Food Packaging Market Report

Food Packaging Market Overview:

The global food packaging market size reached USD 405.4 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 651.7 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.86% during 2025-2033. The growing awareness about environmental issues and harmful effects of plastic waste, advancements in packaging technology to improve food safety and shelf life, and increasing focus on innovative design and aesthetics are some of the factors impelling the market growth.

Food Packaging Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The market is experiencing moderate growth because of the increasing demand for environment-friendly packaging options, rising dependence on online shopping, and strict regulations focused on food safety and environmental preservation.
• Key Market Trends: Major trends include advancements in eco-friendly packaging, the emergence of smart packaging with freshness monitoring technology, and the growing demand for flexible packaging options.
• Geographical Trends: North America leads the market on account of the increasing consumer demand for packaged foods, major developments in packaging technology, and regulations encouraging sustainable packaging practices.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the industry include Amcor PLC, Crown Holdings Incorporated, Owens-Illinois Inc., Tetra Pak Ltd., American Packaging Corporation, and Ball Corporation.
• Challenges and Opportunities: The strict environmental norms and the expensive nature of implementing innovative, eco-friendly packaging methods are major challenges influencing the food packaging market revenue. Nevertheless, companies are investing in eco-friendly packaging solutions to capitalize on the growing consumer demand for sustainable products.
   

Food Packaging Market Trends:

Innovation in Packaging Design and Aesthetics

Packaging design and aesthetics play a crucial role in attracting buyers and enhancing brand appeal. Eye-catching and creative packaging designs can make products stand out amongst many options in retail stores, greatly influencing buying choices. Businesses allocate resources towards artistic and attractive packaging that safeguards the product while also showcasing brand image and principles. The experience of people is improved by including ergonomic designs, clear labeling, and interactive elements. As packaging becomes more important for marketing, manufacturers are constantly coming up with new ideas and embracing the latest design fashions. This emphasis on design and aesthetics not only sets products apart but also fosters brand loyalty. The increasing investment in creating innovative packaging design is a key factor contributing to the food packaging market growth. In 2023, Tetra Pak collaborated with Flow Beverage and Live Nation Canada to introduce the inaugural utilization of Tetra Pak's custom printing technology, elevating Flow's carton graphics and creating novel marketing possibilities. This partnership sought to offer a captivating experience for clients and widen advertising possibilities with creative beverage packaging.

Technological Advancements in Packaging Solutions

Advanced packaging technologies, such as quick response (QR) codes, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, and freshness indicators, offer up-to-date information on the quality, source, and expiry dates of products, improving visibility and tracking. These packaging solutions, which include antimicrobial agents and oxygen scavengers, aid in preserving food freshness and prolonging shelf life. Progress in the field of materials science is resulting in the development of flexible, light, and long-lasting packaging that provide excellent barrier capabilities. These advancements allow producers to address changing consumer needs and adhere to industry regulations. By utilizing these cutting-edge technologies, businesses can guarantee improved product quality, minimize waste, and provide enhanced user experiences, ultimately leading to higher consumer trust. This technological progression is pivotal in addressing modern challenges and setting new standards in the food packaging industry. In 2023, Checkpoint Systems implemented RFID technology in McDonald's reusable containers in more than 1,200 stores in France, in compliance with new laws that prohibit single-use tableware. The aim of this partnership was to help McDonald's achieve their sustainability targets and improve recycling practices in accordance with the rules of governing agencies.

Sustainability and Environmental Concerns

The growing awareness about environmental issues and the harmful effects of plastic waste are driving the sustainable food packaging demand. Individuals and regulatory entities are advocating the use of environment-friendly materials and methods, encouraging companies to adopt biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable packaging choices. This transition to sustainability aims to decrease the carbon footprint and alleviate the environmental consequences of packaging waste. Manufacturers are responding by creating new materials and packaging designs that reduce resource usage and improve recyclability. This focus on sustainability not only addresses pressing environmental concerns but also aligns with consumer values, fostering brand loyalty. In 2023, Ball Corporation partnered with CavinKare to launch retort aluminum cans for CavinKare's milkshake varieties in India because of the increasing popularity of convenient drinks. The goal of this partnership was to transform the dairy industry by utilizing Ball's knowledge of eco-friendly packaging.

Food Packaging Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on packaging type and application.

Breakup by Packaging Type:

• Flexible Packaging
• Paper and Paperboard Packaging
• Rigid Plastic Packaging
• Glass Packaging
• Metal Packaging
• Others
   

Flexible packaging accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the packaging type. This includes flexible packaging, paper and paperboard packaging, rigid plastic packaging, glass packaging, metal packaging, and others. According to the report, flexible packaging represented the largest segment.

Flexible holds the biggest market share as per the food packaging market outlook because of its versatility, affordability, and exceptional performance. Flexible packaging includes bags, pouches, wraps, and films that can easily take on various shapes and sizes, providing excellent protection against contamination and extending the shelf life of food products. The light weight of flexible packaging decreases transportation expenses and ecological footprint, which makes it an appealing choice for both producers and individuals. Moreover, the rising popularity of ready-to-eat (RTE) meals and single-serve portions is bolstering the market growth. Developments in materials and printing methods are improving flexible packaging, resulting in more visually appealing and informative designs that align with individual demand for sustainability and convenience. In 2024, a new thermal inkjet (TIJ) solution was introduced by Domino Printing Sciences for food packaging applications, providing a more effective option to traditional thermal transfer overprinting (TTO). The Domino Gx-Series TIJ solution greatly decreased consumables usage and downtime, leading to a waste reduction of up to 95% and cost savings of 70% when compared to regular TTO solutions.

Breakup by Application:

• Bakery, Confectionary, Pasta, and Noodles
• Dairy Products
• Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments
• Snacks and Side Dishes
• Convenience Foods
• Meat, Fish, and Poultry
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Others
   

Bakery, confectionary, pasta and noodles hold the largest share of the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application have also been provided in the report. This includes bakery, confectionary, pasta, and noodles; dairy products; sauces, dressings, and condiments; snacks and side dishes; convenience foods; meat, fish, and poultry; fruits and vegetables; and others. According to the report, bakery, confectionary, pasta and noodles accounted for the largest market share.

Bakery, confectionery, pasta, and noodles hold the biggest market share according to the food packaging industry outlook, driven by the widespread consumption of these items and the rising need for practical and appealing packaging options. The increasing consumer preference for RTE and easy-to-prepare food items is driving the demand for packaging that guarantees product freshness, safety, and longer shelf life. Packaging options for this category commonly consist of flexible pouches, wrappers, and cartons that offer superior protection against moisture, light, and air, helping to preserve the quality and taste of food products. Moreover, the rising popularity of high-quality and handmade bakery and confectionery items is creating a need for innovative and attractive packaging designs that improve overall consumer satisfaction. In December 2023, Mars China introduced the SNICKERS® low-GI dark chocolate cereal bar in a recyclable mono-material flexible packaging. This project helped Mars achieve its sustainability objectives by offering a low-sugar item in packaging intended for simple recycling through specific channels.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa
   

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest food packaging market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. According to the report, North America represents the largest regional market for food packaging.

North America leads the market owing to the rising consumer preference for packaged foods and major developments in packaging technology. The food and beverage industry (F&B) in the region is well-developed and requires efficient and innovative packaging to meet the diverse needs of individuals. The increasing popularity of convenience foods, pre-packaged meals, and individual servings is catalyzing the demand for different kinds of packaging, including flexible, rigid plastic, and eco-friendly materials. Furthermore, the implementation of eco-friendly packaging options is driven by strict food safety regulations and the growing consumer focus on environmental sustainability. In 2023, Amcor introduced its curbside-recyclable AmFiber Performance Paper packaging in North America, providing a sustainable option for food packaging with high-barrier protection and compatibility with existing flexible packaging equipment.

Competitive Landscape:

• The food packaging market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the industry include Amcor PLC, Crown Holdings Incorporated, Owens-Illinois Inc., Tetra Pak Ltd., American Packaging Corporation, Ball Corporation, etc.
  
  (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
   
• Major companies in the food packaging industry are prioritizing innovation and sustainability in order to satisfy changing consumer needs and government regulations. They are making investments in research operations to produce innovative packaging solutions that improve food safety, prolong shelf life, and lessen environmental harm. These companies are also broadening their range of products to incorporate environment-friendly and biodegradable materials, in response to the increasing emphasis on sustainability. Strategic alliances and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are frequent tactics employed to strengthen market visibility and technological competencies. For example, in 2023, Amcor and Tyson Foods collaborated to launch AmPrima™ recycle-ready packaging for Jimmy Dean® egg bites and frittatas, improving sustainability while maintaining performance.

Food Packaging Market News:

• May 2024: Tetra Pak Ltd. and the University of Georgia opened North America's first Tetra Recart® trial facility at UGA's Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center, allowing food companies to experiment with and create eco-friendly packaging options. This partnership aimed to transform food packaging by providing affordable and eco-friendly options compared to traditional canning methods.
• February 2024: Amcor teamed up with Stonyfield Organic and Cheer Pack North America to introduce the initial all- polyethylene (PE) spouted pouch for YoBaby yogurt, incorporating AmPrima Plus film and Vizi caps to improve sustainability and recyclability. This new development updated the conventional layered packaging, keeping performance high and decreasing plastic consumption.
• April 2024: American Packaging Corporation (APC) introduced an enhanced design with recyclable technology for pet food packaging, with the goal of substituting non-recyclable laminates with PE-based materials. This program follows recyclability standards by using modern materials and processes for different package sizes.

Food Packaging Industry Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, food packaging market forecast, and dynamics of the market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides food packaging insights into the current positions of key players.