Food Packaging Technology Market Size, Share, By Technology, Material, Application, End-User and Region - Trends, Analysis, and Forecast till 2035

• By 2035, the food packaging technology market size is expected to increase at a rate of USD 91.2 billion.
• In 2024, the market was worth USD 45.6 billion.
• The market is expanding at a CAGR of 7.9%.

Food packaging technology refer to the application of innovative materials, techniques, and processes to package food products ensuring their safety, freshness, and quality throughout the supply chain. The target market growth is expected to increase due to the growing use of smart packaging, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and also biodegrade materials.

For instance, in August 2024, CCL Label debuts new packaging technology, which is a new version of its EcoFloat low-density polyolefin sleeve material, EcoFloat WHITE. This new version will enable larger recyclability for dairy packaging. The dairy industry often utilizes HDPE bottles containing yogurt and probiotic drinks or similar products. But these white HDPE bottles are rarely recycled back into food grade applications for several reasons, such as strict food contact regulations, so the bottles leave the packaging loop.

Key Takeaways:

• North America held the largest share of the market in 2024 as the advancements in technology are enhancing food safety and shelf-life extension through smart and active packaging across the region.
• Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the market during the forecast period due to increasing demand for processed and packaged foods in the region.
• By application, the convenience foods segment is expected to account for the largest share of the food packaging technology market in the upcoming years. The segment’s growth is attributed to the rising demand for ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare meals globally.

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Key Drivers of Target Market:

Growing Demand for sustainable Packaging is expected to Boost Market Growth

Sustainable packaging reduces waste, conserves resources and minimizes pollution and further these factors are expected to boost the food packaging technology market growth. Utilizing biodegradable or recyclable materials helps decrease the volume of waste sent to landfills.

• For Instance, in May 2024, Mondi has unveiled a new secondary paper packaging solution, ‘TrayWrap’, to replace plastic shrink film used for bundling food and beverage products. A coffee business in Sweden is presently employing the new environmentally friendly packaging solution, created with Mondi's Advantage StretchWrap line, to secure 12 coffee packages for transit.

Technological Advancements in Packaging is Expected to Speed Up Market Expansion

Food safety and shelf life are being improved by innovations, such as active packaging, which has antibacterial qualities and intelligent packaging having temperature sensors and QR codes. 

• For Instance, in September 2024, Pakka, a leading manufacturer of compostable packaging solutions, has unveiled an exciting new range of flexible compostable packaging aimed at addressing the rising demand for sustainable packaging options in the food and beverages sector. This innovative product line is designed to contribute to a cleaner planet while providing effective solutions for various packaging needs.

Restraints:

High Costs of Advanced Packaging Solutions Hampers the Target Market Growth

Small firm’s capacity to finance intelligent and active packaging technologies is limited by the substantial initial expenditure required for their development and adoption. For example, financial limitations made it difficult for small food startups in some major regions to implement smart packaging. 

• Counterbalance Statements: Investing in cutting-edge packaging guarantees improved defense against contamination and damage, which reduces the need for expensive recalls and boost consumer confidence. Further, superior packaging materials and technology fuel brand reputation and consumer loyalty by preserving product purity.  

Opportunities & Market Trends:

Expansion of Edible Packaging Can Provide Better Future Opportunities

• The demand for biodegradable and edible packaging materials is growing as consumers and regulatory bodies emphasize sustainability. Further, many companies can invest in research and development to develop edible packaging that aligns with zero waste goals.
• For instance, in November 2023, University of California explored advancements in seaweed-based edible films, which replaces single-use plastics in snack packaging. Seaweed-based films have emerged as a promising solution for sustainable food packaging due to their renewable sourcing, biodegradability, and functional properties.

The food packaging technology market is classified into technology, material, application, end-user, and region.

Technology:

Food packaging technology market by technology is categorized into controlled packaging, active packaging, intelligent packaging, aseptic packaging, biodegradable packaging, and others. The aseptic packaging segment is expected to dominate over the forecast period as aseptic packaging effectively maintains food quality and nutritional value by using sterilized containers and environments.

• For instance, in September 2024, Tetra Pak has collaborated with a leading company in the European juices, nectars, and soft drinks markets to launch the new Tetra Prisma Aseptic 300 Edge beverage carton. Product wastage is minimized by combining the slanted top of the Tetra Prisma Aseptic 300 Edge carton with a DreamCap 26 Pro tethered closure. This helps to prevent litter too, as the cap stays attached to the package. Therefore, it can be collected alongside the carton once consumers have enjoyed their drink and put the container in the correct bin for recycling.

Material:

Based on material, the food packaging technology market is categorized into plastics, metal, glass & wood, paper & paperboard, and others. The plastics segment is expected to dominate over the forecast period as it provides effective protection against food damage and are widely used in various packaging formats including flexible and rigid options.

• For instance, in June 2023, a collaboration involving PepsiCo and its flexible food packaging supply chain partners has launched new premium snack packaging containing 50% recycled plastic. The new packaging fulfils stringent food-contact requirements and was launched for PepsiCo’s Sunbites brand in the U.K. and Ireland late last year.

Application:

By application, the food packaging technology market is categorized into dairy products, bakery products, confectionery products, seafood and meat products, convenience foods, fruits & vegetables, and others. The confectionery products segment is expected to hold the dominant food packaging technology market share during the forecast period due to its alignment with consumer preferences for quick meal solutions leading to significant advancements in packaging technologies to ensure extended shelf life and food safety.

End- User:

By end-user, the Food packaging technology market is segmented into food service, industrial, retail, and others. The retail segment dominates the focused market share as its high-volume demand for various packaged goods like snacks, beverages, ready-to-eat meals and fresh produce innovative packaging solutions to ensure freshness, safety, and shelf appeal.

Region:

Geographically, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America: This region is expected to hold a dominant market share of the focused market, as it benefits from strict food safety regulations which boost the demand for advanced packaging solutions.

• For instance, in October 2024, Novolex, an industry leader in packaging choice, innovation, and sustainability, is introducing new clear containers that keep food fresh and secure while giving consumers peace of mind. The new TamperFlag rigid containers, made by Novolex brand Waddington North America (WNA), feature a tamper-evident “flag” that pops up and stays raised once opened. The feature alerts consumers that the container has been unsealed.

Asia Pacific: This is considered as the fastest-growing region in the market due to the growing middle-class population that has resulted in higher disposable incomes allowing consumers to spend more on packaged foods that offer convenience and quality.

Food Packaging Technology Market Report Scope:

Segmentation:

By Technology:

• Controlled Packaging
• Active Packaging
• Intelligent Packaging
• Aseptic Packaging
• Biodegradable Packaging
• Others

By Material:

• Plastics
• Metal
• Glass & Wood
• Paper & Paperboard
• Others 

By Application:

• Dairy Products
• Bakery Products
• Confectionery Products
• Seafood and Meat Products
• Convenience Foods
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Others

By End-User:

• Food Service
• Industrial
• Retail
• Others

By Region:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Russia
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • Israel
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

The key players operating in the food packaging technology market are Crown Holdings Inc., Sealed Air Corporation, Tetra Pak International, and among others. The market for food packaging technology is extremely competitive with major competitors which fuels technological improvements, sustainability and innovation. To satisfy the rising need for functional, affordable and also eco-friendly packaging and further, top companies concentrate on providing a variety of packaging options.

For instance, in October 2024, Tetra Pak, a global leader in food packaging and processing, showcases the latest innovation in new food categories, processing technologies, recycling solutions, and product innovation at the upcoming 10th edition of Gulfood Manufacturing, scheduled for 5-7 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

List of Key Players in the Market:

• Crown Holdings Inc.
• Sealed Air Corporation
• Tetra Pak International S.A.
• Amcor plc
• Rexam PLC
• Sonoco Products Company
• Graphic Packaging International LLC
• International Paper Company
• Ball Corporation
• Reynolds Group Holdings Ltd.
• Berry Global Group, Inc.
• Huhtamaki Oyj
• Mondi
• Smurfit Kappa Group plc
• DS Smith plc

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• In November 2024, SIG, an innovation and technology leader in aseptic carton packaging, unveiled SIG NEO, a major innovation in filling technology. With a speed of up to 18,000 packs per hour, SIG NEO is the world's fastest filling machine for family size carton packs. It also has a 25% lower carbon footprint per filled pack compared with SIG's current generation filling machines for family-size packs, due to low waste rates and reduced consumption of water and other utilities.
• In October 2024, KYSU has unveiled innovative packaging made entirely from recycled materials across all its products. This airtight, recyclable, and reusable paper packaging distinguishes KYSU as one of the only companies to package its entire range of over 80 different products in such environmentally friendly containers. By offering consumers the option to reuse the packaging, the company addresses the urgent issue of plastic pollution in the U.S., while providing convenient storage solutions.
• In September 2024, Nestlé introduced paperboard canisters for its Vital Proteins brand in the U.S., reducing plastic use by 90% compared to previous packaging. The new canisters were developed by experts at Nestlé Health Science’s R&D centre in Bridgewater, New Jersey, in collaboration with external partners. The redesigned packaging features a proprietary, tightly-sealed lid that ensures ease of use, durability, and protection against leaks and spills.
• In February 2024, Generation Food Rural Partners I, LP (GFRP), a fund created by early-stage investor Big Idea Ventures, has acquired edible packaging startup DisSolves as it gears up to run pilots with leading CPG companies.
• In January 2024, Mars China has introduced Snickers bar featuring dark chocolate cereal in mono-material flexible packaging. This new product not only offers a low-sugar and low-glycemic index (GI) option but also features individual packaging made from a mono PP material, adhering to the concept of ‘Designed For Recycling’ that can be easily recycled in designated channels.   
• In April 2022, Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, is highlighting the need for innovative packaging solutions in the fresh food industry by introducing two new recyclable packaging products, a paper-based tray and a semi-rigid plastic tray, at Anuga FoodTec.

Analyst View:

Food packaging technology market is poised for significant growth driven by the increasing consumer demand for convenience, sustainability, and technological innovation in packaging. As packaging technology evolves, companies are focusing on developing smarter and more sustainable solutions to meet these shifting preferences, aligning with environmental regulations and consumer expectations further is anticipated to fuel the target market in upcoming years.

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