The global meat packaging market size is estimated to reach USD 7.4 billion in 2023 and further exhibit a steady CAGR of 5.2% during the assessment period (2023 and 2033). Overall meat packaging sales are projected to surpass a valuation of USD 12.3 billion by the end of 2033.
Growing consumption of protein-rich products, rising demand for packaged food products, and increasing focus on improving shelf life of meat products are a few of the prominent factors driving the worldwide meat packaging industry.
Top 5 companies are forecast to hold about 15 to 20% share of the global market by the end of 2023. Based on the material segment, the polyethylene segment is projected to expand 1.6 times the current market value during the forecast period. This is attributed to the chemical properties of polyethylene which gives excellent transparency, gloss, and barrier from moisture.
Meat packaging is a type of packaging used to protect meat and meat products from mechanical, chemical, and biological hazards during processing, storage, and distribution. It is typically made from materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride, and helps end users significantly improve the shelf life of meat products while retaining the original characteristics of the packaged items.
Increased consumption of packaged food, growing concern towards hygiene, and high demand for packaging that helps to extend shelf life without altering the properties of meat products are expected to boost meat packaging sales during the assessment period. Future Market Insights predicts the global meat packaging industry to generate an attractive incremental growth opportunity of USD 5.1 billion between 2023 and 2033.
In recent years, there has been a dramatic rise in the production and consumption of meat and poultry products worldwide due to their high nutritional content, and this trend is expected to further escalate during the projection period. For instance, as per the Institute of Food Technologies (IFT), Worldwide meat consumption is expected to rise 1.4% per year through 2023. This will elevate demand for meat packaging solutions.
Subsequently, rising export of meat and poultry products worldwide and advancements in packaging technologies are anticipated to create huge revenue-generation opportunities for meat packaging manufacturers over the next ten years.
Leading meat packaging companies are rapidly shifting their preference towards sustainable meat packaging solutions to increase their revenues. They are spending huge amounts in research and development activities to develop eco-friendly meat packaging types that meet both environmental and meat packaging requirements. This will bode well for the market.
| Attribute | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Meat Packaging Market Estimated Value (2023) | USD 7.4 billion |
| Projected Market Value (2033) | USD 12.3 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 5.2% |
| Collective Value Share: Top 5 Countries (2023E) | 35 to 40% |
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The global market for meat packaging expanded at a CAGR of 3.1% during the historic period (2016 to 2022) and totaled a valuation of USD 7.2 billion at the end of 2022. For the forecast period (2023 to 2033), Future Market Insights predicts meat packaging demand to surge at 5.2% CAGR, reaching a valuation of USD 12.3 billion by 2033.
The meat packaging industry is mainly driven by the increased consumption of meat across the world. Meat packaging plays an important role in maintaining the quality and freshness of the products.
Meat packaging more often utilizes flexible packaging solutions such as plastic films and bags. The barrier films used for meat packaging aids in protecting it from outside moisture, dust, and bacteria, and increases its shelf life. The packaging offers freshness to the meat and preserves it for a longer period.
The rising inclination towards ready-to-eat meat is expected to boost meat packaging sales during the projection period. Similarly, growing demand for protein-rich food products such as beef and poultry meat will create lucrative growth opportunities for meat packaging manufacturers over the next ten years.
| Market Statistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Jan to Jun (H1), 2021 (A) | 3.1% |
| Jul to Dec (H2), 2021 (A) | 3.5% |
| Jan to Jun (H1), 2022 Projected (P) | 3.6% |
| Jan to Jun (H1), 2022 Outlook (O) | 3.4% |
| Jul to Dec (H2), 2022 Outlook (O) | 4.0% |
| Jul to Dec (H2), 2022 Projected (P) | 3.6% |
| Jan to Jun (H1), 2023 Projected (P) | 3.3% |
| BPS Change: H1, 2022 (O) to H1, 2022 (P) | 30 ↑ |
| BPS Change: H1, 2022 (O) to H1, 2021 (A) | (-) 20 ↓ |
| BPS Change: H2, 2022 (O) to H2, 2022 (P) | 40 ↑ |
| BPS Change: H2, 2022 (O) to H2, 2022 (A) | 50 ↑ |
Currently, plastic is the most widely used material in meat packaging. However, with growing environmental concerns and implementation of stringent regulations for reducing plastic usage, meat packaging manufacturing companies are developing sustainable packaging solutions for packing meat products.
The development of composite films manufactured from polylactic acid blown with cinnamon essential oil and copper or silver Nano-particles in polymer cast is helping fulfill the sustainability goals.
Along with the consumers changing preference towards sustainable and eco-friendly packaging, the rules imposed by the governments on the use of plastic packaging materials have given a boost to sustainable packaging in the meat packaging market.
Increasing research and development activities for exploring new bio-based materials and the shift towards using sustainable and bio-based packaging in meat processing industry will boost the global meat packaging industry during the assessment period.
The adoption of clear packaging formats by meat packaging manufacturers is seen currently. The reason behind the strategy is to boost sales as transparent packaging helps in product visibility and in gaining consumer trust.
Transparency of a package is often perceived as an indication of the quality of the product. The demand for clear packaging is on the rise, particularly in the food & beverages industry. This makes it useful for the consumer goods market, where product differentiation is at the epicenter of manufacturers’ focus.
Transparent surfaces can be achieved by using films as they offer superior transparency and gloss to the package. This also saves printing, labeling, and other decoration costs on packaging, as most of the surface is meant to provide evident packaging. A substantial portion of consumers makes purchase decisions at the point of purchase, which is likely to be influenced by the packaging. Therefore, the adoption of such packaging solutions is likely to boost the sales of meat packaging.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Market Share (2023) | 17.4% |
| Market Share (2033) | 15.2% |
| BPS Analysis | -220 |
| Country | China |
|---|---|
| Market Share (2023) | 11.5% |
| Market Share (2033) | 13.2% |
| BPS Analysis | 170 |
| Country | Germany |
|---|---|
| Market Share (2023) | 3.6% |
| Market Share (2033) | 3.0% |
| BPS Analysis | -60 |
| Country | Canada |
|---|---|
| Market Share (2023) | 3.1% |
| Market Share (2033) | 3.5% |
| BPS Analysis | 40 |
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| Market Share (2023) | 2.4% |
| Market Share (2033) | 3.3% |
| BPS Analysis | 90 |
Rising Consumption of Meat and Poultry Products Fueling Meat Packaging Sales in the USA
According to Future Market Insights, the USA will continue to dominate the global meat packaging industry during the forecast period, accounting for around 15.2% share in 2023. Currently, it holds 85% share of North America meat packaging market.
Growth in the US meat packaging market is driven by the rising consumption of meat products, the growing focus of meat manufacturing and processing companies on improving shelf life of their products, and heavy presence of leading packaging giants.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service, consumers in the United States of America had access to about 224.6 pounds of red meat and poultry based on per capita retail weight. This is positively influencing the meat packaging industry in the country and the trend is expected to continue during the assessment period.
Similarly, as per the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), total meat and poultry consumption in the USA is set to surge at less than 1% per year through 2023. This rising consumption of meat and poultry products will boost meat packaging sales.
Increasing Export of Meat Products Propelling Meat Packaging Demand in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom meat packaging industry is anticipated to expand at 2.6% CAGR during the assessment period (2023 and 2033), generating lucrative revenues by the end of 2033.
Rising production and export of meat products such as beef and pork and growing focus on using sustainable packaging solutions are driving the market for meat packaging across the United Kingdom.
According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the United Kingdom annually produces around 900,000 tonnes of beef, of which 148,000 tonnes are exported to several countries around the world. Subsequently, the country is the world's fifth-largest producer and third-largest exporter of sheep meat. It exports about 88,000 tonnes of sheep meat annually.
For packaging this high quantity of meat to save it from contamination as well as to enhance its shelf life during storage and transportation, companies use various types of meat packaging materials. This will continue to propel demand for meat packaging across the United Kingdom during the assessment period.
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Polyethylene Remains the most Preferred Material by Meat Packaging Manufacturers
Based on the material, the global market is segmented into polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyamide, and others. Among these, polyethylene segment dominates the global market and it is expected to hold around 56% of the market share during the forecast period.
Growth of this segment is attributed to rising adoption of meat packaging made from polyethylene (PE) across the world as it offers transparency and high barrier protection.
Polyethylene has become one of the frequently used materials for making meat packaging on account of its several advantages including lightweight, cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and recyclability. Packaging made from polyethylene provides enhanced protection to meat products and hence, helps to significantly improve their shelf life. As a result, more and more meat packaging manufacturers are utilizing this material for making various packaging solutions.
Poultry to Become Top Revenue-generation Segment in the Market
According to Future Market Insights, poultry segment is projected to generate maximum revenues in the global meat packaging industry during the forecast period owing to the rising consumption of chicken, eggs, and other poultry products worldwide.
In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in the consumption of protein-rich products such as eggs and chicken meat across the world due to changing lifestyles, growing health awareness, and increasing disposable incomes. This in turn is positively influencing the meat packaging industry and the trend is expected to continue during the projection period. The target segment is estimated to expand 1.6 times the current market value during the forecast period as per Future Market Insights’ latest analysis.
Key meat packaging companies are concentrating on developing new innovative meat packaging products made from sustainable materials to increase their customer base as well as to comply with government regulations. Besides this, they are adopting strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, facility expansions, price reduction, and strengthening distribution channels to expand their presence.
Recent developments:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Market Size (2023) | USD 7.4 billion |
| Projected Market Size (2033) | USD 12.3 billion |
| Anticipated Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) | 5.2% CAGR |
| Historical Data | 2016 to 2022 |
| Forecast Period | 2023 to 2033 |
| Quantitative Units | Revenue in USD million, Volume in tons and CAGR from 2023 to 2033 |
| Segments Covered | Material, Product Type, Meat Type, Packaging Technology, Region |
| Regions Covered | North America; Latin America; East Asia; South Asia & Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; Central Asia; Russia & Belarus; Balkan Countries; Baltic Countries; Middle East & Africa |
| Key Countries Covered | USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, Japan, India, GCC countries, Australia |
| Key Companies Profiled | Amcor Plc; Berry Global Inc.; Winpak Ltd.; Sealed Air Corporation; Mondi Group; Amerplast Ltd.; Faerch A/S; Bollore Group; Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH; Sonoco Products Company; Cascades Inc.; ULMA Packaging; Kendall Packaging Corporation; Specialty Polyfilms; PLASTOPIL; VISKASE; Flavorseal (M&Q Holdings); Uniflex Packaging; Mannok Pack; Sirane Limited; Aintree Plastics; Heathpak Ltd.; Smurfit Kappa Group Plc; Revopak; Ciba Packaging; International Paper Company; SP Group; Hip Shing Poly-Bag Industrial Limited; Foster International Packaging; ESTIKO Packaging Solutions |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends and Pricing Analysis |
The Asia Pacific region is projected to emerge as a lucrative market for meat packaging.
The growth potential of the meat packaging market is 5.2% through 2033.
The high cost of adoption is likely to limit market growth.
North America is likely to generate 25% revenue in 2023.
The global market size to reach USD 12.3 billion by 2033.
| Estimated Size, 2024 | USD 1.7 billion |
|---|---|
| Projected Size, 2034 | USD 2.2 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 3.0% |
| Estimated Market Value (2023) | USD 353.7 billion |
|---|---|
| Projected Market Size (2033) | USD 592.8 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 5.3% |
| Expected Market Value (2023) | USD 724.4 million |
|---|---|
| Anticipated Forecast Value (2033) | USD 1,070.9 million |
| Projected Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) | CAGR of 4% |
| Market Estimated Size (2023E) | USD 18.5 billion |
|---|---|
| Projected Market Valuation (2033F) | USD 33.6 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 3.9% |
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