The barrier packaging market size is projected to reach a value of USD 18.32 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 2.8% from 2024 to 2034. Sales are predicted to reach USD 24.14 billion by 2034.
High-barrier packaging sales are driven by the increasing demand for packaged food items, particularly in the food and beverage industry along with the pharmaceutical sector.
Leading companies in packaging deliver novel technology catering to unique packaging demands. For instance, in October 2023, ProAmpac introduced the RP-1000HB, a high-barrier paper-based packaging system, at PACK EXPO Las Vegas. The result protects extremely well against oxygen, moisture, and grease, can be integrated into the equipment easily, and is pre-H2R qualified for repurposing.
For protective packaging nanocomposites like montmorillonite clays, kaolinite, carbon nanotubes, and graphene nanosheets are used to develop eco-friendly high-tech solutions that safeguard the food from moisture, oxygen, dust, and UV rays.
Demand for more effective protective packaging solutions is one of the key drivers increasing the use of barrier packaging in pharmaceutical industry. Moreover, the use of barrier packaging for medicines and pharmaceutical products has surged the need in the market. Mariela packaging bag is one of the many novel innovations that rely on astute design, technology, and materials that minimize space and maximize protective shielding of the contents.
For instance, Neopac, an international company that specializes in packaging, displayed Polyfoil Mono-Material Barrier Mini tubes in September 2024 during CPHI Milan, which presented an aluminum-free solution with an impressive barrier performance for delicate medications.
Barrier packaging, otherwise known as medical device packaging, encases any sensitive medicine that requires protection from environmental abuse and allows for screening of other products already inside the packaging.
The cost and investments associated with barrier packaging solutions depends on the materials used. Metal packaging ensures longer safety while glass is used for lighter food products and pharmaceuticals. Light-blocking materials are utilized while the transparent barrier coating acts as sunlight exposure protection, plastic and laminated packaging are then used for airtight food cover packs.
The demand for barrier films is increasing as the requirement rises for films of good quality as incorporative materials. A major share of this market is food packing; numerous packers aim to make the verticals thinner while prolonging the freshness of the food. This is thanks to environmental policies and the desire of retailers, manufacturers, and consumers to eliminate waste and improve the quality of products for a longer period.
The future of PET is very bright due to its advantages in metalizing, a process that improves the barrier of the substrate. LCP (liquid crystal PET) is emerging for high gas barrier applications, providing flexible barrier films to protect electronic components from degradation.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Global Barrier Packaging Market Size (2024E) | USD 18.32 billion |
| Projected Global Barrier Packaging Market Value (2034F) | USD 24.14 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 2.8% |
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The table below highlights the projected CAGRs for the global barrier packaging industry over semi-annual periods ranging between 2023 and 2024. The analysis offers businesses with a better analysis of the growth over the year by revealing acute shifts in performance and growth patterns.
The industry is projected to report a CAGR of 2.6% in the first half (H1) of the decade from 2023 to 2033 and 2.9% in the second half (H2) of the same decade, indicating a rise in sales trajectory.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 2.6% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 2.9% (2023 to 2033) |
| H1 | 2.5% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 2.7% (2024 to 2034) |
The global market’s growth trajectory is estimated to shift during the succeeding decade. Predictions indicate that the CAGR is estimated to upsurge from 2.5% to 2.7% in the observation period.
According to industry experts, the demand for processed and ready-to-eat food items, coupled with a high focus on hygiene and quality, is expected to drive the demand for high barrier packaging films.
Integration of Nanotechnology to Improve the FMCG Packaging
Barrier packaging manufacturers integrate nanotechnology and sub-micron-sized additives, which is called "active and intelligent" packaging. These advanced flexible solutions limit food exposure conditions, making them popular in the FMCG industry.
Manufacturers in the FMCG industry are collaborating with technological establishments for the research and development endeavors of nanotechnology. For instance, in May 2024, Nfinite Nanotech raised USD 6.5 million to develop flexible food packaging using nanotechnology. The ultrathin barrier coating ensures sustainability while preserving product freshness and shelf life of the FMCG products.
The improved packaging style and attractive design contribute to their traction in the overall barrier packaging market.
For Smart Packaging, Manufacturers Opt for Sustainable Alternatives
Smart packaging is gaining popularity due to new technologies and sustainability efforts. Companies are developing recyclable and biodegradable coatings to reduce environmental impact.
For instance, in June 2024, McDonald's in Argentina collaborated with J&J Green Paper to implement JANUS, a biodegradable coating that provides a barrier against grease, water, and oxygen when applied to paper-based food packaging.
Such exclusion of crude-derived polyethylene surfaces led to the development of this eco-friendly non-crude oil-based coating material, which draws upon renewable sources thereby reducing the need for fossil fuels and lessening the adverse effects on the environment making it a viable option for many aspects.
Increased Ready-to-Eat Food Consumption to Fuel Barrier Packaging Demand
The rise in intake of processed and ready-to-eat food items has significantly influenced the packaging industry, as consumers seek convenience and high-quality products. This shift emphasizes the importance of packaging that maintains food integrity, freshness, and safety.
High-barrier packaging films provide superior protection against moisture, oxygen, and contaminants, extending shelf life and enhancing consumer confidence in food safety and quality. The growing awareness of health and hygiene, along with innovative packaging designs, is driving the need for advanced packaging technologies. Hence, key companies are investing in high-barrier packaging films to meet the demand for convenience and quality in food choices.
Principal Consultant
The global barrier packaging industry was valued at USD 16.26 billion in 2019 and witnessed growth at a CAGR of 2.3% from 2019 to 2023. As per the report, barrier packaging sales reached a value of USD 17.81 billion in 2023.
Barrier packaging protects food from external factors like moisture, oxygen, dust, and UV radiation, and is used in various industries. It increases self-life, provides protection from oxygen and moisture, and ensures superior freshness in pharmaceuticals.
During the pandemic, the demand for the well packed medicines and pharma products were significant. To cater the rising demand, the pharma manufacturers took effective measures. For instance, in August 2020, Liveo Research Group, a Swiss manufacturer of high-performance barrier films, plans a 20,000-ton capacity expansion in Boetzingen, Germany, including a new hygiene building.
The industry is projected to reach USD 18.32 billion by 2024 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 2.8% during the forecast period. The demand is predicted to reach USD 24.14 billion by 2034.
From 2024 to 2034, the global demand for protective packaging is expected to expand. New business strategies, shifting consumer tastes, and new technology will all contribute to this expansion.
For instance, in August 2024, Sappi Europe introduced three new barrier papers: Guard ICC, a flexible packaging paper for ice cream cones; Guard OHS, a barrier and heat sealable paper for food and non-food packaging; and Guard Twist Gloss, a glossy, recyclable wax-free paper.
Companies with a wide range of products, like Amcor Plc, Berry Global, Sealed Air Corp, Mondi Plc, Sonoco Product Company, and others, are well-known for their wide range of products and substantial market share. Tier 1 companies offer a broad choice of solutions across several industries, setting the benchmark for innovative product ranges.
Companies in the Tier 2 category with a sizable revenue share and a strong regional presence such as Schur Flexibles, Smurfit WestRock, Cosmo Films, Toppan, Ardagh Group, Coveris, Clondalkin Group, Innovia Films, and Scholle IPN. Due to their specialized product offerings and localized impact, they maintain their competitiveness in the sector even if they are not as internationally strong as firms in the Tier 1 category.
Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings, International Paper, Owens-Illinois, Inc., Gerresheimer AG, and Silgan Holdings are classified as Tier 3 enterprises because of their specialized product lines and little market presence. Tier 3 firms are often smaller, more specialized enterprises with a more focused market presence or specialty, perhaps serving specific geographic markets or industries.
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The section provides a comprehensive industry overview, examining emerging trends and opportunities on a country-by-country basis, aiming to help organizations comprehend the intricate nature of the business.
The demand from Germany is anticipated to report a CAGR of 1.2%; on the other hand, the demand from India is foreseen to register a CAGR of 5.6%.
| Countries | CAGR 2024 to 2034 |
|---|---|
| India | 5.6% |
| Germany | 1.2% |
| Spain | 2.6% |
| United States | 1.8% |
| Canada | 1.3% |
| China | 4.9% |
The growth of online shopping has led to a higher demand for protective packaging products, including cushioning materials, bubble wrap, padded envelopes, and boxes. The demand for protective packaging with barriers is expected to generate a CAGR of 1.8% in the forecast period.
The United States Department of Commerce reported a 7.7% growth rate in e-commerce sales in 2021, reaching an estimated USD 1,034.1 billion. This growth necessitates a reliable and robust packaging solution to ensure safe and undamaged product delivery.
Protective packaging solutions, such as high barriers are essential for safeguarding goods during delivery over long distances and across international borders. They also help reduce the frequency of product returns, which can be costly for companies.
Concerning the ecological effects of single-use packaging, manufacturers in India tend to opt for more sustainable alternatives. Sales of sustainable barriers for packaging are expected to register a CAGR of 5.6% between 2024 and 2034.
To expand their operations in the country, the leading players are using organic strategies, such as mergers and acquisitions and collaborations, with other regional players. For instance, in March 2024, TOPPAN and TSF developed GL-SP, a transparent barrier film using biaxially oriented polypropylene, ideal for packaging dry contents and contributing to decarburization and plastic waste reduction.
Demand for barrier packaging is predicted to exhibit growth at a CAGR of 2.6% in Spain from 2024 to 2034. Brands in the food and beverage sector are developing novel and innovative packaging solutions, blending sustainability and creativity to attract more customers.
For instance, in February 2024, Chocolates Valor, a Spanish chocolate company, converted its cocoa packaging to Sonoco's environmentally friendly Greencan solution, a strong fit for the company’s operations. The Sonoco Greencan recyclable paperboard package is made of 92%-98% paperboard and features an integrated paper lid for easy recycling.
The section explains the growth trajectories of the two leading segments. In terms of substrate, the plastic will likely dominate the market and generate a share of 71.3% in 2024.
Additionally, based on the end use, the food segment is likely to account for 43.5% of share in 2024.
| Segment | Plastic (Substrate) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 71.3% |
Plastic naturally blocks the spread of oxygen and moisture, maintaining the freshness of products over time. Its beneficial effects are aided by its simplicity of usage in packaging and its ability to resist scratches. In 2024, the plastic substrate segment is estimated to account for 71.3% of revenue share.
The sector gains from simple production and recycling, which lowers pollution, solid waste creation, and carbon dioxide emissions.
Plastics are also easily cleaned, reused, and portable. A barrier coat is a multilayered plastic mixture that aids in the diffusion of gases and water into rigid or flexible packaging.
| Segment | Food (End Use) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 43.5% |
The food sector dominates the global barrier packaging market, accounting for 43.5% in 2024. The food industry faces challenges in protecting, preserving, maintaining, and extending the shelf life of food products due to intrinsic and extrinsic parameters.
Barrier film packaging solutions help mitigate these challenges, and are widely used in various products such as bakery goods, biscuits, frozen foods, pet food, chips, snacks, meat, dairy products, and dry fruits.
Companies are focusing on creating 100% recyclable products to promote a circular economy. Innovia Films recently launched transparent barrier film packaging solutions for cereal bars, biscuits, snacks, dried fruits, nuts, tea, and coffee.
The trend of grab-and-go food and snacks is driving the demand for barrier film packaging solutions in the food industry.
The barrier packaging industry is fragmented, with major players using strategies like strategic acquisitions, partnerships, research and development, and sustainable practices to maintain and expand their market positions, while also leveraging complementary strengths and meeting evolving consumer demands.
Emerging startups in the barrier packaging industry are expected to enhance their research and development efforts, aiming to create innovative solutions that meet market needs and generate unique revenue streams.
This dynamic landscape signifies a continuous push towards technological advancements and market responsiveness, promising growth and transformation.
Industry Updates
In terms of substrates, the industry is categorized into plastic, metal, paper and paperboard, and glass.
On the basis of packaging format, the industry is split between flexible packaging and rigid packaging. The flexible packaging is further divided into pouches, bags & sacks, films & wraps, sachets & stick packs, tubes, and labels. The rigid packaging is further divided into trays & clamshell, cups, tubs and lids, boxes & cartons, bottles and jars, and cans.
Based on the material of barrier, the industry is categorized into polyamide (PA), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), aluminum oxide, and silicon oxide.
The industry is employed in the end use industries such as food, beverages, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and personal care, agriculture, home care, and other industries.
The industry is spread across North America, Latin America, Europe, South Asia, East Asia, Oceania, and Middle East and Africa.
The market is predicted to reach USD 18.32 billion in 2024.
It is estimated to reach USD 24.14 billion by 2034.
Barrier packaging is a protective material that shields products from harmful elements like oxygen, moisture, light, and gas, ensuring their freshness and preventing odors and scents.
Amcor Plc, Berry Global, Sealed Air Corp, Mondi Plc, and Sonoco Product Company are a few players.
It will likely rise at a CAGR of 2.8% from 2024 to 2034.
India is anticipated to dominate with a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period.
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