The vacuum packaging market is slated to register a CAGR of 2.3% over the period from 2024 to 2034. Demand is estimated to be worth USD 21.1 billion in 2024. By 2034, sales are anticipated to reach a value of USD 26.5 billion.
The predominant users of vacuum packaging are in the food sector. Packaging has a vital role in the food and beverage sector, as sales of packaged food and online grocery deliveries continue to grow. For instance, the fresh food packaging market is expected to nearly hit the USD 130 billion mark by 2034. Vacuum packaging is a notable segment of food packaging and is developing rapidly as a consequence.
Vacuum bags are being sought not just by food brands but also directly by consumers at home. Food waste is a mounting problem. According to the UN Environment Programme, around 60% of the food wasted comes from households.
With public campaigns highlighting the need to keep food waste to a minimum, focusing on issues such as world hunger and climate change, consumers are now more conscious of the problem. Vacuum packaging is playing its part in countering food waste.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Global Vacuum Packaging Market Size (2024E) | USD 21.1 billion |
| Projected Global Vacuum Packaging Market Value (2034F) | USD 26.5 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 2.3% |
As a result of increasing skepticism and awareness among consumers, food is more commonly packaged in transparent packaging. The transparent plastic packaging market is set to cross the USD 250 billion mark by 2034. Vacuum packaging generally comes in the form of transparent packaging. Hence, the increased worldwide acceptance of transparent packaging is portending positivity for the vacuum packaging market.
The increasingly busy lifestyles are expected to improve the demand for convenience food. In nations like China and Japan, surging urbanization combined with hectic households has made people reliant on packaged and ready-to-eat food products. Vacuum packaging helps these food items to have a longer shelf life. Hence, the demand for convenience food is benefitting sales of vacuum packaging.
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The table below highlights the CAGRs for the vacuum packaging market for the periods from 2023 to 2033 and 2024 to 2034. The periods are broken down into two semi-annual periods, the first half (H1) comprising January to June, while the second half (H2) comprises July to December. This section highlights the changes that take place in the demand with the time period changing.
For the 2023 to 2033 period, the CAGR for H1 is predicted to be 2.6%. A substantial decrease is predicted for H2 however, with the CAGR coming down to 2.2%.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 2.6% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 2.2% (2023 to 2033) |
| H1 | 2.3% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 2.7% (2024 to 2034) |
The CAGR for H1 is set to be 2.3% in the 2024 to 2034 period. Unlike the 2023 to 2033 period, however, the CAGR for H2 in 2024 to 2034 is set to increase drastically, amounting to 2.7%. Thus, the H2 of 2024 to 2034 is set to be the most beneficial of all semi-annual periods.
Adopting Recyclability: A More Sustainable Landscape with Vacuum Packaging
Vacuum packaging is turning out to be an attractive option due to its sustainability connotations. Vacuum packaging helps in reducing food waste, while its ability to compress to the food’s size leads to lesser packaging waste too.
Manufacturers are going a step further by making vacuum bags from recycled, biodegradable, and compostable materials. Eco-friendly vacuum bags are also reusable, leading to savings in cost. Thus, more companies are adopting eco-friendly vacuum packaging, enlisting materials like cotton or hemp. For instance, in August 2024, United Kingdom-based Iceland Foods rolled out vacuum-packed beef and pork mince.
Increasing Meat Consumption Necessitates Increase in Vacuum Packaging
Meat consumption is on an upward trajectory. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global meat consumption could reach 500 million tons by 2050. Along with this rise in meat consumption comes the need for suitable meat packaging.
Packaged meat requires packaging that keeps outside influences, delivering fresh meat to consumers. Vacuum packaging is being trusted by meat suppliers for this purpose. With the frozen meat packaging market expected to be near USD 13 billion by 2034, the demand for vacuum meat packaging too is surging.
Vacuum Packaging Manufacturers to Capitalize on Rising Applications in Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industries
Although food remains the dominant end-use industry for vacuum packaging, other industries are also making use of the packaging type. Healthcare and pharmaceuticals are two prominent industries that make use of vacuum bags.
For healthcare applications, vacuum packaging comes in handy in sterile environments, where an emphasis is placed on keeping germs away from equipment. The chemical and bacteria-free nature of vacuum bags is thus preferred by healthcare professionals. Vacuum pouches are used to store surgical instruments and other medical devices. They are also used in laboratories, for laboratory chemicals, biologics, and more.
Pharmaceutical companies utilize the packaging for tablets, powders, and other medicines to make sure the medicine is delivered in a contamination-free way. Hence, pharmaceutical suppliers prefer vacuum pouches instead of dispensing tablets and capsules loosely or in unreliable packaging.
High Production Costs and Threat of Anaerobic Bacterial Growth Deter Progress
Stakeholders are benefitting from the advances in technology relating to production. For instance, PIAB USA Inc., in July 2024, updated its vacuum pump to include features like an optional silencer and configurable mounting options. However, these machines are also pricey.
Vacuum packing involves numerous machines and equipment. Vacuum sealers, chambers, and pumps are just some examples. Installing and maintaining these machines comes with a considerable cost. Thus, a significant number of medium and small-scale packaging entities hesitate to make the shift to vacuum packaging.
Although vacuum bags are renowned for inhibiting bacteria growth, this does not account for anaerobic bacteria. The oxygen-less environment provided by vacuum bags is just the environment for them to thrive. These bacteria can lead to diseases like pneumonia, dental infections, and more. Thus, there is hesitation about the adoption of vacuum packaging.
Principal Consultant
The vacuum packaging market was USD 19.2 billion in 2019. The market registered a CAGR of 1.6% during the historical period, reaching USD 20.4 billion by 2023. Expanding production facilities was a significant concern for players in the historical period. For instance, Amcor plc acquired a state-of-the-art production facility in the Czech Republic in 2022.
Expanding production facilities also aimed at ensuring efficiency. Sustainability emerged as a key concern for the packaging sector and vacuum packaging manufacturers focused on sustainability. For instance, Klockner Pentaplast added rPET/PET capacity to its plant in Beaver, United States.
Tier 1 companies like Sealed Air Corporation, Amcor plc, and Berry Global, Inc. have established a significant reputation in the market. With access to advanced technology, that is not available to companies in the tiers below, these companies rely on innovative solutions.
These companies are focusing on research and development as well to create revenue, and are undertaking strategies like acquisition to gain a competitive edge. For instance, in May 2023, Amcor acquired New Zealand-based Moda Systems, further cementing its place in the market.
Tier 2 companies might not have the financial might of tier 1 companies; however, they have managed to carve out a space for themselves in the market. They have done so by putting out specialized products and serving niche segments. Notable tier 2 companies include Coveris Holdings S.A. and Pactiv Evergreen Inc.
The focus becomes even more regional when it comes to tier 3 companies. Tier 3 companies provide strong competition in their native localities to companies in tier 1 and tier 2. Some notable tier 3 companies include Vapor Food Services and Packit Gourmet.
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Polyethylene (PE) is the material most often used in the making of vacuum packing. The packaging is predominantly used in the food sector.
| Segment | Polyethylene (PE) (Material) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 33.6% |
Polyethylene (PE) is estimated to account for 33.6% of the market share in 2024. The material is trusted by manufacturers as it reliably seals the products in the packaging. Polyethylene disallows air from re-entering the packing. The material is also able to absorb impacts and resist chemicals, further safeguarding the materials underneath. The material not retaining bacteria is another point in its favor.
Another reason for the proliferation of polyethylene in vacuum packaging manufacturing is the flexibility provided by the material. PE can be molded to suit the products being packaged, allowing manufacturers to save space and minimize packaging material.
| Segment | Food (End Use) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 73.9% |
Over 73% of vacuum packaging sales are expected to be generated from the food industry. The use of the packaging type for food purposes is significantly higher than for non-food purposes. Retaining the freshness of the products is paramount in the food industry and vacuum packaging is instrumental in that. The packaging curbs the growth of bacteria or fungi in food, increasing the shelf life of products.
Vacuum packaging is essential for dry food products as well as for frozen items. From nuts to daily farm produce to cheese and much more, the use of vacuum-sealed bags in the food industry is versatile.
The overall encouragement shown to the packaging sector by governments in the Asia Pacific makes the region a lucrative one for stakeholders. The focus on green packaging solutions in countries like China provides more opportunities to manufacturers.
| Countries | CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
|---|---|
| India | 4.9% |
| United States | 1.9% |
| China | 3.2% |
| Spain | 3.1% |
| Canada | 2.2% |
The vacuum packaging market in India is estimated to register a CAGR of 4.9% over the forecast period. Indian FMCG brands are taking the aid of vacuum packaging to increase the convenience of consumers. For instance, KK Foods offers the service of vacuum packaging home-cooked food for travels, usually overseas. Thus, the application of packaging in India is not restricted to sealing packaged food for retail sale but also has diverse applications.
The market is being driven by innovation in vacuum sealing machines. While the Western world is generally recognized to be at the forefront of vacuum sealing machines, Indian manufacturers are also making significant strides in the development of advanced products. As vacuum sealing machines become more advanced, stakeholders are set to benefit from the savings in cost and time they bring.
The China market is anticipated to advance at a CAGR of 3.2% over the projected period. Government support for packaging is leading to Chinese packaging entities thriving and creating new production facilities as well as expanding current ones. Further encouragement is provided by the Chinese focus on bioplastic production and green packaging.
Vacuum packaging is progressing in China with the overall growth of the packaging sector. For example, in January 2022, Echo Machinery began production in its new headquarters. The headquarters are over a million square feet in size and have a wide range of packaging capabilities, including vacuum packaging.
The Canada vacuum packaging market is set to register a CAGR of 2.2% over the period from 2024 to 2034. Food wastage has become a significant concern for Canadian citizens and the government. According to the National Zero Waste Council, on average a Canadian household wastes about 300 pounds of food per year.
To address the growing problem, Canadians are trying to course-correct. According to FoodSaver, a manufacturer of vacuum sealing bags, 77% of Canadians who use food storage products think it is important to reduce household food waste. Thus, vacuum-sealed packaging is finding its way into more Canadian households, complementing the progress of the market in the industrial area.
The vacuum packaging market is highly fragmented in nature. No single entity has established dominance and the market is home to a wide variety of players of all scales. There is a low barrier to entry, leading to a stable stream of new entrants for established players.
Considering the notable application of packaging in the food and beverage sector, food companies are also taking an interest in vacuum packaging. Partnerships are being established with food enterprises. Food companies are on the lookout to make packaging more sustainable and the help of vacuum packaging manufacturers is being sought on an increased basis.
Key Industrial Developments
Based on the material, the vacuum packaging market can be divided into Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyamide (PA), Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH), and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Based on the end use, the vacuum packaging market is divided into food and non-food. The food segment is further subdivided into meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, fresh produce, ready meals, and preserved food.
Based on the film structure, the vacuum packaging market can be divided into the following segments: monolayer, 3 layers, 5 layers, 7 layers, and more than 7 layers.
The sector has been analyzed with the following regions covered: North America, Latin America, Europe, South Asia, East Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East and Africa.
The market was valued at USD 20.4 billion in 2023.
The market is set to reach USD 21.1 billion in 2024.
Global demand is anticipated to rise at 2.3% CAGR over the period from 2024 to 2034.
The industry is projected to reach USD 26.5 billion by 2034.
The market is slated to progress at 4.9% CAGR in India over the forecast period.
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