$135.8bn
$X.Xbn
67,815
4,927
$X.Xbn
The paper bag and disposable plastic product wholesaling industry has remained relatively protected from external forces affecting the economy. Wholesalers in this industry purchase a range of paper and plastic products from manufacturers and distribute them to retail stores, food services outlets and agricultural producers. Despite internal price-based competition and rising prices from suppliers, revenue has climbed at a CAGR of 1.2% to $135.8 billion over the past five years. The industry has overcome the challenging conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic when revenue contracted in consecutive years. In 2024, industry revenue is forecast to climb 0.2%, while profit margins will remain stable despite price turbulence from upstream suppliers.
The industry is characterized by broad market acceptance, low elasticity of demand in consumer markets and increasing environmental restrictions on the use of its products. The meager marginal cost of most products has enabled their permeation throughout society. The absorbency and texture of paper make it ideal for cleaning and hygiene. Many paper products are home and office staples and experience minimal demand loss during an economic depression. Many products, especially those made from plastic, create negative externalities when disposed of; these challenges have pushed governments to ban disposable bag use in many markets.
The industry is expected to see growth early moving forward, driven by moderating price volatility and stable demand from downstream suppliers. Still, rising environmental action across the economy will squeeze revenue growth. If the industry cannot diversify more sales into e-commerce, fight off wholesale bypass from manufacturers and match tightening regulations with innovation, wholesalers may be forced to pack their bags for good. Overall, revenue is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.0% to $142.9 billion over the five years to 2029.
Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 1.2 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated $135.8bn in 2024.
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Company | Market Share (%)
2024 | Revenue ($m)
2024 | Profit ($m)
2024 | Profit Margin (%)
2024 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bunzl Plc | 6,532.5 | 451.3 | 6.9 | |
Sysco Corporation | 5,777.4 | 280.5 | 4.9 | |
Veritiv Corporation | 3,767.9 | 170.5 | 4.5 |
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Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Industrial paper and plastic products for packaging, Household paper and plastic products and Cardboard boxes. Industrial paper and plastic products for packaging is the largest segment of the Paper Bag & Disposable Plastic Product Wholesaling in the US.
Industrial paper and plastic products for packaging surge alongside e-commerce spending
Wholesalers in this industry purchase a range of paper and plastic products from manufacturers and distribute them to retail stores, food service outlets and agricultural producers. Industry products are wide-ranging and typically include sanitary and tissue products; disposable cutlery and food trays; cartons; plastic and paper bags; paper party goods; and cardboard packaging. This industry does not include the wholesale distribution of stationery or office supplies.
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NAICS 42413 - Paper Bag & Disposable Plastic Product Wholesaling in the US
Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.
Wholesalers struggled at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as critical downstream markets were forced to limit operations. The industry has since bounced back, although tur...
Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.
The cardboard boxes product segment surged in recent years. Increased e-commerce sales drove this segment, especially during the pandemic.
Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.
The industry concentrates establishments in proximity to buyers and suppliers. Wholesalers locate in regions where major production centers are located.
Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.
Wholesalers compete on product price and quality primarily. Wholesalers negotiate exclusive contracts with retailers to reduce the price of large-volume purchases.
Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.
The industry is fragmented. Major wholesalers do not dominate the industry because they focus on local or regional markets.
Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.
Plastic bag bans have increased as many states have restricted or completely banned single-use plastic bags. Plastic bag bans threaten the industry.
View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time.
Purchases are the most significant expense for wholesalers. Despite volatility n critical input prices to products like plastic and resin, purchases have maintained a stable ...
Including values and annual change:
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Key data sources in the US include:
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The market size of the Paper Bag & Disposable Plastic Product Wholesaling in the US industry in United States is $135.8bn in 2024.
There are 4,927 businesses in the Paper Bag & Disposable Plastic Product Wholesaling in the US industry in United States, which has declined at a CAGR of 2.1 % between 2019 and 2024.
The market size of the Paper Bag & Disposable Plastic Product Wholesaling in the US industry in United States has been growing at a CAGR of 1.2 % between 2019 and 2024.
Over the next five years, the Paper Bag & Disposable Plastic Product Wholesaling in the US industry in United States is expected to grow.
The biggest companies operating in the Paper Bag & Disposable Plastic Product Wholesaling market in United States are Bunzl Plc, Sysco Corporation and Veritiv Corporation
Wholesaling sanitary paper products, including tissues, napkins, toilet paper, diapers and similar products and Wholesaling plastic and paper bags are part of the Paper Bag & Disposable Plastic Product Wholesaling in the US industry.
The company holding the most market share in United States is Bunzl Plc.
The level of competition is high and steady in the Paper Bag & Disposable Plastic Product Wholesaling in the US industry in United States.