, electronics, packaging, and healthcare. One of the leading players in the Japanese thermoformed plastics market is Toppan Printing Co., Ltd., a diversified company known for its expertise in packaging solutions. Toppan Printing specializes in thermoformed plastic packaging for food, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and consumer goods. The company's innovative packaging designs and advanced manufacturing capabilities have made it a preferred partner for leading brands in Japan and globally.

Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. is also a significant player in the Japanese thermoformed plastics market, specializing in high-performance thermosetting plastics and composite materials. The company's thermoformed plastic products find applications in automotive components, electronic devices, and industrial equipment, where durability, heat resistance, and dimensional stability are essential. Sumitomo Bakelite's advanced engineering capabilities and commitment to innovation have enabled it to maintain a competitive edge in the industry.

Another key player in the Japanese thermoformed plastics market is Kyodo Printing Co., Ltd., a renowned provider of packaging solutions and printing services. Kyodo Printing offers a wide range of thermoformed plastic packaging options, including trays, containers, and blister packs, tailored to meet the specific requirements of its clients in industries such as food and beverage, cosmetics, and healthcare. Focusing on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, Kyodo Printing has established itself as a trusted supplier in Japan.

Takigawa Corporation is another notable participant in the Japanese thermoformed plastics market, focusing on flexible packaging solutions for food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Takigawa Corporation utilizes advanced thermoforming technologies to produce high-quality pouches, bags, and films that offer superior barrier properties, shelf-life extension, and consumer convenience. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the company has also developed eco-friendly packaging materials to address environmental concerns and meet regulatory requirements.

Additionally, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation plays a significant role in the Japanese thermoformed plastics market with its diverse portfolio of specialty plastics and composite materials. Mitsubishi Chemical's thermoformed plastic products are utilized in various industries, including automotive, electronics, construction, and healthcare, where lightweight, high-strength materials are required. Thus, the thermoformed plastics market in Japan is characterized by a diverse ecosystem of companies offering innovative solutions across a wide range of industries.

List of Key Companies Profiled

• Pactiv Evergreen Inc. (Reynolds Group Ltd.)
• Genpak, LLC (Great Pacific Enterprises, Inc.)
• Sonoco Products Company
• Brentwood Industries, Inc.
• Hoffmann Neopac AG
• Placon Corporation
• Anchor Packaging LLC
• Greiner Packaging GmbH (Greiner AG)
• Palram Industries Ltd.

Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market Report Segmentation

By Process

• Thin Gauge Thermoforming
• Plug Assist Forming
• Thick Gauge Thermoforming
• Vacuum Snapback

By Application

• Food Packaging
• Healthcare & Medical
• Electrical & Electronics
• Construction
• Automotive Packaging
• Consumer Goods & Appliances

By Product

• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
• Bio-degradable Polymers
• Polyethylene (PE)
• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
• High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Polystyrene (PS)

Chapter 1. Market Scope & Methodology
1.1 Market Definition
1.2 Objectives
1.3 Market Scope
1.4 Segmentation
1.4.1 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market, by Process
1.4.2 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market, by Application
1.4.3 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market, by Product
1.5 Methodology for the research

Chapter 2. Market Overview
2.1 Introduction
2.1.1 Overview
2.1.1.1 Market Composition and Scenario
2.2 Key Factors Impacting the Market
2.2.1 Market Drivers
2.2.2 Market Restraints
2.2.3 Market Opportunities
2.2.4 Market Challenges
2.2.5 Market Trends
2.3 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

Chapter 3. Strategies Deployed in Thermoformed Plastics Market

Chapter 4. Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market
4.1 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market by Process
4.2 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market by Application
4.3 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market by Product

Chapter 5. Company Profiles – Global Leaders
5.1 Pactiv Evergreen Inc. (Reynolds Group Ltd.)
5.1.1 Company Overview
5.1.2 Financial Analysis
5.1.3 Segmental and Regional Analysis
5.1.4 Research & Development Expenses
5.1.5 Recent strategies and developments:
5.1.5.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, and Agreements:
5.1.5.2 Acquisition and Mergers:
5.1.6 SWOT Analysis
5.2 Genpak, LLC (Great Pacific Enterprises, Inc.)
5.2.1 Company Overview
5.2.2 SWOT Analysis
5.3 Sonoco Products Company
5.3.1 Company Overview
5.3.2 Financial Analysis
5.3.3 Segmental and Regional Analysis
5.3.4 Research & Development Expenses
5.3.5 Recent strategies and developments:
5.3.5.1 Acquisition and Mergers:
5.3.6 SWOT Analysis
5.4 Brentwood Industries, Inc.
5.4.1 Company Overview
5.4.2 SWOT Analysis
5.5 Hoffmann Neopac AG
5.5.1 Company Overview
5.5.2 Recent strategies and developments:
5.5.2.1 Acquisition and Mergers:
5.5.3 SWOT Analysis
5.6 Placon Corporation
5.6.1 Company Overview
5.6.2 Recent strategies and developments:
5.6.2.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, and Agreements:
5.6.2.2 Product Launches and Product Expansions:
5.6.3 SWOT Analysis
5.7 Anchor Packaging LLC
5.7.1 Company Overview
5.7.2 Recent strategies and developments:
5.7.2.1 Acquisition and Mergers:
5.7.3 SWOT Analysis
5.8 Greiner Packaging GmbH (Greiner AG)
5.8.1 Company Overview
5.8.2 Recent strategies and developments:
5.8.2.1 Acquisition and Mergers:
5.8.3 SWOT Analysis
5.9 Palram Industries Ltd.
5.9.1 Company Overview
5.9.2 SWOT Analysis

TABLE 1 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market, 2019 - 2022, USD Million
TABLE 2 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market, 2023 - 2030, USD Million
TABLE 3 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market, 2019 - 2022, Kilo Tonnes
TABLE 4 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market, 2023 - 2030, Kilo Tonnes
TABLE 5 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market by Process, 2019 - 2022, USD Million
TABLE 6 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market by Process, 2023 - 2030, USD Million
TABLE 7 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market by Application, 2019 - 2022, USD Million
TABLE 8 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market by Application, 2023 - 2030, USD Million
TABLE 9 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market by Application, 2019 - 2022, Kilo Tonnes
TABLE 10 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market by Application, 2023 - 2030, Kilo Tonnes
TABLE 11 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market by Product, 2019 - 2022, USD Million
TABLE 12 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market by Product, 2023 - 2030, USD Million
TABLE 13 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market by Product, 2019 - 2022, Kilo Tonnes
TABLE 14 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market by Product, 2023 - 2030, Kilo Tonnes
TABLE 15 Key Information – Pactiv Evergreen Inc.
TABLE 16 Key Information –Genpak, LLC
TABLE 17 Key Information – Sonoco Products Company
TABLE 18 Key Information – Brentwood Industries, Inc.
TABLE 19 Key Information – Hoffmann Neopac AG
TABLE 20 Key Information – Placon Corporation
TABLE 21 Key Information – Anchor Packaging LLC
TABLE 22 Key Information – Greiner Packaging GmbH
TABLE 23 Key Information – Palram Industries Ltd.

List of Figures
FIG 1 Methodology for the research
FIG 2 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market, 2019 - 2030, USD Million
FIG 3 Key Factors Impacting Thermoformed Plastics Market
FIG 4 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis – Thermoformed plastics market
FIG 5 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market share by Process, 2022
FIG 6 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market share by Process, 2030
FIG 7 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market by Process, 2019 - 2030, USD Million
FIG 8 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market share by Application, 2022
FIG 9 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market share by Application, 2030
FIG 10 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market by Application, 2019 - 2030, USD Million
FIG 11 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market share by Product, 2022
FIG 12 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market share by Product, 2030
FIG 13 Japan Thermoformed Plastics Market by Product, 2019 - 2030, USD Million
FIG 14 Recent strategies and developments: Pactiv Evergreen Inc.
FIG 15 Swot Analysis: Pactiv Evergreen Inc.
FIG 16 Swot Analysis: Genpak, LLC
FIG 17 SWOT analysis: Sonoco Products Company
FIG 18 Swot analysis: Brentwood Industries, Inc.
FIG 19 Swot Analysis: Hoffmann Neopac AG
FIG 20 Recent strategies and developments: Placon Corporation
FIG 21 Swot Analysis: Placon Corporation
FIG 22 Swot Analysis: Anchor Packaging LLC
FIG 23 Swot Analysis: Greiner Packaging GmbH
FIG 24 Swot Analysis: Palram Industries Ltd.