Packages across categories are getting smaller, and the trend toward more portable beverage and prepared-food containers will drive the increased use of plastics in rigid food packaging in the U.S. market.

A new report from BBC Research estimates that the use of rigid food packaging will expand by nearly 5% annually through 2013.

BBC Research notes that demographic changes such as greater numbers of single-person households and older consumers will support the demand for more convenient prepared foods and single-serve portions, sometimes in multipacks.

This trend will increase material—primarily polyethylene terephthalate—use because smaller portions tend to use more packaging relative to their size, the report states. Rigid-plastic food packaging includes bottles, dairy, deli meat containers, prepared-food trays, and a large group of containers made mostly for liquid foods.