Poultry Packaging Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis by Material (Plastic, Paper & Paperboard, and Molded Fiber), By Packaging Technique (Modified Atmosphere Packaging, Vacuum Packaging, and Shrink Packaging), By Product Type (Trays, Films & Wraps, Bags & Pouches, Boxes & Cartons, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global poultry packaging market size was valued at USD 3.97 billion in 2023. The market is projected to be worth USD 4.12 billion in 2024 and reach USD 5.85 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.48% during the forecast period. North America dominated the poultry packaging market with a market share of 31.99% in 2023.

Poultry packaging is the packaging method of poultry products to protect them against any physical, biological, and chemical damage. The augmenting demand for poultry meat is a significant factor contributing to the growth of the global poultry packaging market. The rising utilization of plastic trays and films manufactured with MAP or vacuum packaging interestingly increases the market growth.

The poultry industry globally was severely affected by the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated lockdowns. The disruption in the feed supply chain resulted in a negative impact on poultry production globally, thus affecting the poultry packaging industry.

Poultry Packaging Market Trends

Advancements in Packaging Techniques Emerges a Market Trend

The growing advancements in packaging techniques for the packaging of poultry meat and eggs are surging as a key market trend and are expected to flourish in the projected years. The rising utilization of shrink packaging solutions such as shrink films and wraps, modified atmosphere packaging solutions such as trays, and vacuum packaging methods to enhance the efficiency of the packaging process emerges as a market trend. The rising utilization of laser perforation to design porous films a create an ideal atmosphere for the packaging of poultry products is also generating profitable growth opportunities. Additionally, the introduction of flexible packaging solutions such as cryovac packages, microwave packages, and retortable pouches that preserve the freshness of poultry meat and extend the shelf life of food products also flourished as a significant market trend.

Poultry Packaging Market Growth Factors

Increasing Demand for Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Poultry Products Cushions the Market Growth

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a proven packaging and preservation technology for maintaining the quality as well as extending the shelf-life of poultry products. The packaging technique is essential in eliminating the growth as well as the reproduction of microorganisms that cause the loss of quality through compromised texture, slime formation, and an off flavor. Modified atmosphere packaging with the use of 100% nitrogen can slow down the oxidative deterioration of poultry products, thus driving its demand among food packaging manufacturers worldwide. Utilization of MAP for poultry products is more cost-effective than any other packaging method. It also lowers the risk of bacterial production, enhances the freshness, odor, and texture of the products, and improves production & distribution efficiency. The rising demand for MAP for poultry products thus drives the global poultry packaging market growth.

Surge in Demand for Poultry Products in the Food Sector Drives Market Growth

Poultry meat and eggs offer excellent nutritional profiles. The high-biological-value protein, mineral content, and vitamins enable these meats to be incorporated into the diet of any age group. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), poultry meat consumption is expected to flourish in the next decade as the poultry segment has the lowest carbon footprint. Poultry meat and eggs are supposed as healthier alternatives to red meat, thus boosting its demand in the food sector. The augmenting demand for on-the-go and ready-to-eat meals that are healthy and offer excellent nutrition is also on the rise. Moreover, the high demand for poultry products from health-conscious consumers due to the high protein content is also encouraging food manufacturers to introduce new products. The food industry offers a wide range of poultry meat products, further driving the demand for poultry packaging worldwide. Henceforth, the growing demand for poultry products in the food sector drives the market growth worldwide.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Growing Risks Bacterial Growth in Packaged Poultry Products Hinders the Market Growth

Despite the potential benefits of the poultry packaged solutions, there are some of the major factors hindering the market growth. The utilization of modified atmosphere packaging and vacuum packaging for poultry products poses some threat to the packaged poultry products. Vacuum packaging is highly utilized for eliminating oxygen from the packaged food. However, as the bacteria causing food spoilage are not found in vacuum products, some pathogenic bacteria tend to grow in such packages. A primary pathogenic bacterium, clostridium botulinum survives without oxygen and tends to grow in the products packed through vacuum techniques. Such increasing risks of bacterial growth in packaged poultry products impede the market growth.  Moreover, although MAP is significant for prolonging shelf life, it does not remove all the bacterial growth & microorganisms from the packaging, thus hampering the market growth.

Poultry Packaging Market Segmentation Analysis

By Material Analysis

Excellent Benefits of Plastic Packaging Materials Thrives the Segmental Growth

Based on material, the market is segmented into plastic, paper & paperboard, and molded fiber.

Plastic is the dominating material segment and is expected to grow significantly in the forthcoming years. The key benefit of using plastic material for poultry products is its excellent durability. The material is strong and durable, further providing excellent protection to the poultry meat and other products packed inside. The material is also resistant to damage and is thus, gaining traction in the transportation, handling, and storage of poultry meat and eggs.  Moreover, the excellent oxygen-barrier properties of the material also enhance its growing utilization for the packaging of poultry products.

Paper & paperboard is the second-dominating material segment. The growing sustainability trends globally constitute a significant factor contributing to the growth of the paper & paperboard segment.

By Packaging Technique Analysis

Potential Benefits of the Modified Atmosphere Packaging to the Poultry Products Aid the Segment’s Growth

Based on packaging technique, the market is segmented into modified atmosphere packaging, vacuum packaging, and shrink packaging.

Modified atmosphere packaging dominates the packaging technique segment and is projected to grow massively over the forecast years. The modified atmosphere packaging offers extended shelf life compared to several other conventional storage methods. The extended shelf life thus, maintains the freshness and quality of the poultry products and preserves the nutrients, thus driving the segment’s growth.

Vacuum packaging is the second-leading packaging technique and is expected to foresee a rapid growth in the forecast period. The packaging technique allows the poultry products to be packed naturally and without preservatives, thus driving its demand in the poultry market.

By Product Type Analysis

Increasing Demand for Poultry Trays by the Food Industry Propels Segmental Growth

Based on product type, the market is segmented into trays, films & wraps, bags & pouches, boxes & cartons, and others.

Trays are the dominating product type segment, accounting for the highest market share. The trays offer a protective barrier to the poultry products, thus eliminating the risk of cross-contamination during storage, handling, and transit. Trays also allow for easy labeling, further enabling precise identification of the product as well as providing traceability. Increasing demand for tray packaging for poultry products in the food industry due to their potential benefits thus enhances the segment’s growth.

Films and wraps are the second-leading product type segment. The leak-proof, high abuse-resistant, and air-tight properties of the films and wraps are contributing as a significant factor to the segment’s growth.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America is the dominating region of the global poultry packaging market. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. poultry industry is the leading global poultry producer, a major egg producer, and second-largest exporter of poultry meat. U.S. consumption of poultry meat products such as broilers, turkey, and other chicken is significantly higher than beef and pork. The growing consumer demand for poultry products in the U.S. and Canada is a significant contributor to the growth of the North American poultry packaging market. The presence of major key player in poultry packaging sector also drives the poultry packaging market in North America.

Asia Pacific is the second-dominating region and is analyzed to witness noteworthy growth in the forecast period. The rapidly increasing income levels, better disease control as well as the increasing use of new technologies, are contributing to favorable long-term market conditions of the poultry market in various countries of the Asia Pacific region, further boosting the market growth.

Europe is the third-leading region. The European Union is one of the largest poultry meat producers worldwide and a net exporter of poultry products. The high demand for poultry products such as meat and eggs in the food sector is driving market growth in the region.

Latin American market will foresee significant growth due to the well-established poultry market in Brazil.

The Middle East & Africa region is analyzed to witness steady growth in the projected years due to the growing demand for eggs in various countries.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Market Participants to Witness Significant Growth Opportunities with New Product Launches

The global poultry packaging market is highly fragmented and competitive. A few significant players are dominating the market by offering innovative packaging solutions in the packaging industry. These major players constantly focus on expanding their customer base across regions by innovating their existing product range.

Major players in the poultry packaging industry include Berry Global, Inc., Sealed Air, ProAmpac LLC, Amcor PLC, Tekni-Plex Consumer Products, Hartmann, and others. Numerous other companies operating in the market are focused on market scenarios and delivering advanced packaging solutions.

List of Top Poultry Packaging Companies:

• Berry Global, Inc. (U.S.)


• Sealed Air (U.S.)


• ProAmpac LLC (U.S.)


• Amcor PLC (Switzerland)


• Tekni-Plex Consumer Products (U.S.)


• Hartmann (Denmark)


• CKF Inc. (Canada)


• Mondi Group (U.K.)


• Cascades Inc. (Canada)


• Huhtamaki Oyj (Finland)


• Winpak Limited (Canada)


• Sealpac International bv (Germany)


• Klöckner Pentaplast (Luxembourg)


• Smurfit Kappa (Ireland)


• Mannok Pack (Ireland)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• March 2024 – One of the leading European food companies, Moy Park, announced the utilization of Klöckner Pentaplast’s rPET-modified atmosphere tray for its poultry products. Klöckner Pentaplast’s modified atmosphere packaging tray, kp Elite, is entirely designed with rPET and aims to reduce plastic consumption by 50 tonnes & transform it into mono-material solutions.


• August 2023 – Volpi Foods declared the launch of a new packaging solution with reduced plastic for its premium cured meat product line. The launch of Eco-Pack by Volpi Foods is essential for consumers as it maintains the shelf life and utilizes a new paper material that is highly recyclable after separating from its thin liner.


• September 2022 – Pasturebird, a U.S.-based poultry producer, has introduced a new range of retail packaging specifically for its pasture-raised chickens. The launch of a new meat case highlights a flip-up sleeve to offer space for printing more information and details about the brand.


• May 2022 – TekniPlex Consumer Product, a U.S.-based packaging company, launched a new line of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) processor trays. The trays are made from 100% PET & up to 50% post-industrial recycled content and target common packaging difficulties in the poultry sector.


• September 2021 –  Alliz from the Zanchetta Group announced the launch of a new fresh chicken packaging line designed with Dow’s Phormanto technology. The thermoform vacuum packaging is technically recyclable, with zero leaks or odors, from high-performance polyethylene that permits for portioning of the product.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report provides a detailed market analysis and focuses on key aspects, such as top market players, competitive landscape, product/service types, market segmentation, porter’s five forces analysis, and leading segments of the product. Besides, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the abovementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the market intelligence & growth in recent years.

REPORT SCOPE & SEGMENTATION