Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Material (Plastic {Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyamide (PA), Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH), and Others}, and Others), By Product Type (Films & Liners, Trays, Bags & Pouches, Boxes & Containers, and Others), By End-Use (Food {Meat & Seafood, Ready-to-eat Meals, Fruits & Vegetables, Dairy Products, Bakery & Confectionery, and Others}, Healthcare, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global modified atmosphere packaging market size was valued at USD 18.52 billion in 2023. The market is projected to be worth USD 19.76 billion in 2024 and reach USD 34.63 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.27% during the forecast period. Europe dominated the modified atmosphere packaging market with a market share of 73.94% in 2023.

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a packaging technique of manipulating the atmosphere inside the packaging that contains perishable foods, further extending their shelf-life. It is also essential in reducing the impact of food waste, which has emerged as one of the most significant sustainability issues faced. The augmenting demand for fresh and quality packaged foods is the key factor driving the global modified atmosphere packaging market growth. The increasing utilization of MAP trays, films, and liners by the food sector fosters a global market share for modified atmosphere packaging.

The advent of the COVID-19 virus has impacted the global food packaging sector. However, the massive increase in the demand for online food delivery boosted the utilization of modified atmosphere products. In addition, the increased usage of these solutions for food safety and shelf life maintenance while transportation thrived the market growth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market Trends

Continuous Advancements in the Packaging Technologies for Food Products Booms as a Market Trend

The continuous advancements in packaging technologies for food products are a prime factor emerging as a market trend. Advanced packaging technologies, such as modified atmosphere packaging, reduced oxygen packaging, and several others, ensure the efficiency of the packaging process. The use of MAP with other techniques, such as high-pressure processing, freeze drying, dehydration, cold plasma technology, and electric pulse field, will aid the market growth globally. Additionally, the use of laser perforation to manufacture porous films and generate an atmosphere that allows a controlled exchange of gasses offers profitable growth opportunities. High-breathable packaging, a form of MAP that maintains product freshness, prevents decay, and extends the shelf life of food products, emerged as a market trend. The implementation of automation and intelligent packaging solutions will also bolster market growth.

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Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market Growth Factors

Surge in Demand for Meat Products & Ready-to-eat Meals Propels the Market Growth

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of meat products has remained one of the most effective solutions for increasing shelf life and allowing the distribution of a cost-effective product. Modifying the features of atmospheric packaging by using films and high-end materials enhances the quality and safety of meat products. The rapidly growing demand for meat and ready-to-eat meals is driving the global modified atmosphere packaging market growth. The packaging solution is mainly utilized for refrigerated and prepared convenience foods to offer excellent quality, convenience, variety, and health. The rapid rise in demand for ready-to-eat meals due to the growing working population is a major contributor to the market growth.

Significant Benefits Offered by the Modified Atmosphere Packaging Propels the Market Growth

MAP allows food products to stay fresh while maintaining their original texture, taste, and appearance. MAP is majorly used for the packaging of coffee, baked goods, cheese, snacks, pasta, sandwiches, processed meats, produce, and others. The packaging extends shelf life without using food additives, reduces oxygen levels to prevent food decay, preserves food items for a longer time, and decreases supply chain waste and carbon footprint. Moreover, it is also essential to retain the original food flavors. The longer freshness cycle eliminates frequent product rotation and restocking, further reducing labor costs. In addition, the need for preservatives to maintain freshness and slow down the growth of fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms causing spoilage and foodborne illness is also reduced. Such potential benefits of the MAP drive market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Upfront Costs and Utilization of Alternative Preservation Methods Hinders the Market Growth

The high upfront costs associated with the MAP, hinders the market growth. The capital required for gas packaging machinery, gases, and packaging material is high. In addition, the transport cost has also increased due to the increased packaging volume, thus limiting the market growth. While MAP is essential in extending the product life, it does not thoroughly remove all the bacterial growth and the presence of other microorganisms from the packaging. This results in the utilization of other preservation methods during packaging. Bacteria tend to grow continuously, especially in warmer temperatures, which results in the need to refrigerate products, even after packaging with MAP procedures. Such factors are studied to hamper the market growth worldwide.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market Segmentation Analysis

By Material Analysis

Exceptional Benefits of Plastic Material Boosts the Segmental Growth

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

Plastic is the dominating material segment. The material offers excellent barrier properties to avert the infiltration of moisture, oxygen, and other gases, which can lead to spoilage and discoloration of the food products. The films manufactured with polyethylene, polyamide, polypropylene, and other polymers have lower permeability, high-tensile strength, good optical properties, and puncture, temperature, and abrasion resistance, which results in great oxygen and moisture reduction, protecting the products packed inside. Moreover, the material is compatible with gases and food products, preventing discoloration and spoilage. Plastic is also an ideal option for MAP as it is cost-effective and assures the feasibility of the MAP process, thus driving segmental growth.

Some of the other materials, such as paperboard, are analyzed to witness moderate growth in the upcoming years. The ongoing sustainability trend, along with the rising environmental concerns, has boosted the segment’s growth.

By Product Type Analysis

Surge in Demand from the Food Industry Propels the Segmental Growth

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

Films & liners are the dominating product type segment. The films and liners utilized for MAP are essential in extending the shelf life of fresh foods and ready-to-eat meals. It prevents food spoilage by replacing the air in the packaging with a mixture of gases. In addition, films and liners are in high demand by the food industry as, during refrigeration, they remain fog-free and enhance the appeal of both fresh and processed food products. The rise in demand for such films and liners from the food industry contributes to the segmental growth.

Trays are the second-dominating product type segment. The rising utilization of MAP trays for packaging, preserving, and extending the shelf life of meat, seafood, and ready-to-eat meals drives the segment’s growth.

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By End-Use Analysis

Rise in Consumption of Meat & Ready-to-Eat Meals Enhances Segmental Growth

Based on end use, the market is segmented into food, healthcare, and others.

Food is the dominant end use segment, accounting for the largest market share. The utilization of MAP for the packaging of food products ensures freshness and quality while maintaining their texture, taste, and appearance. Food products, such as bakery snacks, cheese, pasta, coffee, sandwiches, fresh and processed meat, seafood, and fresh produce, majorly utilize MAP. However, the growing consumption of meat, seafood, and ready-to-eat meals among the working population worldwide is boosting the utilization of MAP. The rise in utilization of MAP trays and films for meat products and the high demand for MAP liners to pack fresh produce drive the segment’s growth.

Healthcare is the second-dominating end use segment. The growing utilization of MAP to preserve the original quality of pharmaceutical and medical device products drives segmental growth.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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

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Europe is the dominating region of the global modified atmosphere packaging market share. The rising technological advancements, such as MAP and vacuum skin packaging in the region and the presence of key players, are the prime factors contributing to the largest regional share. The increasing investments in research and development activities and high demand for packaged food products boosts the European market growth. In addition, the high production and export of meat products, such as pork and beef, in this region also aids regional growth.

North America is the second-dominating region and is analyzed to experience significant growth over the forecast period. The rapid rise in demand for packaged, frozen, and on-the-go food products in the U.S. also fosters market growth in North America.

Asia Pacific is the third-leading region. The increasing utilization of MAP liners and films for the packaging of fresh produce and dairy products and the protection of pharmaceutical products are cushioning regional growth.

The Latin American market will experience steady growth in the forecasted years. The rapidly growing food and online food delivery sector in countries such as Brazil and Mexico propels market growth in Latin America. Increasing demand for minimal processing and transparency will accelerate market growth.

The Middle East & Africa regions will witness steady growth owing to an increase in demand for meat, dairy, and seafood products.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Market Participants to Witness Substantial Growth Opportunities with New Product Introductions

The modified atmosphere packaging market is highly competitive and fragmented. The key players in the market are dominating by providing innovative packaging solutions in the packaging industry. These players are constantly focusing on expanding their customer base by adding innovation to their existing product range globally.

The key players in the market include Klöckner Pentaplast, Amcor, Mondi, ProAmpac, Graphic Packaging International, Winpak Ltd, and others. Numerous other companies are concentrating on the market scenarios and providing advanced packaging solutions.

List of Top Modified Atmosphere Packaging Companies:

• Klöckner Pentaplast (Luxembourg)


• Amcor (Switzerland)


• Mondi (U.K.)


• ProAmpac (U.S.)


• Graphic Packaging International (U.S.)


• Winpak Ltd (Canada)


• StePac (Israel)


• Berry Global (U.S.)


• Coveris (Austria)


• Sealed Air (U.S.)


• Total Packaging Solutions LLC (U.S.)


• Sealpac (Germany)


• Masterpack Group (Netherlands)


• Aypek (Turkey)


• Colpac Limited (U.K.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• June 2023 – A renowned manufacturer in flexible packaging and material science, ProAmpac, announced the launch of its innovative and new fiber-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) RAP Sandwich Wedge. The product is launched in the North American market, especially for sandwiches and wraps.


• January 2023 –  Solidus Solutions invested USD 11.5 million into FUTURLINE, an innovative range of retail-ready packaging solutions such as MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging), skin packaging, and punnets that are being rolled out across France, Spain, the U.K., Germany, Benelux, and Poland. The packaging offers more sustainability while maintaining the need for convenience.


• April 2022 – A global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions, Mondi, introduced a paper-based solution for sliced food and a semi-rigid mono-material MAP solution at an event focused on sustainability in food packaging, Anuga Foodtec. The product is recyclable and provides excellent product protection to sliced food like cheese and meat.


• October 2021 – Graphic Packaging International declared the launch of a recyclable fiber tray for high-barrier applications with the aim of reducing plastic usage. The trays are designed with sustainably sourced carton board and are lined and sealed with higher barrier mono films to offer product protection and prolonged shelf-life.


• September 2021 – A leading packaging manufacturer, Coveris, declared the launch of an innovative modified atmosphere packaging, RecyclaPEel MAP sandwich skillet, at the FachPack event. The launch is a stirring development in the industry for extended shelf life products as it focuses on food waste reduction and recyclability in the European food-on-the-move and convenience sectors.

REPORT COVERAGE

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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 market intelligence and growth in recent years.

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