Rigid Chilled Food Packaging Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Material (Plastic, Metal, and Paper & Paperboard), By Product Type (Boxes & Containers, Cartons, Trays, Cans, and Others), By Application (Fruits & Vegetables, Meat, Poultry & Seafood, Ready-to-eat Meals, Dairy Products, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Consistent temperature-controlled packaging is a crucial component of shipping perishable products such as food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals. Chilled food, generally stored between 0-5°C, includes perishable items that need refrigeration to slow down bacterial growth and maintain freshness. Such packaging ensures that items are kept within a specific temperature range to help preserve the quality and safety of a product leading to the longer shelf life of food products, driving the growth of this market.

• For instance, food wastage is one of the biggest challenges for the globe and a major portion of waste during transportation is due to the lack of temperature-controlled packaging and improper processing of food. According to the Food & Drug Association, in the U.S., food waste is projected at between 30 to 40% of the food supply. Thus, the increasing food waste has led to a higher demand for chilled food packaging and contributed to the growth of this market.

Rigid chilled food packaging is used as the substitute for temperature-controlled logistics, minimizing the cost. The sturdiness, durability, and barrier to the outer environment offered by the boxes and cartons are enhancing the growth of this packaging. Additionally, the increasing innovation in the products led to the development of microwavable trays that can be used to reheat the products and can be further used for other purposes, contributing to the rigid chilled food packaging market. Furthermore, the easy customizability, printability, and high recycling rates of metal cans are further fueling the market growth.

The high cost associated with the rigid chilled food packaging solution surges the end cost. The complex technology and lack of technical knowledge in smaller manufacturers are restrcitng the growth of this market. The high initial cost, lack of infrastructure, and poor maintenance are also impeding the growth of the rigid chilled food packaging market.

The COVID-19 pandemic had affected the entire food and packaging supply chain, such as production plants, warehouses, retailing shops, and others, due to the lockdowns and ban on social gatherings. The demand for chilled food during that phase spiked as the food can retain the taste and have a longer shelf life. However, the market has seen negative demand due to the rising concerns about the transmission of the virus through the packaging. Thus, the rigid chilled food packaging market was negatively impacted by the pandemic.

SEGMENTATION

KEY INSIGHTS

The report covers the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the Rigid Chilled Food Packaging Market


• Key Industry Trends


• Regulatory Landscape for the Rigid Chilled Food Packaging Market


• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Rigid Chilled Food Packaging Market

ANALYSIS BY MATERIAL

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

The paper & paperboard segment dominates the global rigid chilled food packaging market. The increasing demand for recyclable and sustainable packaging to curb the environmental impacts with sturdiness and resistance to air, moisture, and tear is enhancing the growth of this segment.

ANALYSIS BY PRODUCT TYPE

Based on product type, the market is segmented into boxes & containers, cartons, trays, cans, and others. The boxes & containers segment holds the largest share of the global rigid chilled food packaging market. The surging demand for the boxes and containers to maintain consistent temperature with high storage, high product holding capacity, with excellent recyclability is accelerating the segment growth.

ANALYSIS BY APPLICATION

Based on application, the market is segmented into fruits & vegetables, meat, poultry & seafood, ready-to-eat meals, dairy products, and others.

The meat, poultry & seafood segment dominates the global chilled food packaging market. The escalating demand for proteinaceous food due to health issues and their easy availability is driving the growth of this segment.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The rigid chilled food packaging market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America is the dominating region of the global rigid chilled food packaging market. The high demand for ready-to-eat meals due to shifting preferences and busy lifestyles is driving the regional growth.

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region of the market. The increasing disposable income and production of meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy products are boosting the growth of this region.

Europe is growing at a significant rate due to the presence of significant players and growing innovations in the region. Latin America is experiencing lucrative growth due to the high demand for ready-to-eat meals.

The Middle East & Africa market is expanding at a moderate rate due to the growing consumption of meat, poultry, and seafood products.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

The report includes the profiles of key players such as Chilled Packaging, Woolcool, Swiftpak, Colpac, Stora Enso, Tetra Pak, Graphic Packaging International, LLC, Sorbafreeze, Puffin Packaging, Thermal Packaging Solutions Ltd., and CoolPac.

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• In July 2023, Graphic Packaging International partnered with ABP Food Group and developed paperboard tray solutions for one of the leading U.K. retailers, Aldi. The vacuum skin packaging (VSP) pressed board trays have been designed with an easy-peel film for the packaging of chilled meat.


• In May 2023, Stora Enso introduced an easily recyclable packaging board grade for frozen and chilled food packaging named Tambrite Aqua+. It reduces the need for fossil-based plastics and improves recyclability after use. The box board has excellent runnability, printability, and robustness.


• In May 2020, Softbox, a temperature control packaging innovator, launched a plastic-free 100% kerbside-recyclable cardboard insulated shipper for the delivery of chilled food.