Food Packaging Market

Food Packaging Market Size

The global food packaging market was valued at USD 458.6 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2025 to 2034.

The demand for food packaging is boosted by the growing need for easy to use and portable products. There is a surge in demand for single-served or ready-to-eat meals and snacks with the fast-paced lifestyles of people. This goes in the direction with seeking new packaging techniques that would help to prolong product shelf life and protect it while minimizing loss in texture or taste. For instance, in July 2023 iD Fresh Foods, which intoduced the iD Squeeze & Fry Vada Batter in convenient packaging format.

Food Packaging Market Trends

The food packaging industry is witnessing a significant shift from traditional packaging to intelligent as well as sustainable packaging formats. Businesses are focusing on wrapping their products in such a manner which would offer the customers unique experiences alongside gathering key information about their purchasing trends and preferences. For instance, in October 2023, QR code featured packaging was used for winter-based juices by a collaboration of Appetite Creative together with Tetra Pak. This type of packaging enables users to operate a web app via the QR code which recommends drinks suitable for them while at the same time offering cocktail recipes themed around the Winters. This approach facilitates even more data collection to further improve brand engagement among the consumers.

Food Packaging Market Analysis

One of the issues for the food packaging industry is the sustainability that comes at a price. Environmentally friendly biodegradable polymers, recycled content, and plant materials are more expensive than standard materials such as plastic or non-recyclable composites. The progression and integration of professional sustainable packaging solutions tends to increase the cost of operation due to the necessary investments in advanced technologies, research and changes in the manufacturing process.

There is a great opportunity around food packaging with the introduction and usage of edible packaging. These harmless and natural materials including seaweed, rice paper or starch-based composites can protect food and deliver an additional benefit as they are the part of the food themselves.

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Based on material, the food packaging market is divided into plastic, paper & paperboard, glass, metal, and others. The plastic segment is expected to reach a value of over USD 300 billion by 2034.

• The market exhibits remarkable growth in the plastic segment since it is economical, flexible and has a variety of uses. It is easily shaped into a variety of forms and sizes, suitable for any type of food such as snacks, drinks, dairy, frozen foods and many others. Furthermore, plastic performs well as a barrier material, protecting food from moisture, air and light, which increases shelf life and freshness of the food. Additionally, the light weight of these materials reduces the costs of transportation and thus encourages its use.
  
• Furthermore, due to the increased demand for convenient foods, portable items and ecommerce growth, the demand for protective dispensation, which only plastic can offer in terms of ensuring food safety and quality during transportation, has also surged. Although many people are concerned about the effects of plastic on the environment, the recycling of plastics and the introduction of environmentally friendly substitutes is helping to keep the material in demand.

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Based on packaging type, the food packaging market is divided into flexible, rigid, and semi-rigid. The flexible segment is the fastest growing segment with a CAGR of over 6% between 2025 and 2034.

• The segment of flexible food packaging is expected to grow the most because it is economical, light in weight, and multipurpose. The use of flexible packaging methods such as pouches, films, and bags are on the rise because of its low weight and compact size which help bring down storage and transportation costs. To package a variety of food items including snacks, frozen products, and even beverages, it can easily accommodate different shapes and sizes. Its ability to be tailor-made for different products and its relatively lower ecological footprint than that of rigid packaging are the reasons for its increasing demand.
  
• The other significant factor in the growth of flexible packaging is the increasing number of consumers requiring both ease of use and environmentally friendly packaging. Since more people are becoming concerned about the environment, flexible packaging options are being developed that use compostable films and have recyclable material.

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North America held a share of over 25% in the global food packaging market. The U.S. is gaining traction in the food packaging industry on the back of technological advancement in materials such as smart and eco-friendly solutions, and heightened consumer demand for ready food items. Going green by using eco-friendly packaging has become a norm as increased concern over the environment and regulatory authorities make this a requirement. In addition, the large population ensures increased demand for food products, making the US an important market in the global food packaging industry.

In the Chinese food packaging market, the food packaging industry that has been growing rapidly as a result of increased technological advancements, urbanization and increased incomes, as well as the rapid growth of e-commerce. The people in the urban areas have an increased demand for packaged food, attributing to the growth of eco-friendly materials and protective packaging technologies. Most importantly, the growing demand for easy to cook and ready to eat food items from the growing middle class has increased the need for safe and efficient packaging methods. Eco-friendly packaging is also in demand because of the Chinese government’s concern on waste and sustainability.

The food packaging industry in India has experienced growth as a result of increasing population, urbanization and growth in consumer expenditure that results reminiscence of packaged food as conveniently. Alongside, there is increasing regulatory pressure together with consumer demand striving for sustainable and eco-friendly materials.

South Korean food packaging market is growing due to several factors such as, rise in single-person households, technology and sustainability. The rise of single-person households has led to an increased convenience food culture. Younger generations in South Korea lead busy lives, resulting in altering food consumption patterns. In addition to smart packaging gaining popularity due to its efficiency, there are an increasing number of sustainable options available due to the government’s focus on reducing plastic waste, and the South Korean market aligns perfectly with its current trajectory.

The food packaging sector in Japan is on the growth trajectory, owing to the highly developed retail industry, advanced technology, and the boom in the aging population. Japan is also experiencing a new trend of more eco-friendly packaging as consumers become aware of their environmental duties. In addition to this, the market is adopting advanced technologies such as vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging and smart packaging with a strong emphasis on food safety and freshness.

Food Packaging Market Share

The food packaging industry is highly competitive, with price, product differentiation, innovation, and distribution as the primary driving factors. The environmental factors have become of great concern for both consumers and regulatory authorities hence packaging product development with a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly materials has been a product differentiator. Other competitive dynamics include technologies such as smart and protective packaging that ensure food is safe and fresh. Other factors that accentuate competition in the market are strong distribution channels and an ability to satisfy increasing demand from retail and e-commerce channels.

Food Packaging Market Companies

Major players operating in the food packaging industry are:

• Amcor
• Anchor Packaging
• Ball Corporation
• Berry Global Group
• Clearwater Paper Corporation
• Constantia Flexibles
• Coveris Group
• Crown Holdings
• DS Smith
• Eastern Pak Limited
• ExxonMobil Chemical
• Graphic Packaging International
• International Paper Company
• Mondi
• Packaging Corporation of America
• Plastipak
• Schur Flexibles Group
• Sealed Air
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Sonoco Products Company
• Stora Enso
• Tetra Pak International
• WestRock Company
  

Food Packaging Industry News

• In November 2024, UPM Specialty Papers and Eastman unveiled an innovative biopolymer-coated paper solution that enhances grease and oxygen barriers for food packaging. This eco-friendly solution, combining UPM’s barrier papers with Eastman’s Solus additives, offers compostability, recyclability, and superior performance.
  
• In June 2024, Saica Group and Mondelez launched a new recyclable paper-based product for multipacks in confectionery, biscuits, and chocolate markets. Designed for heat sealable packaging, the product meets sustainability standards contributing to global packaging sustainability efforts.
  

This food packaging market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) & volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Material

• Plastic
• Paper & paperboard
• Glass
• Metal
• Others

Market, By Product Type

• Bags & pouches
• Bottles & jars
• Boxes & containers
• Film & wraps
• Cans
• Clamshells
• Others

Market, By Packaging Type

• Flexible
• Rigid
• Semi-rigid

Market, By Technology

• Conventional packaging
• Active & intelligent packaging
• Modified atmosphere packaging
• Vacuum packaging

Market, By Application

• Bakery & confectionery
• Beverages
• Dairy products
• Fruits & vegetables
• Meat, poultry, & seafood
• Snacks & sauces
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa