Market Trends of United States Trash Bags Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the US Trash Bags Market according to our research experts:
Residential Sector Holds the Largest Market Share
- The residential sector of the U.S. trash bag market generates a significant amount of waste. Therefore, the penetration of trash bags is substantial in the consumer segment. The players operating in the market are focusing on innovative product development for domestic waste management, which further boosts the segment's growth.
- Biodegradable plastics are being promoted as a solution to plastic pollution. In November 2021, scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, baffled the plastics industry and environmentalists by discovering a way to break down these compostable plastics in a matter of weeks using only heat and water. In the new process, polyester-eating enzymes are embedded directly into the plastic during manufacturing. Such innovations would leverage the market for biodegradable bags in the country.
- Also, non-durable items like clothes and newspapers make up another 20% of U.S. trash. Yard trimmings (13.3% of trash) and food and other organic materials (14.9% of trash) also make up a large amount of trash (source: Columbia University study).
- According to the United States Census Bureau's Vintage 2022 national and state population estimates, the U.S. resident population increased by 0.4% in 2022. Moreover, the country's international migration and the number of people moving in and out of the country were the primary drivers of growth, representing 168.8% growth over 2021, indicating that migration patterns are returning to pre-pandemic levels.
- During COVID-19, government authorities were regulating new policies to increase households' safety. For instance, the City of Kingston increased the number of garbage bags allowed per household from one to four per week without requiring bag tags. This measure was implemented to help self-isolating families dispose of their garbage safely.
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Commercial Sector to Exhibit the Highest Growth Rate
- Retail, convenience stores, healthcare, food service, hospitality, and office buildings are critical establishments within the commercial industry that constitute a significant market share.
- According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, improper handling of discarded needles and other sharps can pose health risks to the public. Discarded needles, for instance, expose disposal workers to potential needlestick injuries and infections when garbage bags are broken open or when needles are inadvertently sent to a recycling facility. Therefore, there is increased demand for trash bags in the healthcare sector.
- About 30% of the food in American grocery stores is thrown away. The US retail sector generates about 16 billion pounds of food waste annually. Wasted food from the retail sector is valued at about twice the profit from food sales (source: US Department of Agriculture).
- Recently, organizations have become more conscious of managing and reducing their waste. Although some organizations are satisfied with having a trash removal or disposal system, the more proactive organizations are putting more effort into managing their waste. Some examples of standard office building waste products include litter, paper, and electronic goods. Office supplies, such as staplers, pens, and glue sticks, are tossed in the trash and sent to the landfill.
- The increasing number of websites offering a variety of disposable bin liners has increased the demand for these products. In addition, online retailing of disposable garbage bags and various other products is growing in popularity as it is cost-effective and time-saving in purchasing products. Online sales are estimated to drive the growth of disposable trash bags during the forecast period.
- For commercial establishments, including multi-family dwellings of four or more units and non-residential commercial buildings, the use of clear plastic sheeting for collecting recyclables in trash bins is permitted. These plastic liners are not recyclable per se but are now accepted for convenience in commercial operations. Commercial establishments are not prohibited from using clear trash bags, but recyclers may choose not to accept them.
- The United States spends more on healthcare than any other country, with costs approaching 18% of the GDP. Prior studies estimated that approximately 30% of healthcare spending might be considered waste. Despite efforts to reduce overtreatment, improve care, and address overpayment, substantial waste in US healthcare spending likely remains (source: Journal of the American Medical Association). Biohazard waste goes in red bags and containers, whereas infectious waste is generally kept in plastic bags. Such factors contribute to the significant demand for trash bags.
