Skin Packaging Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Type (Carded and Non-carded), By Application (Food, Consumer Goods, Industrial, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Skin packaging is a specialized form of packaging that involves tightly wrapping a product with a thin, transparent plastic film, which is then vacuum-sealed onto a rigid backing card or tray. This process creates a skin-like layer over the product, conforming closely to the shape of the product. Skin packaging offers excellent product visibility due to its transparent film, allowing consumers to see the product and its features. The tightly sealed film provides a protective barrier against moisture, dust, and contaminants, preserving the product's freshness and quality.

• According to data published by the Flexible Packaging Association, the U.S. flexible packaging industry was estimated to reach USD 42.9 billion in sales for 2022, up from USD 37.2 billion in 2021, according to U.S. Census data. This represents a robust increase in sales of about 15.3%

Skin packaging typically involves minimal material usage, making it efficient for space during transportation and storage. By minimizing exposure to air and contaminants, skin packaging helps extend the shelf life of perishable items such as meat, seafood, and fresh produce. It allows for branding and promotional messages on the backing card/tray, enhancing marketing opportunities and brand visibility at the point of sale.                     

The cost considerations and limited product compatibility are the key factors restraining the growth of global skin packaging. Skin packaging often requires specialized equipment and materials compared to traditional packaging methods. The initial investment in machinery and tooling can be significant for manufacturers, especially for smaller businesses or those transitioning from other packaging formats. Not all products are suitable for skin packaging due to size, shape, or weight variations. Products with irregular shapes or fragile ones may not adhere well to the backing or require additional support, which adds complexity and cost to the packaging process.

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically shifted the dynamics of global trade, supply, demand chains, and logistics. The supply chain disruption significantly affected the global packaging market growth. However, companies embraced new strategies to survive new restrictions, ease the impact of the pandemic, and adapt to consumers' shifting preferences. Manufacturers planned to harness innovations and apply strategies that work to make fundamental and stable changes in the production and supply chain.

SEGMENTATION

KEY INSIGHTS

The report covers the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the Global Skin Packaging Market


• Key Industry Trends


• Regulatory Landscape for Global Skin Packaging Market


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


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Skin Packaging Market

ANALYSIS BY TYPE

Based on type, the market is segmented into carded and non-carded.

The carded segment dominates the market. Carded skin packaging offers excellent product visibility and presentation capabilities. The product is sealed tightly to a printed paperboard card, allowing consumers to see the entire product clearly without obstruction. Carded skin packaging provides a secure seal around the product, minimizing the risk of tampering and ensuring the product remains intact and hygienic until purchase. This feature is particularly important for high-value items, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and consumer goods.

ANALYSIS BY APPLICATION

Based on application, the market is segmented into food, consumer goods, industrial, and others.

The food segment dominates the market. Food products require packaging showcasing their appearance and protecting them from contamination, tampering, and damage during transportation and storage. The vacuum-sealing nature of skin packaging helps extend the shelf life of perishable food items by reducing exposure to air and moisture, which are primary factors contributing to spoilage.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

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

Asia Pacific is the dominating region of the global skin packaging market. The dominance is due to markets such as China, Japan, and South Korea. The rise in e-commerce platforms and online grocery shopping and food ordering accelerates the demand for durable and secure packaging for food delivery in the region.

North America is the second dominating region after Asia Pacific. As a mature market, North America often sets trends and standards for packaging innovation and sustainability. The high consumption of packaged foods, growth in the food delivery and takeaway sectors, and the robust catering industry contribute to the demand for skin packaging.

Europe is another key region in the skin packaging market, characterized by a mature packaging industry and stringent environmental regulations.

With increasing urbanization, changing lifestyles, and rising consumer awareness about food safety and hygiene, Latin America shows potential in the skin packaging market. Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are key markets due to their growing food and beverage industries.

The Middle East & Africa market is witnessing steady growth in the hospitality and food packaging industries, fueled by rising consumer awareness, urbanization, and increasing spending power.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

The report includes the profiles of key players such as Amcor Plc, Sealed Air Corporation, Clondalkin Group, Plastopil, Flexopack S.A., WINPAK LTD., Klöckner Pentaplast, G.MONDINI SPA, Coveris Group, and Stamar Packaging.

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• In July 2023, Coveris expanded its vacuum skin packaging portfolio with a multi-million-pound investment at Coveris’ specialist extrusion site in Winsford, Cheshire, the UK’s largest blown extrusion facility of polyethylene (PE) films.


• In June 2023, Klöckner Pentaplast, in collaboration with Dow, launched a specially formulated fully recyclable vacuum film, one of the most sustainable solutions available.


• In September 2022, Amcor announced that it had increased its strategic investment by up to USD 45 million in ePac Flexible Packaging. The investment would increase Amcor’s minority shareholding in ePac Holdings LLC. ePac has a fast-growing global footprint and is focused on digital printing technologies to service the short-run needs of small customers in the consumer goods industry.