Aseptic Packaging Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Material (Plastic, Metal, Glass, Paper & Paperboard, and Others), By Type (Cartons, Bags & Pouches, Bottles & Cans, Vials & Ampoules, and Others), By Application (Food, Beverages, Pharmaceutical, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global aseptic packaging market size was valued at USD 72.07 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 80.06 billion in 2024 to USD 185.89 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.10% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the aseptic packaging market with a market share of 33.74% in 2023. Moreover, the aseptic packaging market in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 33.10 billion by 2032, driven by the increasing smart and active packaging intitatives provide both shelf stability and after sale advantages.

Aseptic packaging is a commercially produced finished good that is kept in a sterile container under aseptic conditions and then sealed in the said containers to prevent contamination. The packaging makes the product shelf-stable at ambient conditions. The benefitting properties of this packaging include chemical resistance, thermal stability, lower level of contamination from microorganisms while also providing resistance from ionizing radiations. Rising demand for food, beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetics packaging creates market growth opportunities. The use of various methods through advanced processing techniques and packaging material to extend the shelf-life of commercially packaged food & beverage products primarily could augment the market size.

The manufacturing sector was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which lowered the product’s demand. However, the industries recovered quickly due to the robust demand for foods and beverages. The market grew due to the high demand for sterilized packaged food products to take preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19.

Aseptic Packaging Market Trends

Growing Demand for Convenience Packaged Food Products to Bolster Growth Prospects

The developed and developing countries are observing rapid economic growth and the higher-class lifestyle of consumers is surging the demand for quality food products. This requires quality packaging to keep the product fresh and clean for a more extended period. Moreover, the launch of new types of aseptic packaging is further creating opportunities in the value chain with extensive R&D and technologically advanced products. Furthermore, demand for convenience foods has risen due to changing lifestyles and the fast-paced work-life of consumers. This, along with the high disposable income of consumers, leads to more expenses on food & beverages. The shifting trend causes brand preference for quality ingredients and organic food products.

Growing demand for exotic fruits and vegetables has also been a major driving factor, as it requires a longer transportation period without being perishable. This packaging provides thicker outer packaging with several layers providing heat resistance, prevention from contamination and leakage, and chemical resistance while keeping the product fresh, thereby swelling the aseptic packaging market growth.

Aseptic Packaging Market Growth Factors

Rising Consumer Preference Toward Natural Food & Beverage Products to Drive Market

The rising awareness concerning health issues is driving the market. Nowadays, consumers are becoming more conscious of food products having natural ingredients with no preservatives being added. The addition of food preservatives provides benefits of longer shelf-life. However, the rising preference toward organic and no-preservative-added food & beverage has led manufacturers to develop quality packaging that keeps the food fresh while increasing shelf stability. Fulfilling the growing demand leads to the need for higher quality packaging, which drives the market.

Moreover, demand for pharmaceutical drugs is rising due to changing lifestyles and the need for better healthcare. It is supporting the market for aseptic wrapping in drugs. All these factors together lead to an exponential growth of the market.

Rising Demand for Beverages to Boost Market Growth

Aseptic packaging is essential in protecting foods and beverages by reducing contaminating bacteria in the supply chain. The packaging also assures high quality of the packed beverages and an extended shelf life. The rising consumer demand for preservative-free and natural beverages with additional benefits is also enhancing the market’s growth. The rising demand for various energy drinks, milk, and other beverages will also contribute to the market’s growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Cost of Investment and Environmental Impact of Aseptic Packaging to Restrain Market

The restraining factor to the market is the high investment required for the design and during various stages of production and distribution. Besides, variations in plastic regulations across regions create difficulty for the transportation of food & beverage products. Moreover, insufficiently developed technology further risks the market as more investments are required for research & development and product development. Furthermore, most of this packaging is made from plastic, that impacts the environment adversely, causing soil and water pollution. The long-term effect of these factors is restraining the demand for this type of packaging.

Aseptic Packaging Market Segmentation Analysis

By Material Analysis

Significant Features of Plastic Material Boosts Segment’s Growth

Based on material, the aseptic packaging market is segmented into plastic, metal, glass, paper & paperboard, and others. 

The plastic segment dominated the market where they are used to make bags & pouches, bottles & cans, and cartons. Plastic is the ideal raw material for packaging as it has chemical & heat resistance properties along with non-reactive nature with the food or beverage product packaged inside. The additional benefits, such as leakage proof and protection from contamination further drive plastic use for packaging solutions. Metal is used to manufacture cans and foil for beverage & food storage that are easy to use and dispose of while maintaining the optimum temperature. The recyclable nature of metals lowers the effect on the environment, thereby further leading to the use of metals for packaging.

Glass is the second dominating segment and its rapid growth is attributed to the rise in adoption of more sustainable food & beverage packaging solutions as a step to reduce pollution. Glass is easy to sterile and has a naturally non-reactive nature, making it an ideal material for packaging beverages such as wine, juice, and soda. The use of paper & paperboard for food & beverage applications is also associated with limiting the use of plastic.

By Type Analysis

Healthy Lifestyle Trends Boosted Cartons Segment Growth

Based on type, the market is segmented into cartons, bags & pouches, bottles & cans, vials & ampoules, and others. 

The cartons segment held the largest share in 2020 in terms of revenue in the global market due to the rise in alternative solutions for the packaging of dairy, fruits juices, and other beverage products. Cartons are primarily made from paperboard with plastic and metal lining, making them less environmentally harmful and compostable. The trend for a healthy lifestyle has raised the demand for products, such as soy milk, almond milk, and fresh juice and drinks, which is driving the segment growth.

The bags & pouches are the second leading type segment. The packaging is used for blood bags, saline bags for medical and water bags, and juice pouches for beverage applications.

By Application Analysis

Rising Demand from FMCG Contributes to Segment’s Growth

Based on application, the market is categorized into food, beverages, pharmaceutical, and others.

The beverages segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR, owing to the higher demand for packaging products from the FMCG sector. These products are used for packaging fruits, jams, dairy products, and sauces. The sterilization before packaging maintains the product quality while also providing longevity. Aseptic type of packaging in food application is a vital processing technique in which food products are packaged into a pre-sterilized vessel to increase shelf stability. This technique keeps the food sterilized outside of the container. Increasing food demand from developing economies is driving the product demand.

The pharmaceutical segment growth can be associated with the rising medical industry that requires glass and plastic packaging to maintain the sterility of the drugs. The packaging offers prevention from microorganisms and contamination, which is mandatory in the medical industry to prevent infections. The rise in contagious diseases in recent years has created high demand for sterile packaging of drugs.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific has the largest share in the global market due to the high demand for convenience food products from consumers in the region. Moreover, the rise in the pharmaceutical industry is further creating demand for aseptic type of packaging. The increase in population has led to the demand for better healthcare and food. This includes necessities such as dairy products, bread & confectionery, and meat that require an aseptic condition to keep products fresh for a longer period. The retail market in India has attracted the presence of companies providing F&B, consumers products, and cosmetics. The rise in income levels has further increased the demand for innovative and attractive sterile packaging concepts.

Aseptic packaging demand in North America is rising due to the rapidly growing pharmaceutical industry. The ability to produce technologically advanced medical products supported by the high economy of the country is driving product consumption. Moreover, a large population demanding better healthcare further leads to product consumption for medical packaging of drugs, vials & ampules.

Packaging consumption in Europe can be attributed to the companies investing in better beverage packaging solutions. The region has a high demand for liquor and other non-alcoholic beverages, driving the penetration of beverage packaging solutions. To prevent these beverages from being contaminated, companies could invest in this packaging.

The market in Latin America is projected to have substantial progress, which can be associated with the rise in food demand from the growing population. The increase in urbanization supported by the population demand for a better quality lifestyle has surged processed food and beverages consumption, thereby driving the market in the region. Whereas, in the Middle East & Africa, this packaging is used to keep perishable food from soiling that acts as a measure for drastic climate change in the region. Moreover, the rising consumption trend of exotic fruits is further surging product demand.

List of Key Companies in Aseptic Packaging Market

Development Strategies by the Industry Leaders in the Market to Strengthen Positions

The major players in the market are Amcor, Tetra Laval S.A., Greatview Aseptic Packaging Co., Ltd., IMA Group, and SCHOTT Glass India Pvt. Ltd. The company profiles included are adopting growth strategies for improving global presence such as new product launch, investment, merger & acquisition, and capacity improvement to attain competitive advantage. For example, In January 2021, Amcor demonstrated the reshaping of dairy packaging through more sustainable solutions, innovative design & delivery, and extending shelf life. Aseptic/extended shelf life (ESL) plastic bottles from Amcor are a full range of beverage sizes from 6-oz to 64-oz. Amcor’s barrier technology protects against ultraviolet light, maximizes the product’s flavor, and provides 90 days to one year of shelf life.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Amcor (U.K.)


• Tetra Laval S.A. (Switzerland)


• Greatview Aseptic Packaging Co., Ltd. (China)


• IMA Group (Italy)


• SCHOTT Glass India Pvt. Ltd. (India)


• DS Smith (U.K.)


• Elopak Group (Norway)


• SIG Combibloc Group Ltd. (Switzerland)


• Printpack (U.S.)


• Sealed Air Corporation (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• November 2023 – Tetra Pak, the leading manufacturer of tetra packaging, in collaboration with Portuguese food products firm Lactogal, launched the Tetra Brik 200 Slim Leaf aseptic beverage carton. The carton features a paper-based barrier and is manufactured with 80% paperboard, boosting the use of renewable content in the package up to 90%.


• June 2022 – Greatview announced the launch of a new and innovative aseptic carton developed with a bio-based polymer coating from INEOS & UPM Biofuels. The cartons are developed from FSC-certified paperboard and laminated with polymers that integrate tall oil-based bio-naphtha.


• April 2022 – Atkins announced the launch of a Tetra Pak carton, which is 78% sustainable and made from plant-based materials, resulting in a 17% reduction in carbon footprint when offering ready-to-drink shakes. Sugarcane, a plant-based polymer layer, is an essential component used in polyethene cartons' outer and inner layers to make re-sealable carton caps.


• March 2021 – Nongfu Spring’s added a new product to its product portfolio. This product is a very flexible and safe solution and can process high and low acids in PET. This line aided the Chinese beverage player in releasing new Ready-to-Drink (RTD) products, aseptically packaged in PET bottles.


• February 2020 – Varun Beverages Ltd, part of RJ Corp group, franchises for PepsiCo Inc. globally, installed Sidel’s Aseptic Combi Predis at the plant in India. This project aims to expand PET bottling capacity and provide production flexibility for the private label. By adopting new aseptic dry preform sterilization technology, RJ Corp is commercializing liquid dairy products (LDP) in PET in India.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global aseptic packaging market research report provides a detailed supply chain analysis of the product and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies, applications, and types. Also, the report offers insights into key market trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation