Micro Packaging Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Material (Plastic, Metal, Others), By Product Type (Films, Pouches, Bottles, Boxes & Cartons, Cans, Others), By Application (Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Others), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The global micro packaging market size was valued at USD 5.52 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 6.36 billion in 2023 to USD 17.95 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 15.97% during the forecast period. North America dominated the micro packaging market with a market share of 38.59% in 2022. Moreover, the micro packaging market in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 6.58 billion by 2032, driven by the increasing usage of micro packaging in drug delivery systems.

Micro packaging is the incorporation of nanomaterials and nanocoatings by using different packaging techniques to offer a barrier against heat, light, and air. It is a relatively new concept that provides various growth opportunities throughout all sectors of the global packaging industry. The packaging provides superior mechanical strength and anti-microbial qualities, is lightweight, and has the ability to inform the customer about the status of product safety. Such features help in the growing global demand for this packaging in the food and pharmaceutical industries, further enhancing the market’s growth.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Decreased Demand in the Market Due to Pandemic Hampered Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the lives of several people and had an unprecedented public health concern. People were forced to stay at their places as the borders were shut. Economic uncertainty led to low purchase of products which decreased the demand in the market. Furthermore, the demand from all industries declined, leading to negative market growth. The research and development activities were stopped, and the manufacturing cost of the packaging increased as there was a shortage of labor and raw materials, thus increasing the cost of the final product. Such factors impeded the growth of the market during the pandemic. However, after the pandemic, the market has observed positive growth due to an increasing demand for micro packaging as it protects food from the outside environment and increases the shelf life of the product.

Micro Packaging Market Trends

Increasing Research and Development Activities to Boost Market Growth

The micro packaging industry is witnessing significant progress due to rapid urbanization and industrialization. The market is subject to constant changes in terms of economic factors and technological advances. This led key players to invest heavily in research and development initiatives for the development of micro-packaging using nanomaterials that are not harmful and make the packaging biodegradable and sustainable. For instance, one of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry players, Bayer Cropscience AG, produced a transparent film called Durethan that contains clay nanoparticles providing a combination of properties, including abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, crack resistance, and high strength & toughness to the packaging. One such film is developed by an engineering team at Texas A&M University, which has developed a revolutionary thin-film polymer with the food preservation properties of glass. Jaime Grunlan, an associate professor at Texas A&M who led the research effort, elaborated that the packaging material can preserve the carbonation of a carbonated beverage, the film consists of 70% clay particles, is more environmentally friendly than plastics, and is a thousand times thinner than a single hair.

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Micro Packaging Market Growth Factors

Surging Use of Nanomaterials to Increase Product Life is Aiding Market Growth

Chemical preservatives and traditional packaging methods in the food industry compromise the nutritional content of food and cause health issues. Surging growth in demand for sustainable production, increasing competition, and health concerns have led the food and beverage industry to embark on innovation. The use of nanomaterials in food offers potential benefits, such as improved anti-microbial activity, bioavailability, improved sensory acceptance, and targeted delivery of bioactive compounds. In addition, micro packaging has taken a step forward in the food & beverage industry with nanoscale innovations in the form of barrier and mechanical properties, pathogen detection, and active and smart packaging with food safety and quality benefits. One of the most promising applications of this type of packaging in the food business is the nanocoating of food packaging surfaces. The presence of oxygen in packaged foods provides ideal conditions for microorganisms to thrive in the quality and shelf life of the food and flourish the market growth.

For instance, beer manufacturers in the U.S. use clay nanoparticles in plastic bottles to keep beer fizzy for longer. The tiny clay flakes fill the gaps between the larger plastic molecules, allowing less gas to escape through the bottle walls and enabling the drinks to retain their carbonation for a more extended period.

Benefits of Micro Packaging in Drug Delivery Systems is Propelling Market Growth

Packaging developed with the help of nanomaterials is expected to have a robust influence on pharmaceutical packaging due to its ability to improve the stability and shelf life of drugs. The emergence of new drug delivery systems and the development of new biochemical compounds have created the need for improvised protection against factors such as oxygen, light, moisture, and mechanical forces. Micro packaging involves adding specific nanoparticles to shaped objects and films to make them lightweight and fireproof, improve mechanical and thermal performance, and reduce gas permeability. This type of packaging incorporating nano-engineered materials, such as nanocoatings and nanocomposite-based packaging films, controls delay in oxidation and microbial growth and improves tampering visibility and anti-counterfeit protection. This ensures drug safety over time and contributes to the growth of this market during the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Increasing Government Regulations for Nanomaterials Usage Hinders Market Growth

Although micro packaging is promising, some challenges in the industry need to be overcome. The potential toxicity of certain types of nanomaterials is a concern. However, most are considered safe, there is still some uncertainty about their long-term effects on human health and the environment. Another challenge is the cost of manufacturing nanomaterial food packaging. While the technology can lessen food waste and increase food safety, it may also come at a higher manufacturing cost, which could restrict its adoption by smaller food companies and operations. The biggest concern with the use of nanomaterials is consumer safety. Studies have revealed the possibility of the migration of nanomaterials from packaging into food, which has led to regulations on the production of such packaging by the governments of some nations.

For instance, in Europe, the regulation states that the use of nanoparticles is generally forbidden unless they are specifically authorized in their nanoform. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends that the risk assessment of nanomaterials must be carried out on a case-by-case basis, with only a few exceptions. EFSA also suggests that in cases where there are health, environmental, or safety concerns, the threshold for nanoparticles should be reduced from 50% to just 10%, which refers to medical and food applications. Moreover, Canada is assessing the potential risks and benefits of nanomaterials in packaging based on existing legal and regulatory frameworks. Health Canada, the agency responsible for the issue, recommended that the production of health and food products containing nanomaterials meet with regulators before submitting the product for approval to discuss the product's safety.

Micro Packaging Market Segmentation Analysis

By Material Analysis

Several Benefits Offered by Plastic to Boost Plastic Segment Growth

Based on the material, the market is segmented into plastic, metal, and others.

The plastic segment holds the largest micro packaging market share. It is easy to recycle plastic packaging products embedded with nanomaterials and nano coatings, thus making it a suitable choice for manufacturers. The durability, flexibility, and availability of the plastic at economical prices are bolstering the growth of this market.

Metal is the second dominating segment in the market. The demand for metal packaging products, such as cans and their anti-microbial properties, is boosting the segment’s growth.

By Product Type Analysis

High Flexibility of the Films to Drive Films Segment Growth

Based on the product type, the market is segmented into films, pouches, bottles, boxes & cartons, cans, and others.

The films hold the largest market share. The use of packaging films has grown exponentially throughout the packaging industry due to their versatility and customizability. Films are impermeable to moisture and gases, keeping the products fresh for a longer duration. Furthermore, the high flexibility of the films makes it easier to integrate nanomaterials and nanocoatings into them, thus enhancing segment growth.

Pouches is the second dominating segment in the market. The resealable feature of pouches is increasing its demand in the market as it can be reused again with properties that can increase the shelf life of products.

By Application Analysis

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Reduction in the Food Wastage due to Micro Packaging is Driving Food & Beverage Segment Growth

Based on application, the market is segmented into food & beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care & cosmetics, and others.

The food & beverage is the dominating segment in the market. Food packaging is one area that has already displayed significant benefits from micro packaging. Some active packages, such as NanoPack, have been created to slow down oxidation, moisture changes, or microbial growth to increase the shelf-life of the packaged food product. This is beneficial as less food will go to waste. Thus, the rising demand for packed food around the world is driving the growth of this segment.

Pharmaceuticals are the second dominating segment of this market. The surging demand for drug delivery systems globally is one of the primary reasons for the segment’s growth.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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

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North America is the leading region of this market. The increasing R&D activities in the region and the presence of major market players in the U.S., enhance the growth of this region.

Europe is the second largest region of this market. The developed technological centers and the government funding in Germany and its neighboring countries to come up with new initiatives in the field of nanotechnology and nanomaterials are driving the region’s growth.

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region of this market. The overcrowded countries and the lack of proper transportation in some nations have led to a surge in the demand for this packaging to increase the shelf life of products and reduce the wastage of the products.

Latin America is experiencing significant growth due to thriving sales of food and beverages and the need for packaging that can protect the product from damage and increase product life. The Middle East & Africa region is expected to grow at a steady rate. The increasing personal care market, along with the increasing food industry, coupled with the rising standard of living, contribute to the region’s growth.

List of Key Micro Packaging Market Companies

Growing Key Players’ Focus on Providing Innovative Packaging to Drive Market Growth

The global market is highly competitive and fragmented. In terms of market share, several key market players are dominating the market by offering innovative packaging in the industry. These key players are increasingly focusing on their customer base expansion and innovation across the regions.

The market consists of major players, such as Cosmo Films, FILMTEC, DuPont, 3M Company, Danaflex Group, and others. These players are focused on delivering advanced packaging solutions.

List of Key Companies Profiled:

• Cosmo Films (India)


• FILMTEC (India)


• Avery Dennison (U.S.)


• Amcor (Switzerland)


• Danaflex Group (Russia)


• Vitopel (Brazil)


• DUNMORE (U.S.)


• 3M Company (U.S.)


• DuPont (U.S.)


• Shijiazhuang Dajia New Materials Technology Co., Ltd (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• September 2022 - Amcor acquired a flexible packaging plant from a Russian packaging manufacturer, Danaflex. Danaflex manufactures laminated plastic pouches, primarily for pet food, baby food, and coffee. The plant also has flexographic and gravure presses and a research and development center for sustainable packaging solutions. The acquisition will help Amcor to expand its presence in Central Europe.


• March 2021 - Toppan Printing announced that it had developed virusweeper film-type packaging with antibacterial and antifungal functions. It is Japan’s first paper-based carton packaging that is capable of reducing the presence of virus particles on the surfaces.


• April 2020 - Jet Technologies announced the launch of anti-microbial protective films for various print and packaging applications, which claims to inhibit the growth of microbes by up to 99.9%. The films can protect against bacteria, molds, and fungi and provide significant benefits to supermarkets for indirect contact with food packaging.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, competitive landscape, product/service types, Porter’s five forces analysis, and leading end-use industries of the product. Besides, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the above factors, the report encompasses several factors that contributed to the market's growth in recent years.

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