Microwave Packaging Market Size - By Packaging Type, By Material, By Application Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Microwave Packaging Market Size

The global microwave packaging market was valued at USD 16.3 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2024 to 2032. The global market for microwave packaging is on the rise due to the growing popularity for ready-to-eat meals, a consequence of urbanization. In response to environmental issues, manufacturers have begun to create sustainable materials that are microwave-safe, for example, recyclable and paper-based packaging. The food packaging innovation and development of the frozen and processed food industry boost market growth.
 

For instance, in October 2023, Nissin Foods USA decided to change its packaging by moving to sustainable packaging for its Cup Noodles. The paper cups are made of 40% recycled fiber with 100% recycled paper sleeves and eliminate polystyrene cups. The purpose of this transition is to fulfill the demand for environmentally friendly packaging.
 

Microwave Packaging Market Trends

The trend in the microwave packaging industry seems to be child-focused, which can be attributed to busy parents who need quick meals for their children. Companies focus on packaging that helps children cook meals themselves, including several children-friendly concepts. This contains features such as clear instructions, easy-to-open packaging, and the use of materials that help to achieve uniform cooking and high food quality. The individual trend is helping make microwaveable foods more attractive to parents with kids, where parents seek easier and convenient times for their little ones. For instance, October 2023 Kraft Heinz developed the new Lunchables Grilled Cheesies featuring new 360CRISP microwave packaging, making the food an entertaining novelty for children to play with, it needs to be only warmed by placing in a microwave for about 60 seconds, and manufactured with no requirement of adult facilitation.
 

Microwave Packaging Market Analysis

Microwave packaging manufacturers struggle to meet the complex requirements of environmental standards and safety regulations, which include tests for food safety and the use of materials with zero toxicity when microwaved. Furthermore, the combined force of regulators and consumers, which are increasingly focused on and for eco-friendly and sustainable packaging, is now pushing companies to use sustainable materials and reduce packaging waste while achieving optimal functionality. For such manufacturers to abide by the up-scale of eco-friendly and meet the highly demanding sales and marketing strategy, high-performance packaging must be developed into new innovative materials. This interaction will enable them to meet set targets while retaining the growing standards of the environment.
 

Based on packaging type, the market is divided into trays, bags & pouches, cups, tubs, and bowls, cartons, and others. The bags & pouches segment is expected to reach a value of over USD 10 billion by 2032.
 

• Due to its flexibility and ease of use, the bags & pouches segment in the microwave packaging market is likely to reach considerable value. These flexible solutions are light, easy to store and can adapt to a variety of food types, such as meals, snacks, and frozen food.
   
• The cost effectiveness and sustainability also contribute to the growth of the bags & pouches segment. Many modern packs are also manufactured with improved barrier properties that help in the preservation of food and its expiry. These factors, combined with the growing consumer base looking for easy-to-use and low-cost environmentally friendly packaging, as well as the need for manufacturers to limit the use of excessive packaging waste, are likely to stimulate significant growth in this segment within the market.
   

Based on material, the microwave packaging market is divided into plastic, paperboard, and others. The paperboard segment is the fastest growing segment with a CAGR of over 9% between 2024 and 2032.
 

• One of the main reasons for the rapid expansion of paperboard is its cheaper alternative to plastic paperboard containers that are expensive to produce. This cookware has been an integral necessity for manufacturers who want to reduce emissions and other forms of waste.
   
• Furthermore, due to the growing demand for environmentally conscious practices, it is imperative to switch to paper-based raw materials that do not rely on oil by-products. The inclination towards paperboard as a more environmentally friendly solution in the microwave packaging industry is further strengthened due to stronger regulations on the use of plastic in many countries.
   

North America held a share of over 30% in the global microwave packaging market. There are several factors that have enabled the growth of the market in the United States, and these factors include the increase in the population, which leads to higher consumption of food solutions that are easy to reach, and the increase in the demand for ready-to-eat products. Since customers focus on convenience, food manufacturers also innovate and produce advanced packaging solutions that make cooking easier and improve the quality of food, especially in the families and busy professional segments.
 

In China, the market for microwave packaging is growing at a fast pace due to the rising rate of urbanization and the changing lifestyle patterns of people. Chinese Government is actively campaigning for the country's population to eat healthier food and is encouraging food manufacturers to produce healthy meals. This means that many companies are developing better products around microwave packaging that guarantee food safety while improving marketing appeal. This is compounded by the increase in popularity of food delivery apps, which essentially depend on good packaging to protect food during delivery.
 

Income growth, expansion of the food processing industry and changes in consumers' food habits are the main drivers of the growth of the microwave packaging industry in India. Urban areas show a growing trend to adopt busy lifestyles, creating a demand for accessible, quick, and easy to prepare meals. In addition, food brands are launching easy-to-prepare microwaveable products that also bring high quality benefits. The advocates of the “Make in India” program are also inviting local manufacturers to develop smart packaging solutions, thereby ensuring a remarkable expansion of the Indian microwave packaging market in the future.
 

In South Korea, the growth of the microwave packaging sector has accelerated as consumers have adopted convenient foods. An effective population, South Koreans invest more in microwaveable foods due to their busy lives. The demand for non-perishable packages, designed for single meals and more stylish cans, continues to influence the trend along with the aim of creating durable and fresh foods. South Korean consumers are increasingly concerned about their diet, so manufacturers respond to the changing needs of the market by producing microwave containers with a real healthy food design.
 

Japan's market for microwave packaging is experiencing growth driven by a stable food convenience culture with which the country has been living for some time. This also adds to the long-term characteristics of the country with strong packaging cultures as manufacturers try to strengthen their portfolio with regard to marketing to busy consumers. The growing change in behaviour towards easy, quick, and frozen meals has further increased the demand for quality microwave packaging.
 

Microwave Packaging Market Share

The main factors motivating competition in the microwave container industry are usability design, ecological effectiveness, and production costs. The existing companies are focusing on the creation of biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials as the world continues to experience a dramatic increase in the need for sustainability from consumers. Usability aspects, such as heat-resistant variants that guarantee even heating of foods and child-friendly formats also play a role. Competition in terms of prices is important for food processors selling in enormous quantities. Different developments, such as the use of susceptors to optimize the crisping and ventilation systems to control steam, are also being used to improve the overall experience of cooking. The development of market entry involves distribution agreements with leading food manufacturers and retailers.
 

Microwave Packaging Market Companies

Major players operating in the microwave packaging industry are:

• Amcor
• Berry Global Group
• Cube Packaging Solutions
• Dart Container Corporation
• Envaplaster
• Graphic Packaging International
• Huhtamaki Group
• Inline Packaging
• Mondi Group
• Plus Pack
• ProAmpac
• Sabert Corporation
• SC Johnson & Son
• Sealed Air Corporation
• Sirane
• Sonoco Products Company
• Stora Enso
• TC Transcontinental Packaging
• Toppan
• WestRock Company
   

Microwave Packaging Industry News

• In May 2024, ProAmpac's introduced a fully recyclable PE film R-2000 for microwaves and frozen food packaging. They also introduced the R-2000F and R-2000S, respectively, which provide heat resistance.
   
• In November 2023, CJ CheilJedang developed a compostable coated paper with the help of biodegradable polyhydroxyalcanoate (PHA), which is safe for microwave use. The material is environmentally friendly and is heat-resistant and durable, allowing its use in rice, noodles, and paper cups for microwave heating.
   

This microwave packaging market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Packaging Type

• Trays
• Bags & Pouches
• Cups, Tubs, and Bowls
• Cartons
• Others

Market, By Material

• Plastic
• Paperboard
• Others

Market, Application

• Fresh Prepared Foods
• Frozen Foods
• Shelf Stable Meals
• 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