The global smart food packaging market is projected to grow from USD 26.42 billion in 2024 to USD 35.69 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. This growth is fueled by increasing demand for advanced packaging solutions that enhance food safety, extend shelf life, and improve traceability.
Rising Importance of Active Packaging in the Food Industry
A recent study, Active Packaging in the Food Industry (published in October 2024), highlights the growing significance of active packaging in response to evolving consumer preferences. Unlike traditional packaging, which remains inert, active packaging interacts with food and its environment to preserve freshness and enhance quality.
Active packaging technologies incorporate oxygen and ethylene scavengers, antimicrobial agents, antioxidants, and flavor-modulating compounds. Additionally, intelligent packaging solutions, such as time-temperature indicators and gas sensors, are gaining attention, with consumer acceptance playing a key role in their commercial success.
Key mechanisms used in active packaging include:
- Oxygen scavengers: Utilize iron-based or ascorbic acid-based systems to minimize oxidation and maintain product freshness.
- Carbon dioxide-generating systems: Help suppress microbial growth, particularly in meat, poultry, fish, and cheese.
- Ethylene scavengers: Extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by regulating ripening processes.
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Meat, Poultry & Seafood: Leading the Smart Packaging Market
The meat, poultry, and seafood sector holds the largest share in the smart food packaging market due to the industry's pressing needs for extended shelf life, food safety, and supply chain traceability.
As per USDA data (October 2024):
- Brazil is set to dominate global chicken meat exports in 2025, with an estimated production of 11.8 million tons.
- Australia’s poultry production is expected to grow by 2% to 2.6 million tons, driven by high global demand.
- Beef exports from Australia are projected to reach a record 1.9 million tons due to increasing demand from the U.S
The rising international meat trade and export volumes are driving adoption of smart packaging solutions, such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and active packaging, ensuring freshness, reduced food waste, and improved safety. The demand is especially strong in key markets like East Asia and North America.
Active Packaging: A Dominant Segment in Smart Food Packaging
The active packaging segment is expected to hold a significant market share from 2024 to 2029. Its increasing adoption is attributed to enhanced quality control, food safety, and shelf-life extension. Key technologies such as oxygen scavengers, moisture absorbers, and antimicrobial agents are crucial for addressing concerns related to freshness and food waste reduction.
Active packaging is widely used in industries such as meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy, where food safety and sustainability concerns are driving innovation. Additionally, the rising export of perishable food products in regions like North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific is fueling the demand for advanced packaging solutions. As manufacturers strive to meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations, active packaging will continue to play a vital role in the industry.
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Europe: A Key Market for Smart Food Packaging
Europe holds a significant share of the smart food packaging market, driven by the expansion of the food and beverage industry and increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions.
According to European Commission data (March 2024):
1. The food and drinks industry generates approximately USD 245 billion (€227 billion) in added value.
2. The sector employs 4.6 million people, making it the largest manufacturing industry in the EU. 3. Over 99% of businesses in this industry are SMEs.
The EU food trade surplus has doubled over the last decade, exceeding USD 196 billion (€182 billion), with a positive balance of nearly USD 32 billion (€30 billion).
These strong economic indicators, coupled with increasing trade opportunities and the benefits of the EU Single Market, are driving demand for smart packaging technologies to support efficient and sustainable food supply chains.
Leading Smart Food Packaging Companies
The report profiles key players such as Amcor plc (Switzerland), Mondi (UK), Sealed Air (US), Berry Global Inc. (US), Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd. (Japan), THE TETRA LAVAL GROUP (Switzerland), Crown (US), 3M (US), MITSUBISHI GAS CHEMICAL COMPANY, INC. (Japan), Multisorb (US), Huhtamäki Oyj (Finland), Timestrip UK LTD (UK), Stepac (Israel), Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (US), and Novipax Buyer, LLC (US).
