Global Foodservice Single-Use Products

This study includes a COVID-19 impact analysis.

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This study examines the global market for foodservice single-use (disposable) products. For the purposes of this study, “single-use” products refers to items used in the service of food and beverages that are intended to be disposed of after use. “Single-use” and “disposable” are used interchangeably throughout the study. Items with increased durability that allow multiple uses for various applications, such as plastic takeout containers, are included. Disposable items used for the preparation of food or beverages that do not reach the end user are excluded.

Product segments covered include:

• serviceware:
  • cups, including hot and cold beverage cups, and portion cups
  • dinnerware, which includes plates (round, oval, square, dessert and appetizer) and bowls
  • utensils, including cutlery, straws, stirrers, and chopsticks
  • other serviceware (e.g., school lunch trays, food and beverage carriers, disposable placemats, tray covers, coasters, coffee cup sleeves, and doilies)
• packaging (either primary or secondary, and refers to the means of enclosing the food items):
  • containers (such as boxes and cartons; clamshells’ cups, buckets, and pails; foil containers
  • lids and domes
  • wraps
  • bags
  • other packaging
• other foodservice disposables not classified elsewhere, including napkins, moist towelettes, toothpicks, table covers, wood skewers, beverage parasols, and pizza lid supports

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Demand is also segmented by market:

• eating and drinking places, including full-service restaurants, quick-service restaurants, fast casual restaurants, and other eating and drinking places (e.g., bakeries, bars/pubs, buffets, coffee shops, and other small dining establishments, such as sandwich shops and cafes)
• other foodservice establishments (e.g., institutions, retail settings, lodging and hospitality establishments, sports and recreation facilities, workplace cafeterias and office coffee services, airlines, military bases, and places of worship)

Finally, demand is segmented by material:

• paper and paperboard
• plastic (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, PET, polystyrene, PVC)
• aluminum
• alternative materials, including wood, bamboo, bagasse, molded pulp, and bio-plastics