The plastic packaging industry in the US is a pivotal segment that ensures goods are protected and preserved, serving various markets like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Key players include manufacturers producing flexible and rigid plastic materials, offering solutions that enhance shelf life and convenience. With growing awareness around environmental impact, the industry is rapidly evolving toward sustainable practices, such as biodegradable plastics and recycling programs. Innovations like smart packaging and waste reduction initiatives are directing future growth, alongside increasing regulatory focus on sustainability. As consumers demand greener choices, the industry is poised for transformation and meaningful change.


The investors in this list represent a spectrum of types, including venture capital, private equity, and corporate players, with operations based from coast to coast. Ranging from massive entities like the U.S. Department of Energy to specialized firms like Y Combinator, these investors vary in size and investment strategies. Most have been active since the mid-20th century and have already completed hundreds of deals in 2024. Through their investments, they’re influencing trends towards sustainable practices, technology innovation, and efficiency in the plastic packaging sector.


Top 12 Plastic Packaging Investors in the US


1. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

  • Website: energy.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 597
  • LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. It serves various stakeholders, including government entities and the public, by providing guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducting research to address energy challenges. In recent years, the DOE has engaged in several transactions that highlight its commitment to sustainability and innovation in materials management. For instance, it provided a $375 million investment to Eastman Chemical Company for the development of a molecular recycling facility in Longview, Texas, which aims to recycle approximately 110,000 metric tons of hard-to-recycle plastic waste. This investment is part of the Industrial Demonstrations Program and is expected to create over 200 full-time jobs. Additionally, the DOE has supported companies like Danimer Scientific, which focuses on biodegradable plastics, further emphasizing its role in advancing sustainable practices within the plastic packaging industry.


2. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

Sosv is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a focus on sectors like health and climate technology, Sosv provides venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed. In recent transactions, they have invested in companies such as Decomer Technology, which raised funds for innovative solutions that could relate to sustainable packaging materials. Other investments include Tastee Tape, Materia Bioworks, and Capro-X, which may also have implications for the packaging industry, particularly in developing new materials or technologies that could replace or improve upon traditional plastic packaging. This diverse portfolio indicates Sosv's potential interest in the plastic packaging sector, especially in the context of sustainability and innovation.


3. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses across various sectors, including agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. They focus on supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities, offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, Advantage Capital has been involved in transactions with companies like Danimer Scientific, which raised $6.5 million in a venture round and additional debt financing in 2019. Danimer Scientific is known for its work in biodegradable plastics, which positions Advantage Capital within the plastic packaging context. Additionally, they have provided debt financing to DRC Industries and IPAK, although these companies are less directly related to plastic packaging. Overall, Advantage Capital's engagement with Danimer Scientific highlights their potential relevance to the plastic packaging industry.


4. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. With over 4,000 startups launched, Y Combinator has established itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its diverse investments, Y Combinator has backed companies like Georgette Packaging, which raised $120,000 in a Pre-Seed round in March 2016, indicating its engagement in the plastic packaging sector. Additionally, Y Combinator has invested in Genecis, which focuses on converting organic waste into biodegradable plastics, further showcasing its interest in sustainable packaging solutions. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's potential relevance in the plastic packaging industry, despite its broader focus on technology.


5. The Riverside Company


The Riverside Company is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in providing flexible capital solutions and strategic guidance to smaller middle-market businesses across various industries. Founded in 1988, Riverside has built a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies globally. Among its notable transactions, Riverside has acquired several companies in the plastic packaging sector, including Vitex Packaging Group in 1998, Selig Group in 2002, and Hudson-Sharp Machine Company in 1998. These acquisitions highlight Riverside's active involvement in the plastic packaging industry, showcasing its focus on transformative growth within this market.


6. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2021, they participated in a Seed Round for ByFusion Global, which raised $1,500,000. ByFusion is notable for its efforts in transforming plastic waste into sustainable building materials, directly addressing issues related to plastic packaging waste. This involvement highlights Plug and Play's engagement with companies that have a significant impact on the plastic packaging industry, despite their broader focus on technology.


7. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In the context of plastic packaging, the Government of Canada has been actively involved in financing companies in this sector. Notable transactions include a debt financing of $160,800 for Faspac Plastiks Inc in 2012, a grant of $1,203,629 to Plascon Plastics in 2024, and a debt financing of $2,115,024 for Exxel Polymers in 2024. These investments highlight the government's role in supporting the growth and development of the plastic packaging industry in Canada.


8. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored solutions to institutional and individual investors. The firm has a diverse portfolio, with notable transactions in the plastic packaging sector, including the acquisition of Der Grüne Punkt in 2004, which focuses on recycling and waste management, and a €100 million deal with Petainer in 2016, aimed at refinancing the UK packaging company. Furthermore, KKR's acquisition of a 70% stake in CMC Machinery in 2020 highlights their commitment to investing in automated packaging solutions, reinforcing their active role in the plastic packaging industry.


9. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been involved in several notable transactions, particularly in the sustainable packaging sector. For instance, it participated in the funding round for Tipa, an Israel-based producer of compostable flexible packaging solutions, which raised $25 million in 2019. Additionally, the fund was involved in Loliware's funding, a startup focused on seaweed-based materials, which raised $6 million in early 2023. These investments highlight the fund's interest in innovative solutions that address environmental challenges in the packaging industry.


10. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. In their investment portfolio, they have participated in transactions such as Folia Materials, which raised $150,000 in a Seed Round in 2017, indicating their interest in innovative materials that could be applicable in the plastic packaging sector. Additionally, they have invested in other startups like Arka and DezpaX, which, while not directly related to plastic packaging, showcase their commitment to supporting diverse and innovative companies. This broad investment approach allows them to potentially engage with companies that are developing new solutions in the plastic packaging industry.


11. Sonoco

  • Website: sonoco.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hartsville, South Carolina, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1899
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: sonoco

Sonoco Products Company is a packaging manufacturer that provides a wide range of consumer and industrial packaging solutions. Founded in 1899 and based in Hartsville, South Carolina, Sonoco serves various industries, including food and beverage, healthcare, and personal care, by offering products that enhance safety, freshness, and consumer experience. The company has been actively expanding its capabilities in the plastic packaging sector through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Clear Lam Packaging for $170 million, aimed at enhancing its global flexible packaging and thermoforming plastics operations, and the acquisition of Plastic Packaging Inc. to bolster its flexible packaging capabilities. Additionally, Sonoco's recent acquisition of Inapel Embalagens in Brazil further emphasizes its commitment to sustainable packaging solutions. These investments reflect Sonoco's focus on innovative packaging solutions tailored to meet customer needs, particularly in the plastic packaging domain.


12. The Carlyle Group

  • Website: carlyle.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a focus on providing tailored investment solutions to institutional investors, Carlyle has established itself as a leader in alternative asset classes. In the plastic packaging sector, Carlyle has made significant investments, including acquiring a minority stake in Logoplaste, a key player in the plastic packaging industry, and fully acquiring Novolex, which specializes in plastic bags and recycling. Their acquisition of HCP Packaging and Signode Industrial Group further underscores their strategic focus on enhancing their portfolio in the plastic packaging domain. These transactions reflect Carlyle's commitment to driving long-term value and innovation in the plastic packaging industry.



Plastic Packaging Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
SonocoHartsville, South Carolina, United States (USA)10001+18992
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725


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