The global food clamshells market is estimated to be valued at USD 1.57 billion in 2023. With the rising usage of food clamshells across numerous applications, the overall demand is likely to expand at a CAGR of 4.6% between 2023 and 2033, totaling a valuation of USD 2.46 billion by 2033.
Emerging trends reveal that amid growing demand for convenient and safe packaging solutions in the food service industry, the global food clamshells market is expected to create an incremental opportunity of USD 877.4 million during the forecast period.
Food clamshells are containers consisting of two halves joined by a hinge area, which allows the structures to come together to close. These food containers are lightweight, economical, and re-sealable and have become quite popular in the packaging industry. They are being increasingly used for packaging food products such as sandwiches, coolies, pies, cookies, burgers, frozen lobster tails, salads, and other food products.
Food clamshells are especially ideal for packaging fresh foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, ready-made salads, and sandwiches because of their various advantages. These packaging solutions protect fresh food while showcasing the contents and can be safely sealed with a tamper-evident label.
The rising demand for fresh foods and growing consumer inclination toward user-friendly packaging solutions may continue to foster market growth for food clamshells during the assessment period. Similarly, innovation in clamshell materials and increasing focus on protecting products during transportation are expected to boost sales of food clamshells during the next ten years.
Convenience, Sustainability, and Style: The Triple Win of Food Clamshells
Food Clamshells Industry From 2018 to 2022
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| CAGR | 3.8% |
| Market Size - 2018 | USD 1.29 billion |
| Market Size - 2022 | USD 1.5 billion |
Food Clamshells Industry From 2023 to 2033
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| CAGR | 4.6% |
| Market Size - 2023 | USD 1.57 billion |
| Market Size - 2033 | USD 2.46 billion |
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The food clamshells market witnessed a moderate growth of 3.8% HCAGR from 2018 to 2022 and totaled a valuation of USD 1.5 billion in 2022. With the significant expansion of the food service industry and growing demand for innovative packaging solutions, the overall market is slated to rise at 4.6% CAGR between 2023 and 2033.
Clamshell is a type of carded packaging that generally features two components, including backers and front-facing materials. Backers are typically skin-board, plastic, or paperboard; front-facing materials are made of various plastic formulas.
Clamshells are in the same group as skin and blister packs regarding packaging materials. These simple-to-seal containers are ubiquitous and have become ideal packaging solutions in the food service industry.
Various food packaging firms have benefited from industrial packaging's assistance in implementing these containers. Regarding security, clamshell packaging is a dependable solution in the packaging sector, raising manufacturers' demand.
Clamshells are most popular in the food packaging industry, where they are used for packaging items such as sandwiches, pies, cookies, bread, burgers, BBQ ribs, frozen lobster tails, salads, and various other types of food products.
Plastic takes a long time to decay, so plastic packaging is considered bad for the environment. Alternatives like thermoformed clamshell packaging are employed because they are made of a material that can be recycled and used again.
Trifold clamshells are usually famous among manufacturers as they can punch a hole or a hook to tag or hang in the name. Amid the growing adoption of food clamshells for ready-to-eat meals and rising consumer spending, the global market is expected to grow at a promising rate in the coming years of the forecast period.
Significant Change in Eating Behavior to Propel Growth of Food Clamshells Market
Increasing disposable income and hectic lifestyles prompt people to choose convenience foods and ready-to-eat products. It is evident from the ever-increasing food outlets that people are shifting toward readily available food items, which is the sole reason for the increasing demand for food packaging.
Clamshell has become the first choice for food packaging due to its easy handling properties. Consumers often complain about opening and closing the packages. As a result, food manufacturers are increasingly moving toward convenient and user-friendly solutions like clamshells. This might continue to foster the growth of the food clamshells market.
Certain packaging is ideal for transportation and storage but difficult to open, leading to wastage or reduced product demand. In contrast, the clamshell packaging is proven to be easily accessible for customers, making it one of the most convenient packaging options available.
The rise in changing food habits of consumers, along with a surge in ready-to-eat product consumption and growing demand for convenient packaging solutions might continue to bolster the sales of food clamshells during the forecast period.
Innovation and Customization to Cater to the Sales of the Food Clamshells
Consumers are demanding more customization with increasingly convenient packaging solutions. Manufacturers are developing various innovative designs, bright colors, and sizes to satisfy consumers.
The worldwide food clamshells market is anticipated to expand moderately as new and innovative package forms gain popularity. Technology integration into packaging improves product integrity, security, and tracking. Further, modern packaging techniques easily provide the advantages that clamshell packaging already provides, albeit at a high price.
It is anticipated that end-use segments of clamshell packaging are anticipated to eventually switch over to intelligent packaging solutions. Leading players might lead the change, while small players may stick with clamshell packaging due to financial considerations.
Principal Consultant
Based on material type, the plastic segment dominates the material class in the food clamshells market. Regarding demand and value, the plastic clamshell segment is expected to register a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period, creating an incremental opportunity of USD 633.3 million.
The growth in the plastic clamshell is due to the durability they provide. Compared to other packaging materials, plastic clamshells provide better transportation and storage properties.
Plastic food clamshells are apt for digital printers as they help companies to print their logo and material description on the clamshell only.
Continuous innovation by manufacturing companies towards increasing reusability may help counter the restrictions though there are restrictions in several countries due to the low degradability of plastics,
As per FMI, the fruits and vegetables segment is expected to rise at a CAGR of 5.6% between 2023 and 2033, generating an incremental opportunity of USD 532 million by the end of the forecast period. This can be attributed to the rising usage of food clamshells in fruit and vegetable applications.
People focus on fresh fruits and vegetables with increasing consciousness about a healthy diet. This has increased demand for their packaging so they don't get damaged quickly. Clamshells are the perfect alternative for packaging fruits and vegetables, as these are some of the most convenient packaging solutions available in the market.
Bourgeoning Demand for Ready-To-Eat Foods Fueling Food Clamshells Market Growth in the United States
The United States food clamshells market is anticipated to expand at 3.9% CAGR during the forecast period, totaling a valuation of around USD 436.38 million by 2033. Growth in the United States food clamshells market is driven by the factors including:
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, convenience foods have become a go-to option for busy consumers. One of the main reasons for the increasing growth of ready-to-eat meals is the rising disposable income of consumers.
There is significant market growth for the food clamshells market with the rise in packaged foods and ready-to-eat meals and clamshells are easy and convenient to use. In addition, clamshells are one of the most durable and safe packaging solutions for packaged foods and ready-to-eat meals.
Significant Growth of the Packaging Sector Boosting Food Clamshell Sales in India’s Market
The food clamshells market in India is poised to expand at a significant CAGR of 6.1% between 2023 and 2033, reaching a valuation of around USD 235.54 million by the end of 2033. Demand in India’s food clamshells market is driven by a notable expansion of the packaging industry, increasing consumer spending on processed foods, and easy availability of food clamshells at lower prices.
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, the packaging market in India has grown significantly over the past few years, which is expected to continue over the forecasted period as well. India's exposure to technology has made a significant impact on its growth. Also, the country's packaging industry is expected to reach USD 204.8 billion by 2025.
Manufacturers are making innovations of clamshells with the help of technological advancements to satisfy consumer needs. Thus, increasing growth in innovations of clamshells may support the development of the food clamshells market in the country during the assessment period.
Consumer preferences, laws, environmental concerns, and technological improvements impact China’s food clamshells business. Also, plastic pollution and ecological sustainability are the key global concerns, pushing demand for biodegradable food packaging alternatives.
China has been attempting to improve its waste management and environmental standards, including limiting single-use plastics. The government of China has implemented several laws to reduce plastic pollution, which may impact the food clamshell industry by encouraging the adoption of environment-friendly materials.
The rise of the food delivery industry in China, particularly through smartphone apps, has certainly helped the demand for food clamshells.
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Due to the presence of small-sized companies in the sector, the food clamshell packaging market needs to be more cohesive. Tier-1 companies account for 20-30% of the market's value.
Global leaders primarily focus on mergers and acquisitions to acquire a competitive advantage in the market and consistently invest in research and development operations to create new products that meet end-user requirements.
| Company | Smurfit Kappa |
|---|---|
| Strategy | Expansion |
| Details | In January 2022, Smurfit Kappa announced the extension of its Better Planet packaging portfolio with innovations in packaging solutions for fast food. |
| Company | Placon |
|---|---|
| Strategy | Launch |
| Details | In 2021, Placon launched two food preparation trays, a pie liner, and a bakery clamshell into their PET stock food line-up. |
| Company | Footprint |
|---|---|
| Strategy | Launch |
| Details | In 2020, Footprint launched its new plant-based clamshell food containers to reduce plastic pollution. |
Amcor: Top Clamshell Manufacturers Betting Big on Sustainability and Expansion
Consumers increasingly turn to stock clamshell packaging, which provides product security and reduces contamination risks. In scenarios where products are highly regulated, inappropriate packaging can lead to loss of consequences, legal implications for companies, and even health issues for consumers.
Prominent food clamshell packaging players know the importance of providing high-quality solutions to consumers and are working toward this. They ensure that their operations do not result in environmental pollution.
Amcor has taken the expansion route to consolidate its position in food clamshell manufacturing and distribution. It is opening up new facilities and a center of excellence (CoE) to help itself. For instance,
The new facility is going to increase Amcor's ability to satisfy strong demand and customer growth across its European loose packaging network. The land and buildings acquired also provide the option to significantly scale up operations and establish a highly efficient production hub.
The company also announced the opening of its latest innovation Center in Jiangyin, China. The new center brings advanced packaging technologies and more sustainable material science to the Asia Pacific, helping to surge growth and innovation across the region.
The regional market will witness a y-o-y growth opportunity of 3.9% annually until 2033.
The regional market in India is projected to follow a 6.1% growth rate until 2033.
Rising demand for fresh fruits and vegetables is expected to drive this segment at a 5.6% CAGR through 2033.
Plastic is used widely, and its utilization could rise at 5.1% CAGR through 2033.
The global sales of food clamshells is expected to rise at 3.8% CAGR through 2033.
1. Executive Summary 2. Market Overview 3. Market Background 4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033 5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Material Type 5.1. Plastic 5.2. Paper and Paperboard 6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Product 6.1. Mock Clamshells 6.2. 2-piece Clamshells 6.3. Tri-fold Clamshells 7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Application 7.1. Fruits & Vegetables 7.2. Ready-to-eat food 7.3. Bakery & Confectionery 7.4. Frozen Food 7.5. Others 8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region 8.1. North America 8.2. Latin America 8.3. Western Europe 8.4. Eastern Europe 8.5. South Asia and Pacific 8.6. East Asia 8.7. Middle East and Africa 9. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 10. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 11. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 12. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 13. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 14. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 15. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 16. Key Countries Market Analysis 17. Market Structure Analysis 18. Competition Analysis 18.1. Smurfit Kappa Group 18.2. VisiPak Inc. 18.3. WestRock Company 18.4. Parksons Packaging Ltd. 18.5. Sonoco Products Company 18.6. Placon Corporation Inc. 18.7. Dordan Manufacturing Company 18.8. Novolex Company 18.9. Plastic Ingenuity, Inc. 18.10. Highland Packaging Solutions 18.11. ClearPack Engineering, Inc. 18.12. Lacerta Group, Inc 18.13. QPC PACK 18.14. Klockner Pentaplast GmbH & Co. KG 18.15. Anchor Packaging LLC 18.16. EasyPak 18.17. Panic Plastics, Inc. 18.18. Agrahan Engineers 18.19. Star Pack Co 18.20. Aikpak Plastic Forming 19. Assumptions & Acronyms Used 20. Research Methodology
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Food Clamshells Market
