Pakistan has a large and growing ice cream market. The retail value of the sector is now above PKR 90 billion in 2026. The market has also shown steady growth in recent years.
2021 → 6.5%
2022 → 7.0%
2023 → 7.4%
2024 → 7.8%
The ice cream market is also expected to grow at about 10% CAGR in the coming years. Because of long, hot summers, the entry of more local brands, and a growing young population.
This growth can raise the demand for ice cream containers and jars. Every ice cream product needs suitable packaging. More ice cream sales mean more containers.
This creates an opportunity for plastic manufacturers.
Ice Cream Containers & Jars | Product Overview
Ice cream containers and jars are plastic boxes used to pack ice cream, made up of PP copolymer. They can be in different sizes and shapes.
The most commonly used container sizes for ice cream include:
- 110 ml
- 500 ml
- 800 ml
- 1,300 ml
Both the container and lid can be made through injection molding.
The mold can have multiple cavities (i.e., 4 cavities). Each cavity makes one piece in every cycle.
The final output depends on the container size, cycle time, mold design, machine capacity, cooling optimization, and other production factors.
The product can also use in-mold labeling.
In this process, the label goes inside the mold before plastic injection. The label then becomes part of the finished container permanently.
Machines Required for Ice Cream Containers/Jars Manufacturing
A complete setup can include the following machines and auxiliary equipment:
- Injection Molding Machine (Thin-Wall Specialized)
- Container & Lid Molds
- In-Mold Labeling Machine
- Take-Out Robot
- Vacuum Autoloader
- Hopper Dryer
- Chiller
- Granulator/Crusher
IMM machine size (tonnage, clamping force, etc.) can vary as per the product and target output.
The cavity count also affects the machine choice. A higher cavity count can raise production per cycle. It can also raise the total project cost.
How Much Does the Whole Setup Cost?
A complete ice cream container and jar setup can cost around PKR 12 crore to PKR 15 crore.
The final cost depends on the machines and production capacity.
Several factors can change the investment:
- Injection molding machine brand, size, and type
- Mold size
- Number of cavities
- Automation level
- Labeling system
- Auxiliary equipment
- Required production rate
For example, consider an 800 ml ice cream container with a 4-cavity setup.
The total investment for such a setup can be around PKR 13 crore.
This setup can include the injection molding machine, container/lid molds, in-mold labeling system, robot, vacuum autoloader, hopper dryer, chiller, granulator, etc.
The actual cost can be higher or lower.
Want an accurate setup quote? Contact our team at HiTech Machinery for this purpose.
Production, Manufacturing Cost, Profit, & ROI
Here are details about production, manufacturing cost, profit, and ROI of the setup:
Production
For an 800 ml container with a 4-cavity mold, the estimated output is around 960 to 1,108 pieces per hour.
If the factory runs for 20 hours per day, the output would be:
960 × 20 = 19,200 pieces/day
At the higher output:
1,108 × 20 = 22,160 pieces/day
So, the estimated daily output is around 19,200 to 22,160 containers.
Manufacturing Cost
The estimated manufacturing cost is around PKR 44 per container.
This cost can include:
- PP copolymer
- Electricity
- Labor
- Machine operation
- Mold cost
- Maintenance
- Factory expenses
- Packaging
- Production losses
Material cost is a major part of the total cost.
PP resin prices can change. This can affect the cost of each container.
Profit
For this example, assume a net profit of PKR 10 per container.
At 960 pieces per hour and 20 hours per day:
19,200 × PKR 10 = PKR 192,000/day
At 1,108 pieces per hour:
22,160 × PKR 10 = PKR 221,600/day
If the factory runs for 30 days, the estimated monthly profit would be:
PKR 5.76 million to PKR 6.65 million
The estimated annual profit would be:
PKR 70.08 million to PKR 80.88 million
These are estimates based on the stated production and profit assumptions.
ROI
Suppose the total investment is PKR 13 crore.
Based on the estimated annual profit, the annual ROI would be around 54% to 62%.
The estimated investment recovery time would be around 19 to 22 months.
Please note that these figures can vary based on the production efficiency, material prices, energy expenditures, and other factors.
Get Turnkey Ice Cream Containers Manufacturing Solution
An ice cream container factory needs a complete set of machines and equipment. The injection molding machine is only one part of the setup.
HiTech Machinery supplies a complete turnkey solution for ice cream containers and jars.
The supplied equipment can include:
- Injection molding machine
- Container and lid molds
- In-mold labeling machine
- Take-out robot
- Vacuum autoloader
- Hopper dryer
- Air-cooled chiller
- Granulator
- Other required auxiliaries
HiTech Machinery also provides installation, commissioning, maintenance, local warranty, spare parts, after-sales support, and other services.
We can also help you plan the whole setup based on the required product size, cavity count, production rate, and budget.
Connect with our team and discuss your project.