Punnet Packaging Market Size, Share, and Analysis By Material (Paper and Plastic), By Capacity (Up to 150 gm, 151-300 gm, 301-500 gm, and Above 500 gm), By Application (Fruits and Vegetables, Frozen Food, Meat, Poultry, and Seafood, and Ready-to-Eat Food), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Punnets are compact baskets that package fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other items. It is widely used for packaging soft fruits such as grapes, cherries, berries, mushrooms, and others. Punnets packaging increases the soft fruits and vegetables’ shelf life by preventing them from squashing, spoiling, or bruising. The features offered by punnet packaging, such as convenient handling and portability, boost the growth of the global punnet packaging market. Punnet packaging is categorized into various types based on the material used, such as paper and plastics. The punnet packaging is considered a cost-effective packaging solution owing to its minimum inventory and warehousing costs, convenient packaging process & low disposal cost.

Moreover, the attractive packaging and a clear peek at what lies inside the package contribute to the market growth. Manufacturers have significantly increased their focus on developing recyclable plastic punnets as they can be a safe option for food storage. Also, the continuous development by the key players in the product portfolio to meet regulatory norms for product safety drives the global punnet packaging market growth.

• For instance, In February 2022, AVI launched ready-to-adopt rPET (recycled PET) punnets that contain 30% post-consumer recycled content (typically recycled bottles). The rPET punnets are verified by global certification and testing company InterTek and are designed to help customers align with the upcoming strict tax system. These offerings are 100% recyclable, with zero toxic additives.


• In October 2021, Waddington® Europe, a division of Novolex®, and a leading European thermoforming packaging specialist declared the launch of a new 100% mono-material protective soft-fruit punnet with the use of MONOAIR™ cushion technology. The MONOAIR™ cushion is highly integrated into the base of Waddington’s 100% recycled PET (rPET) punnets, eliminating the need for a separate bubble pad.

The rapid shift in the global trends from traditional packaging to punnet packaging due to its convenience and recyclable properties drives the global punnet packaging market growth. Increased demand for punnet packaging for horticulture production is further anticipated to bolster the market. Additionally, as the recyclable polyethylene films and polypropylene thin gauge sheets are replacing the traditional polypropylene punnet packaging for mushroom storage, the market will witness profitable growth opportunities in the forecasted period. Moreover, increasing demand for paper and fiber punnets as an alternative to plastic punnet food product packaging is expected to enhance the market growth of punnet packaging. Rising demand for exotic packaged fruits & vegetables due to the consumer shift towards ready-to-eat foods and the expansion of hotels & restaurants will fuel the demand for punnet packaging. In addition, the rapid growth and expansion of the food and beverages industry are also expected to drive the global punnet packaging market over the forecast period.

Stringent regulations imposed by the government for product safety and plastic use will be a major factor hindering the growth and demand of the punnet packaging market. For instance, according to the new packaging regulations implemented by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) in 2018, it has been made mandatory for manufacturers to make use of high-quality polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) punnets for fruit and vegetable products, and thermoformed trays with a lid for confectionaries and sweets. Therefore, manufacturers are turning towards sustainable punnet packaging methods to avoid expensive licensing costs. Moreover, the non-biodegradability property of plastics harms the healthy environment, thus restricting the market growth of punnet packaging.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE PUNNET PACKAGING MARKET

COVID-19 led to the decreasing demand for punnet packaging in 2020 due to the imposed lockdown by the government and low demand from the food & beverages industry. Industrial, transportation, and bulk packaging faced a sharp decline owing to decreased demand for non-essential goods in the first two quarters of 2020. Consumers were likely to stay hesitant to consume luxury products, travel, and hospitality services, which harmed the punnet packaging industry's growth during the COVID-19 crisis. The COVID-19 crisis negatively affected the punnet packaging industry due to halted manufacturing and a massive reduction in demand for luxury and non-essential services worldwide. However, the availability of online retailing will offer growth opportunities for the punnet packaging market. In addition, as the food packaging industry is on the frontline due to the demand for essential products such as groceries and fresh food, the punnet packaging market will witness immense growth in the post-pandemic era.

KEY INSIGHTS

The report will cover the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in Punnet Packaging Market


• Key Industry Trends


• Regulatory Landscape for Punnet Packaging Market


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


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

ANALYSIS BY MATERIAL

Based on the material, the market is segmented into paper and plastic. The plastic segment is the dominating segment and holds the largest market share in the global punnet packaging market. According to the study, PET and polypropylene are the most common materials used to design plastic punnets. Plastic material for punnet packaging solutions offers a comprehensive choice of punnets for various sizes for light, medium, and heavy-duty use. Punnets are being increasingly used for packaging soft fruits and vegetables such as grapes, berries, cherries, mushrooms, etc., which also fosters the growth of this segment.

ANALYSIS BY CAPACITY

Based on capacity, the market is segmented into up to 150 gm, 151-300 gm, 301-500 gm, and above 500 gm. The punnets with 301–500 grams dominate the global punnet packaging market. The 301- 500 gm capacity punnet packaging is gaining immense popularity owing to its widespread use in fruits and vegetables, meat products, and poultry products, among others. Punnets with this capacity are extensively used for fresh-cut fruits, vegetables, and eggs, which fosters segment growth.

ANALYSIS BY APPLICATION

Based on the application, the market is segmented into fruits and vegetables, frozen food, meat, poultry and seafood, and ready-to-eat food. Fruits and vegetables are the major application where punnet packaging is extensively used. The segment is also expected to witness huge dominance as it travels from a horticulturist to a consumer. As packaging construction is lightweight, fruits and vegetables are maximally protected in all supply chain phases, further drivthe ing segment growth. Punnet packaging also ensures that the fruits and vegetables arrive undamaged at the consumer and products are not lost on the way.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

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The punnet packaging market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Asia-Pacific dominates the global punnet packaging market, and the region is expected to continue its dominance in the forecasted years. The region is forecasted to project the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for this period. The dominance can be attributed to the packaging industry's rising industrialization, globalization, and urbanization.

In North America, the surge in demand for fresh fruits and vegetables and continuous product developments drive the overall market growth for punnet packaging. Easy recycling, reduced waste produced, and less energy consumption while manufacturing biodegradable plastics provide growth opportunities for the European punnet packaging market. Further, the growing demand for poultry and meat products will likely drive the Latin American punnet packaging market in the upcoming years. The wide presence of organized retail chains that sell fresh produce will foster the market growth of punnet packaging in the Middle East and African regions.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

The report will include profiles of key players such as Coveris Holdings SA, Smurfit Kappa Group Plc., LC Packaging International BV, Groupe Guillin SA, Paccor Netherlands BV, Leeways Packaging Services Ltd., Tacca Industries Pty Ltd., Raptis Pax Pty Ltd., Infia S.r.l., Quinn Packaging Ltd., AVI Global Plast Private Limited, Royal Interpack Group, Alta Global Inc., Ilip S.r.l., and T&B Containers Ltd.

SEGMENTATION

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• In November 2021, Westpack group Ltd. launched the heat seal card punnets, a sustainable step to minimize the use of plastic punnets. The new range consists of a 500g microflute punnet and a 250g pressboard produce tray. The company further claims that the packaging is fully recyclable and provides bespoke branding opportunities.


• In February 2021, Smurfit Kappa Group declared the launch of an innovative punnet portfolio for the fresh produce market. The “Safe&Green” portfolio is the company’s paper-based, sustainable solution to plastic packaging for keeping fresh produce, and it consists of unique designs that are 100% renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable.


• In April 2021, American fiber-based packaging specialist Graphic Packaging International (GPI) designed a new paperboard punnet tray for fresh fruit and vegetables. TheProducePack Punnet offers an alternative to plastic punnet trays and is available in all punnet sizes. It is also fully recyclable and helps reduce plastic by up to 100 percent, if not top-sealed.


• In June 2021, BelOrta introduced a new 100% recycled, recyclable strawberry punnet. These Tray2Tray punnets are made of recycled raw materials. They are also designed to be 100% recyclable. Consumers can easily recognize these punnets with a special logo.
  
  
  
  • In October 2019, in collaboration with Waitrose & Partners, DS Smith, and Primafruit produced a unique cardboard punnet that is a closed-loop solution consisting of recycled fibers which are fully recyclable.