The market size of meat, poultry, and seafood packaging market globally is anticipated to reach up to USD 8,185.4 million by the year 2025 and will reach USD 12,549.0 million for the market by the year 2035. The sales will be growing at a CAGR of 4.4% in the forecast period from the year 2025 to the year 2035. The global meat, poultry and seafood packaging market valued for USD 7,897.3 million in the year 2024.
Polyethylene is the most used material for packaging meat, poultry, and seafood because of excellent barrier properties of moisture, flexibility, and durability. It is strong in providing protection against contamination while increasing shelf life and cheap.
PE is also very versatile, simple to process, and very adaptable for the packaging format to be used. Due to these advantages of polyethylene (PE) over other materials, the market share of polyethylene (PE) will be above 57% during the evaluation period.
Global Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Packaging Industry Forecast
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Historical Size, 2024 | USD 7,897.3 million |
| Estimated Size, 2025 | USD 8,185.4 million |
| Projected Size, 2035 | USD 12,549.0 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.4% |
Films will dominate meat, poultry, and seafood packaging as they provide customized, lightweight solutions that reduce waste. They can easily conform to product shapes, provide extended shelf life, and are cost-effective, making them suitable for packaging perishable goods.
Their transparency improves product visibility, and advanced coatings can optimize moisture control and oxygen barrier properties. Among the several product types, films will dominate with a market share above 28% in the forecast period over other product types.
The global meat, poultry, and seafood packaging market is likely to grow in the forecast period with profitability and carry a certain level of traction. At the same time, it will produce an incremental opportunity value of USD 4,651.7 million as well as increase by 1.6 times the base year value for 2035.
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The below table presents the expected CAGR for the global MEAT, POULTRY, AND SEAFOOD PACKAGING market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 1.4% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 2.7% (2024 to 2034) |
| H1 | 2.2% (2025 to 2035) |
| H2 | 3.3% (2025 to 2035) |
In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2024 to 2034, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 1.4%, followed by a slightly higher growth rate of 2.7% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.
Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2024 to H2 2034, the CAGR is projected to decrease slightly to 2.2% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 3.3% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed a decrease of 80 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed an increase of 60 BPS.
Need for Food Safety & Hygiene Drives Demand for Secured Packaging to Prevent Contamination
In the market concerning meat, poultry, and seafood packaging, growing importance on food safety and hygiene is noticed. Packaging acts as an important aspect in the prevention of contamination as products are sealed and protected from outer harmful factors.
In addition to all these, tamper-evident packaging creates another layer of security which results in consumers having confidence in the product's safety. In developed markets, packaging needs to maintain hygiene standards and facilitate traceability and face rigorous food safety regulations.
This includes using material that supports the tracking and monitoring of products up and down the supply chain in order to have products that can meet regulatory compliance. As a result, packaging solutions that address the health and safety concerns are fueling growth within the market.
Increased Meat Consumption Spurs Demand for Flexible & Convenient Packaging
The growing consumption of meat, poultry, and seafood products among gym enthusiasts is increasing demand due to higher protein levels and nutritional benefits. As increasing consumers continue seeking meat, poultry, or seafood products to fulfill diet-related requirements, growth in the packaging market for these products is being recorded.
The resulting trend has consequently increased demand for packaging solutions preserving freshness, convenience, and quality. Increased in demand are pouches, films, and trays because they can offer flexibility, durability, and protection. Pouches work best for portioned servings. Films offer very good barrier properties, thereby lengthening the shelf life.
Trays, with the option of vacuum-sealed applications, both present and protect. Such options fit well into health-conscious consumers seeking convenience and integrity in their product. The resultant consumption of these foods is thereby pushing the demand for meat, poultry and seafood packaging to preserve quality and nutritional value.
Challenges Related to Sustainability Concerns May Hamper Growth
Sustainability concerns may hinder this market growth. The meat and seafood packaging rely heavily on the use of plastics, which cause a lot of ecological resistance.
They are gradually looking towards eco-friendly, biodegradable, or compostable packaging due to its significant cost. A lot of progress is needed toward the development technology for the raw materials and consequently higher production expense than plastic package.
Therefore, companies might delay their adoption of these sustainable solutions for fear that the resultant hike in the cost will make the products expensive. This can delay the general adoption of greener packaging alternatives in the industry.
The global meat, poultry, and seafood packaging market recorded a CAGR of 3.2% during the historical period between 2020 and 2024. Market growth of meat, poultry, and seafood packaging globally was positive as it reached a value of USD 7,897.3 million in 2024 from USD 6,934.0 million in 2020.
The global market for meat, poultry, and seafood packaging has had moderate growth over time, mainly driven by the requirements from the consumers for convenient packaging, sustainable packaging, and longer shelf life.
Innovative applications such as vacuum sealing, modified atmosphere packaging, and other eco-friendly materials themselves fueled the boom and were intense not only in mature markets but also across emerging markets.
In the near future, demand will grow at higher rate of 5.5% as consumers will be inspired by sustainability campaigns, tighter regulations regarding food safety, and other technological changes.
Consumers' awareness of the environmentally friendly aspect and further investment in smart packaging technologies are likely to determine future prospects. These are to ensure minimal use of plastics and enhanced traceability of the products.
Tier 1 companies comprise market leaders capturing significant market share in global market. These market leaders are characterized by high production capacity and a wide product portfolio. These market leaders are distinguished by their extensive expertise in manufacturing across multiple packaging formats and a broad geographical reach, underpinned by a robust consumer base.
They provide a wide range of series including recycling and manufacturing utilizing the latest technology and meeting the regulatory standards providing the highest quality. Prominent companies within tier 1 include Amcor Plc, Berry Global Group Inc., and Sealed Air Corporation among others.
Tier 2 companies include mid-size players having presence in specific regions and highly influencing the local market. These are characterized by a strong presence overseas and strong market knowledge. These market players have good technology and ensure regulatory compliance but may not have advanced technology and wide global reach.
Prominent companies in tier 2 include Winpak Ltd., Mondi plc, Bollore Group., Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH, and Sonoco Products Company, Smurfit Kappa, Thantawan Industry plc, Cascades Inc, R. Faerch Plast A/S, Amerplast Ltd., Plastopil, Sirane Group and Viskase® Companies, Inc.
Tier 3 includes the majority of small-scale companies operating at the local presence and serving niche markets. These companies are notably oriented towards fulfilling local market demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment.
They are small-scale players and have limited geographical reach. Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized market, denoting a sector characterized by a lack of extensive structure and formalization when compared to organized competitors.
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The section below covers the future forecast for the meat, poultry, and seafood packaging market in terms of countries. Information on key countries in several parts of the globe, including North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and MEA is provided. USA is expected to account for a CAGR of 3.4% through 2035. In Europe, Germany is projected to witness a CAGR of 2.7% by 2035.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 3.4% |
| Germany | 2.7% |
| China | 5.8% |
| UK | 2.2% |
| Spain | 2.6% |
| India | 6.9% |
| Canada | 3.0% |
Due to strict FDA and USDA regulations in the United States, complex packaging solutions are needed to avoid the intake of spoiled food and maintain food safety.
The regulatory requirements are directed towards the freshness of packed items, reducing contamination, and traceability. MAP technologies have become quite common; the oxygen level is lowered to slow down spoilage and the rate of bacteria growth.
Vacuum sealing also contributes by removing air, maintaining the quality of the product, and increasing shelf life. Moreover, it must be very strong and rigid so that any form of outside influence doesn't damage it. The stricter regulations will therefore demand safe and secured packaging solutions such as pouches, films, trays, etc. in the case of meat, poultry, and seafood.
Germany is an important meat exporter in the world. Meat products, mainly pork and poultry, have high requirements for packaging solutions that extend shelf life and maintain product freshness during transport.
Therefore, manufacturers are fast turning towards international standards and products remaining fresh under diverse conditions. This often requires packaging technologies such as vacuum skin and vacuum thermoformed packaging. These methods prevent the oxygen from spoiling the product as they create an airtight seal.
As German exports reach markets all over the world, the requirement for packaging which will protect from temperature fluctuations and physical damage would increase, increasing demand for such advanced packaging solutions in the meat, poultry, and seafood industries.
The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. In terms of packaging technology, modified atmosphere estimated to account for a share over 40% by 2035. By product types, films are projected to dominate by holding a share of 28.3% by the end 2035.
| Packaging Technology | Market Share (2035) |
|---|---|
| Modified Atmosphere | 42.0% |
MAP is widely used in the meat, poultry, and seafood packaging market, as it helps increase shelf life while keeping the products fresh. In MAP, the oxygen within the package is substituted by a controlled mix of gases, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen, which slows the growth of microbes, thus oxidation. The technology maintains product safety and appearance by retaining its natural color and texture.
For instance, MAP in seafood packaging prevents spoilage and decreases odor, meaning the product can be transported with a good chance of remaining marketable. It’s advantage of reducing food waste and providing consumers with fresh, high-quality products is its popularity.
| Product Type | Market Share (2035) |
|---|---|
| Films | 28.3% |
Films are used most in meat, poultry, and seafood packaging. They are versatile, cost-effective, and provide excellent barrier properties for the protection of products from moisture, oxygen, and contamination, prolonging shelf life with freshness.
Their flexibility enables use in various formats, such as vacuum pouches and modified atmosphere packaging. Films are lightweight, reducing transportation costs, and are often customizable for branding or product information.
A good example is the vacuum-sealed film packaging of fresh poultry, which prevents moisture loss, thus hindering bacterial growth, and maintains the meat tender and safe for consumption throughout storage and during retail display. It thus makes it preferred both by supermarkets and food processors.
Key players of global meat, poultry, and seafood packaging industry are developing and launching new products in the market. They are integrating with different firms and extending their geographical presence. Few of them are also collaborating and partnering with local brands and start-up companies
Key Developments
Product types in meat, poultry, and seafood packaging include bags, pouches, films, trays and wraps.
In terms of material, the market for meat, poultry, and seafood packaging is divided into polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyamide (PA) and others (polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), etc.)
Meat types in market for meat, poultry, and seafood packaging include beef, pork, poultry, seafood and others (Lamb, Goat, etc.).
In terms of thickness, the market for meat, poultry, and seafood packaging is segmented into below 80 um, 80 to 150 um, 150 to 250 um and above 250 um.
Packaging technologies in meat, poultry, and seafood packaging are modified atmosphere, vacuum skin, vacuum thermoformed and others (Active Packaging, etc.).
Key Countries of North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Middle East & Africa are covered.
The global meat, poultry, and seafood packaging industry is projected to witness CAGR of 5.5% between 2025 and 2035.
The global meat, poultry, and seafood packaging industry stood at USD 7,897.3 million in 2024.
Global meat, poultry, and seafood packaging industry is anticipated to reach USD 12,549.0 million by 2035 end.
South Asia & Pacific is set to record a CAGR of 7.2% in assessment period.
The key players operating in the global meat, poultry, and seafood packaging industry include Amcor Plc, Berry Global Group Inc., and Sealed Air Corporation among others.
| Estimated Size, 2025 | USD 8.3 billion |
|---|---|
| Projected Size, 2035 | USD 12.4 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.1% |
| Estimated Size, 2024 | USD 1.7 billion |
|---|---|
| Projected Size, 2034 | USD 2.2 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 3.0% |
| Market Size 2023 | USD 2.6 billion |
|---|---|
| Market Size 2033 | USD 3.85 billion |
| Value CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 4.0% |
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Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Packaging Market
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