Microwave Cooking Bags Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Material (Plastic, Paper, and Others), By Application (Fresh Prepared Foods, Frozen Foods, Shelf Stable Meals, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Microwave cooking bags are designed to simplify the process of cooking and retain quality without having to stir or reposition the food product inside the microwave oven. Microwave cooking bags are a perfect solution for quick and convenient meal preparation while saving energy. They are generally made of heat-resistant materials such as plastic and are capable of withstanding high temperatures. Microwave cooking bags reduce cooking and cleaning time, offering the utmost convenience and being perfect for individuals as well as hotels and restaurants. Microwave cooking bags are suitable for fresh and frozen vegetables, poultry, and fish, sealing in the natural goodness of the taste. The augmenting technological advancements by leading global manufacturers will offer profitable growth opportunities to the market.

• For instance, according to a study published in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, microwave cooking has been shown to produce the lowest antioxidant losses in vegetables when compared to pressure-cooking, boiling, or frying.

In an era where time is a valuable commodity, microwave cooking bags have gained popularity due to their ability to reduce cooking time significantly. Microwave cooking bags are designed to lock in flavors and nutrients, ensuring the retention of taste and nutritional value. Innovations such as some microwave cooking bags featuring multi-compartments for different components of the meals to get cooked separately in the same bag and at the same time. With sustainability becoming a priority, brands are exploring eco-friendly materials for the manufacturing of microwave cooking bags. Furthermore, the growing food and beverages industry and changing lifestyle trends drive the market expansion.

The key factor restricting the microwave cooking bags market is ensuring that packaging materials can withstand microwave heating without compromising food quality and safety. Stringent regulations and safety standards must be met to ensure that the material used for manufacturing is safe for food contact and microwave use.

The COVID-19 outbreak worldwide brought about unprecedented changes in consumer behaviors, supply chains, and the food packaging industry as a whole. Microwave cooking bags, with their offering of convenience in cooking, started gaining traction as individuals sought easy meal solutions with fewer trips to the grocery stores. The increasing retail and food & beverages sales also contributed to the market growth in the mid-pandemic era. Furthermore, with the ease of restrictions, the market is estimated to experience noteworthy growth in developing countries.

KEY INSIGHTS

The report covers the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the Microwave Cooking Bags Market


• Key Industry Trends


• Regulatory Landscape for the Microwave Cooking Bags Market


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


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

SEGMENTATION

ANALYSIS BY MATERIAL

Based on material, the market is segmented into plastic, paper, and others. The plastic segment dominated the global microwave cooking bags market. The material is gaining huge importance as it is highly resistant to microbes and is essential in preventing the attack of air, moisture, or other particles on the packed substances. Features such as zip locks, spouts, and seals can be easily executed on the plastic material, making it essential for the microwave cooking bags industry.

ANALYSIS BY APPLICATION

Based on application, the market is segmented into fresh prepared foods, frozen foods, shelf-stable meals, and others. Freshly prepared foods are the dominating application segment of the microwave cooking bags market worldwide. Frozen foods are one of the major contributors to segmental growth. The rising demand for convenience and processed food propels the demand for microwave cooking bags. Moreover, the increasing demand for microwave-friendly packaging for food & beverages also contributes to the segment growth.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

By region, the microwave cooking bags market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America is the leading region of the global microwave cooking bags market. The major contributor to the rapid regional growth is the rising food demand and the growing food & beverage industry in the U.S. The increasing per capita consumer spending, fast-paced lifestyle, and emphasis on convenience contribute to North America's microwave cooking bags market growth.

Asia Pacific is the second-dominating region of the global microwave cooking bags market. The rapidly expanding supermarkets and retail stores in the region encourage the utilization of microwave cooking bags, driving regional market expansion. The increasing consumption of baked goods in European countries drives European market growth. The microwave cooking bags market in Latin America is projected to rise rapidly owing to increased meat product consumption. The Middle East will witness moderate growth over the upcoming years due to the region's growing meat industry and urbanization.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

The report includes the profiles of key players such as Amcor Plc, DuPont Teijin Films, Sirane Limited, S.C. Johnson & Son Inc., Coveris Group, American Packaging Corporation, Huhtamaki Oyj, ProAmpac, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., Jinan Huafeng Printing Co., Ltd., Universal Plastic Bags, and Dongguan Uni-pak Packing Co., Ltd.

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• In July 2023, Huhtamaki, a leading global provider of sustainable packaging solutions, invested for further growth in North America through the expansion of its manufacturing capacity and the consolidation of an external warehouse in Paris, Texas.


• In June 2023, Coveris opened a new recycling facility with pioneering technology. The new facility, Recover Louth, is the second addition to Coveris’ closed-loop recycling business segment.


• In November 2022, Sirane Group launched Sira-Cook Sira-Vent Stand-Up pouches, which can be microwaved with chilled or frozen food while offering great visibility.